Advanced Algebra II

Olathe South High School

Mrs. Wolak
Room 1104
swolakos@olatheschools.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This rigorous and face-paced course is designed to further your study in Algebra. It will
prepare you for Pre-calculus or College Algebra. Topics that will be discussed in this class
include real numbers, polynomials, rational expressions, trigonometry, and functions. Along
with the traditional class work and homework, calculators and computers will aid the student
in the successful completion of this course. The Algebra II textbook will be our main resource
for the information that will be presented and learned in this course.
MATERIALS
These materials are required in class daily:
3-ring binder (sections for notes, homework, and quizzes)
Notebook Paper
Pencil
Grading Pen/Highlighter
Graphing Calculator (TI-84 preferred)
CALCULATORS
Students will need to bring a calculator with them each day to class. I do not have
calculators to lend out. Students may not share calculators when taking a test or quiz.
Graphing calculators may be rented from the school for $20. (See Mrs. Otroszko Rm. 1009)
Students will be allowed to use a calculator on most daily work, tests, and quizzes unless
directed otherwise. However, the calculator is to be used for computation. It does not take
the place of showing work. Students will be required to write out all steps and show how an
answer was acquired. No/minimal credit will be earned for a correct answer without
accompanying work shown.
GRADING POLICY
Semester grades will be determined by the three categories listed below and their
corresponding weights. Grades DO NOT start over at the beginning of each quarter. The
grading scale will be as follows:
90% - 100% A
80% - 89% B
70% - 79% C
60% - 69% D
0 % - 59% F
FINAL EXAM (10%)
At the end of each semester, a cumulative exam will be given. Study guide will be provided
in advance.

ASSIGNMENTS (10%)
Homework will be given almost daily. Since homework is the first attempt a student makes on
a particular topic, the answers will not affect the overall grade of the assignment. However,
the effort and work the student has made on the problems and attempts to show correct
steps will receive credit. I will determine whether an attempt has been made.
Most homework will be graded on a completion scale of 0 to 5 points.
To earn all 5 points, ALL work must be shown and all assigned problems completed.
75% 95% Complete 4 points
60% 75% Complete 3 points
Less than 60% Complete, assignment will be returned to be completed and turned in late
2.5 points
If a student is absent from class for any reason, it is his/her responsibility to get the
assignment, notes, and classwork that were missed.
Late homework will be accepted for full credit only if the student has an excused absence.
All other homework turned in after the due date will receive 2.5 points. All late work must be
handed in before the chapter test. Any assignments received after the chapter test will
receive 0 POINTS.
QUIZZES (25%)
Quizzes will be given 1-2 times per week, covering the most recent material learned in class
and requiring students to demonstrate knowledge of the content. Students who have an
excused absence the day of the quiz will have two days to make up the quiz before/after
school or during seminar. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped at the end of each quarter.
TESTS (55%)
Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit of study and will require students to
demonstrate their knowledge of the content. Test reviews and/or study guides will be
provided to students at least one day before the test. Students who have an excused
absence the day of the test will have one week to make up the test before/after school or
seminar. Students absent from class on a review day will still take the test with the rest of the
class.
TEST RETAKE POLICY
Students may retake any chapter test provided that all homework from that chapter was
turned in prior to the original test and an additional review assignment is completed. The
retake must be taken within one week of the returned test and the new score will replace
the original grade (even if it is lower).
CELL PHONES AND MP3 PLAYERS
These should not be outside of your backpack during instructional time! If there is a special
circumstance that allows for the use of these items, I will communicate that to the class. If it
is a reoccurring problem, the item will be taken up to the office for a guardian to come get
at his/her convenience. If you feel that you have an emergency situation and must have
your phone out, please speak to me about it before class.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1. BE RESPECTFUL
Positive language (no cussing or put-downs).
Ask permission to borrow materials or leave the room.
Talk when appropriate. Dont interrupt.
Take good care of your textbook, desk and school materials
Disrespectful language and/or conduct may result in disciplinary action.
2. Follow classroom procedures
3. Follow school policies and the student code of conduct.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA HELP
I am available during seminar, after school (3:00 3:30) every day, and before school (7:30 7:55) every day except Thursday.
WEBSITES
Teacher: http://mrswolak.weebly.com/
Textbook: https://connected.mcgraw-hill.com
Username: school login
Password: ABC123