Course Syllabus - 2023/2024

Math 9
International School of Islamabad

Instructor: Warren Michel

E-mail: [email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Math 9 is the beginning a two year pre-diploma program in mathematics. It extends the ideas presented in the
middle grades and begins the process of thinking of mathematics as a unified whole. As such, students
entering the course should have a good understanding of basic algebraic properties and be proficient in
numeracy. The focus of the course will be on factoring, radicals and exponents, coordinate geometry,
functions, linear equations and systems, statistics, congruence and similarity. The intent of the course is to
prepare students for success in IB standard level or higher level mathematics.

COURSE OVERVIEW
Semester 1: Semester 2:
Algebraic Expansion and Factorization Relations, Functions and Sequences
Radicals and Surds Linear Equations, Inequalities and Absolute Value
Pythagoras’ Theorem Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Coordinate Geometry Univariate Data Analysis
Congruence and Similarity

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
We will have three forms of assessment; interim (non-graded), formative, and summative. There will also be a
final exam at the end of each semester in accordance with ISOI policy. The purpose of these assessments is to
help both you and me to track your progress in successfully completing the course. In particular, assessments
will be designed to indicate mastery of the following skills:

● Factoring polynomials and understanding the relationship between exponents and radicals
● Coordinate geometry and the equation of a line
● The concept of a function and the behavior of exponential and quadratic functions
● Solving linear equations and inequalities; and systems of equations and inequalities
● Descriptive statistics (one-variable)
● Congruency and similarity in triangles and polygons

CRITERIA for ASSESSMENTS

Student work is evaluated according to predefined markschemes which are created by the teacher. These
markschemes specify what I will be looking for in your work and the point values of specific procedures/results.
The focus of these markschemes will be both correct methodology and correct working. In general, correct
methodology will receive more emphasis that correct answers.
Course Syllabus (cont.)

GRADING/FEEDBACK
Quizzes will be given throughout the course to evaluate your initial comprehension of the material. You can
expect at least one quiz every week (likely more). Tests will be given approximately every three weeks. Only
students who are legitimately absent will be allowed to reschedule the quiz/test.

You will also receive regular feedback on your learning progress through various interim assessments. These
markers of learning progress will not be considered in the calculation of grades.

Any missed quiz or test will be made up in accordance with the policy outlined in the Student Handbook. There
will be no exceptions to this policy. It is the responsibility of the student to re-schedule the missed quiz or test
within the required timeframe. Be well prepared for the quiz/test as retakes will only be given at my
discretion. If you get a D or an F on a quiz you should be sure to see me after school for additional help.

All grades are reported using the ISOI Grading Scale in the Student Handbook (p.43).

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
Homework is the opportunity to practice the concepts and ideas presented in class. These concepts and ideas
cannot simply be memorized; students must actively participate in constructing their own understanding of how
mathematical principles work within a given context or problem statement.

Because the act of “doing homework” represents practice, as opposed to completion, of a learning process it
will not be directly incorporated in a student’s grade calculation. However, because of its importance to the
learning process, the following policies will be adhered to:

1) Homework will be assigned at the end of each class.

2) Students are expected to make a good faith effort to complete all homework problems before the start of
the next class (good faith effort means the student has reviewed class notes, looked through example
problems from the text, and when possible consulted with the teacher outside of class).

3) Students will maintain a homework binder or folder. The binder or folder will be separate from the folder
for class notes. Each assignment in the binder or folder will include a title indicating:

● The Chapter and Section number from which the homework was taken
● The date the homework was assigned

Students will be required to bring their homework binder or folder to each class. The teacher will
periodically review the student’s homework binder or folder to ensure that homework is being attempted.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Please refer to the Student Handbook (page 25) regarding school policies on academic honesty. These policies
will be strictly enforced.

Virtual School
From time to time, it may be necessary to hold class virtually. Should that become necessary class will be
conducted via a Zoom call. Students will receive advance notification of the Zoom call through an email, and
details of the call (invitation, etc.) will be posted on ManageBac. All students will be expected to attend these
calls. Students should familiarize themselves with the Virtual School policies outlined on page 32 and 33 of the
Student Handbook 2023-2024. All students will be required to adhere to these policies.

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Course Syllabus (cont.)

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS IN THE COURSE

Please refer to the handout "For Sucess in Studying Math" (attached).

CLASS EXPECTATIONS AND MATERIAL NEEDED

Be on time. I will expect you to be in your seat and ready to begin class at the appointed time. This generally
means that you will need to be in the room before class begins to allow you to get settled and ready to learn.

Be prepared. You will need to bring a graphing calculator, textbook (and other applicable handouts), notebook,
completed homework, and writing instruments with you to every class. I will also expect that you will have any
assignments either fully completed (no questions) or you will be prepared to ask about specific concepts or
procedures. The statement “I don’t understand” is not a question. I will expect you to be able to articulate what
it is that you don’t understand (i.e., how to factor an expression, how to setup an equation, etc.). It’s Ok to not
know how to do all the problems, but it is not Ok to give up at the first sign of difficulty. You will need to do some
thinking about what it is you don’t get before you come to class.

Be respectful. Treat other students and me with the same respect you expect for yourself. This means not
talking when someone else has the floor, concentrating on this class (not your next one), paying attention to the
lesson by sitting upright and alert, and staying on task when you are given time for class work.

Pick up after yourself. Leave the room as you found it by moving desks back into position, putting your chair
back under the desk, placing trash in the receptacle, etc. Please note that cell phones are not allowed in the
class.

Use the toilet before coming to class. You should have enough time to attend to your personal needs during
breaks and passing periods. If you are experiencing extreme distress, please leave class and attend to your
needs, but I will expect you to discuss the issue with me in private later.

Please Note: Students are required to purchase their own TI 84+ graphing calculator. There will be no
exceptions to this requirement. In addition, students will need separate folders for class notes and
homework. It is suggested that spiral bound notebooks be used for this purpose.

EXTRA HELP
I am available after school for extra help. As I also have other responsibilities and commitments at the school it
is always a good idea to make arrangements in advance, but do not hesitate to stop by and see me at any time.

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