Mr. Jon Harley's Math Class Information                Last updated:  August 30, 2010


Advanced Math  (Sets 3, 6, 7)
We will be starting Chapter 1 right away on Monday August 30.  This chapter is on Coordinate Geometry.  Students will have to get back up to speed on slope, midpoint and distance formulas during the first week.  They will have to apply these formulas to a variety of situations by the second week.  There will be a major project during this unit.   We will be using coordinate geometry as an essential tool throughout this course.

    Click here to see the Unit plan for Chapter 1    
    Click here to see a description of the course.
    Click here to see a description of course grading policy.



Algebra 2 (Set 1, 5)
We will be starting Chapter 1 right away Monday August 30.  Students in Algebra 2 are expected to have a foundation in basic algebra skills.  We will be reviewing the topics in Chapter 1:  Positive and negative numbers.  Comparisons of real numbers and integers on a number line.  Reading, writing, translating and simplifying algebraic expressions.  The concept and application of absolute value.  Reviewing does not mean I will be re-teaching all of it.  In order to do justice to all students in this class, we, as a class must work at a reasonable pace.  That means hard work.

    Click here to see the Chapter 1 unit plan and assignments.
    Click here to get a copy of Pre-Reading and Note-taking guide
    Click here to see a description of the course.
    Click here to see a description of the course grading policy.

Computer Programming in JAVA (Set 8)
    A significant number of Algebra 2 students have expressed an interest in taking Advanced Math next year.  It is very important for these students  and for every other student to get an introduction to exponential equations and logarithms.  This study of logarithms will add a new level to the student's problem solving abilities.  I am hoping to get the foundation for logarithms laid down and do some additional work with Trig before the end of the school year.

    Click here to see a description of the course.
    Click here to see a description of the course grading policy.


Academic Concerns

When problems occur: When students get behind on work due to absences, I will try to work with them at a reasonable pace to get them caught up. I do not have a concrete policy because every student’s situation is different. I would like the student to stay current with that day’s work and gradually catch up with work missed. I try to inform students of their grade and of missing assignments on a weekly basis. Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s grade on-line also.

    I try to notify students quickly when they fail to do assigned work or get behind for some reason. If that is not successful, a homework note is sent home or I send an email to parents or I telephone them personally. In extreme cases, I will set up a parent-student-teacher conference.

    My home phone number is 651-450-4457. I do not mind students or parents contacting me at home. I have had students telephone me in the evening with a question on a homework assignment. You may email me at school. Use the address on this web page. You may leave voice mails or emails at school during the day any time you have concerns. Again, use the phone number and extension listed on this web page. I will try very hard to get back to you as soon as possible. I am usually at school until 4:30 each day. Students can come and see me for help during my free periods and after school. I do have other duties and responsibilities and will leave my class room to attend to these duties unless a student has set up a time to work with me.

Retaking of Tests - Extra Credit

Retaking of tests: I do have a limited RETAKE policy for failed tests. Students can do corrections and retake the test but the score on the retake cannot exceed 70% (D-). I do give a few points(in the extra credit column) for doing the corrections also. I do not let students retake tests that they passed the first time just to improve their grade. Retakes must be done in a timely manner following the original test.

Extra Credit:  I do provide a few extra credit opportunities during the course of the semester. These extra credit opportunities involve doing problems that are above and beyond the normal expectations of the course. There are ‘C’ level problems in our text that can be done for extra credit. Other times I will point out specific problems that challenge students and can also be done for extra credit. I do give points for doing ‘Extra Review’ prior to a unit test. Extra credit cannot exceed 3% of the student’s grade and cannot be used to move a student’s grade from an A to an A+.