Algebra 1 Course Syllabus

Course Overview

This course uses the structural unit progression developed by All Things Algebra to master the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students will study linear, quadratic, exponential, radical, and rational relationships to successfully pass the Texas STAAR Algebra 1 End-of-Course (EOC) exam. [1, 2]

Grading Policy

• 60% Major Grades (Unit Tests, Projects)
• 40% Daily Grades (Homework, Quizzes, Classwork Binder) [1, 2]

Six-Weeks Pacing Guide

1st Six Weeks: Foundations & Single-Variable Relationships

• Curriculum Scope: Unit 1 (Algebra Basics) & Unit 2 (Multi-Step Equations & Inequalities). [1, 2]
• Key Concepts:
  • Simplifying expressions using the real number system, order of operations, and distributing/combining like terms.
  • Solving multi-step equations, variables on both sides, literal equations, and word problems.
  • Solving and graphing multi-step inequalities including compound inequalities. [1, 2]
• Primary TEKS covered: A.5(A), A.5(B), A.10(A), A.12(E)

2nd Six Weeks: Introduction to Linear Functions

• Curriculum Scope: Unit 3 (Relations & Functions) & Unit 4 (Linear Equations). [1]
• Key Concepts:
  • Representing relations, identifying functions, and determining domain and range from multiple representations.
  • Calculating slope, graphing linear equations via slope-intercept, standard, and point-slope forms.
  • Mini-Unit: Direct and Inverse Variation. [1, 2, 3]
• Primary TEKS covered: A.2(A), A.3(A), A.3(B), A.3(C), A.12(A), A.12(B)

3rd Six Weeks: Writing Linear Regressions & Systems

• Curriculum Scope: Unit 4 Extension & Unit 5 (Systems).
• Key Concepts: Writing linear equations (parallel/perpendicular, scatter plots, regression) and solving systems (graphing, substitution, elimination).
• Primary TEKS covered: A.2(B-C, I), A.3(D, F-G), A.4(C), A.5(C) [1, 2, 3, 4]

4th Six Weeks: Exponents, Polynomials & Factoring

• Curriculum Scope: Unit 6 (Exponents) & Unit 7 (Polynomials).
• Key Concepts: Simplifying expressions with exponent rules, performing polynomial operations (FOIL/Box), and factoring techniques (GCF, trinomials, differences of squares).
• Primary TEKS covered: A.10(A-F), A.11(B) [1]

5th Six Weeks: Quadratic & Exponential Analysis

• Curriculum Scope: Unit 8 (Quadratics) & Unit 9 (Function Comparison).
• Key Concepts: Graphing/transforming quadratics; solving with factoring, roots, and quadratic formula; and comparing linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.
• Primary TEKS covered: A.6(A), A.7(*-*), *.8(A), A.9(A-D) [1, 2, 3]

6th Six Weeks: Advanced Expressions & STAAR EOC

• Curriculum Scope: Unit 10 (Radicals), Unit 11 (Rationals), Unit 12 (Stats).
• Key Concepts: Radical and rational expressions, and final STAAR EOC review.
• Primary TEKS covered: A.11(A), A.12(C-D) [1, 2]

Required Classroom Supplies

• Course Workbook: All Things Algebra Student Packets.
• Binder: 2-inch heavy-duty 3-ring binder.
• Supplies: Graph paper, highlighters, and pencils.
• Calculator: TI-Nspire Graphing Calculator. [1] will be supplied.