Welcome

 

2025-2026

 

Algebra 1 Syllabus

 

Mrs. Tifini Bradford

Oakland High School Rm. 1416

[email protected]

Course Description

Welcome to Algebra 1! This course is all about building confidence in math while exploring patterns, problem-solving, and real-world connections. Together, we’ll dive into topics like equations, inequalities, functions, and quadratic relationships. You’ll learn how to think critically, ask questions, and explain your reasoning—skills that go far beyond the math classroom. Whether you already love math or are still warming up to it, this class is designed to support you, challenge you, and help you grow. We’re in this together, and I’m excited to learn with you!

I have high expectations for all students—not for perfection, but for consistent effort and personal growth. If we commit to mutual respect and follow the expectations laid out in this syllabus, I truly believe we can make this one of the most enjoyable and rewarding math classes you've had.

Email Communication

I will do my best to respond to emails within 24 hours on school days. Please note that I may not be able to respond to messages sent in the evenings or over the weekend until the next school day. For urgent concerns, feel free to call the front office. Thank you for understanding and respecting these boundaries.

Grading Policy

At the end of each week, I like to send a weekly progress report email through Skyward along with any important updates for the upcoming weeks of class. Parents, be sure your email is up to date in Skyward so you receive these weekly emails!  This also gives students a good idea of any missing work they can work on over the weekend.

Your grade will be made up of the following categories:

Daily Work – 40% of your grade

Assessments – 60% of your grade

Daily Work Breakdown (40% of Grade):

• Practice Assignments:

• One for each topic lesson. 
• These are practice problems that are intended to reinforce the concepts explored in our in-class notes. These may be in class or at home independent practice assignments.

• Notes:

• These are notes taken during class, guided by the teacher. You will take these notes in a spiral notebook or composition book for each lesson. I will perform random notebook checks to ensure you have all notes from class for the week. It is your responsibility to keep up with your notebook.

• Other Daily Work:

• Weekly spiral review- Given the first day of the week, due the last day of the week (ex. Handout on Monday, due on Friday)
• Daily bellwork- 2-4 warm-up questions that you will complete at the beginning of class either in your notebook or in Schoology.
• Group/Partner activities- any group or partner activities we may do in class will count towards Daily Work unless I tell you otherwise.

Assessments (60% of Grade):

Assessments include tests, quizzes, and major evaluations that measure your understanding of the material.

• Exit Tickets:
•  A check-for-understanding given at the end of class
• Mid-Topic Checkpoint:
• One for each topic.
• Topic Test:
• One for each topic.

Retake Policy: 

•   No retakes on Benchmark Tests or Quizzes.
• If student’s test score is higher than quiz score, I will replace their quiz grade with the test grade
• Retakes: Before a retake can be taken, students must see Mrs. Bradford for test corrections and a remediation assignment to be eligible for a retake during PAT.
• If your retake grade is higher, it will replace your test grade. 

→ Late Submissions: All classwork assignments are considered missing until turned in. You can submit classwork up to five class periods past the original due date per Oakland High School Policy. There will be a 5 point deduction for each day the assignment is past due. After 5 class periods, the assignment will not be taken, resulting in a 0% for the assignment.

→ Absence Policy: If you are absent, you have the same number of days you were gone to complete and turn in any missing assignments or assessments. This work must be finished during individual work time or outside of class. If you go past your allowed make-up days, 5 points will be deducted per day for each late assignment up to five days. If the assignment has not been turned in after the initial absent makeup timeframe (the number of days you were absent) and the late work time frame (up to five class periods), the assignment will no longer be accepted, resulting in a 0%

→ Submitting Digital Assignments Late: If you submit a digital assignment after the initial assigned day, you must email me or write a note on paper and place it in the turn-in bin to inform me that you submitted the assignment online.

Classroom Expectations

Assigned Seating:

You must remain in your assigned seat when I am addressing the class. You may only leave your seat during independent work or after raising your hand and receiving permission.

Tardy Policy:

Any student not in their assigned seat when the bell rings for class will be considered tardy and the appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken (See Discipline Policy)

Hallway Policies:

• I will provide you with a hallpass signout sheet that has 16 passes for you to use throughout this semester. USE THEM WISELY. You must sign out using the provided signout sheet before leaving the room. You must also take the hall pass on a lanyard with you, per Oakland High School policy.
• You may not use the restroom during the first or last 15 minutes of class, or while I am instructing the class, unless it’s a true emergency. Abusing this policy will result in a call home to your guardian. 
• If you are found outside of the specified “hallpass zone” you will receive a referral. 

Technology Policy:

Calculators: Students will be using TI-84 calculators in class and will continue using this calculator throughout high school and college mathematics.

• Use the number calculator assigned to you at the beginning of the semester. Same number for the rest of the year.

• If there is an issue with your calculator (not working, missing, etc.), it is YOUR responsibility to inform me of the problem immediately.
• All devices must be returned to the charging station correctly and plugged into charge.

Laptops: Students will be provided a personal laptop that is expected to be with them at school every day.

• Laptops must be charged and ready to use every class period. This is your responsibility
• I will note on each day’s agenda if you need your laptop or not. If laptops are not needed, students will be asked to plug laptops into the classroom charging station so they can charge for other classes.

Cellphones: All cell phones and electronic devices must always be turned off or silenced in your bag.

1st offense: Warning & parent contact

            2nd offense: Dean referral & parent contact

            3rd offense: 1 period ISS

            4th offense: 1 day ISS

            5th offense: 2 days ISS

            6th offense: 1 day OSS

Classroom Cleanliness:

I work hard to build a culture of "one class" where we all take responsibility for our shared space. Everyone is expected to clean up after themselves and help keep the classroom tidy. This includes pushing in chairs, picking up materials, throwing away trash, and ensuring the space is ready for the next class.

Boundaries, Respect, and Support in Our Classroom

This classroom is built on mutual respect and trust. I believe students thrive when expectations are clear, boundaries are honored, and everyone feels safe—emotionally, physically, and socially.

My Commitments to You:

• I will respect your time, energy, and individuality.

• I will support your learning needs. If you’re overwhelmed or struggling, please let me know—quietly, with a note, email, or signal—so I can help.

• I will maintain a structured, calm environment so you can focus and grow.
  
  

What I Ask in Return:

• Respect my boundaries, including my personal space, desk area, and the classroom's physical structure. This helps everyone feel secure and maintains a healthy teacher-student dynamic.

• Respect my time. Save off-topic questions or personal conversations for independent work time or after class.

• Honor routines and directions without argument. If something feels unfair, talk to me respectfully after class or via email.

• Use calm, kind language when speaking to others—including me.

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. We all have different comfort levels with touch and space—so ask first, and default to distance.

Note: As part of our school policy, deliberate disrespect—including invading others' space, using unkind words, or ignoring established routines—will result in a referral. Respect is non-negotiable in this room.

Discipline Policy

Our classroom follows the school-wide discipline plan to maintain a respectful and productive environment. Please see the student handbook for full Discipline Policy.