Welcome
2025-2026
Algebra 1 Syllabus
Mrs. Tifini Bradford
Oakland High School Rm. 1416
Course Description
Welcome to Algebra 1. This course focuses on building a strong foundation in mathematical thinking through problem-solving, pattern analysis, and real-world applications. Throughout the year, students will study equations, inequalities, functions, and quadratic relationships while developing the ability to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and clearly explain their reasoning. These skills are essential not only for success in mathematics, but across all academic areas.
High expectations are in place for every student—not for perfection, but for consistent effort, responsibility, and growth. Students are expected to engage actively in class, follow all classroom and school-wide expectations, and treat themselves, their peers, and the teacher with respect. When these expectations are met and the guidelines in this syllabus are followed, this course can be both challenging and rewarding. I am committed to supporting each student’s learning, and student success depends on a shared commitment to effort and accountability.
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.
Classroom Policies:
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.
Grading Policy
At the end of each week, I try 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:
40% Formative (Daily Work):
- 20% Independent Practice
10% Weekly Assignment
10% Weekly Spiral Review
- 10% Guided Practice
5% Notes
5% Classwork (If not finished in class, becomes Homework)
- 10% Topic Study Guide
60% Summative:
- 5% Exit Tickets (short end of class quiz)
- 10% Mid-Topic Quiz
- 30% Topic Test
- 15% End of Course (EOC) Test
If your test grade is better than your quiz grade, your quiz grade will be replaced with the test grade.
Retake Policy:
- No retakes on Benchmark Tests, Midterm/Final Test, or Exit Tickets.
- If a student’s test score is higher than their quiz score, I will replace their quiz grade with the test grade.
- If your retake grade is higher, it will replace your test grade.
- To Get a Test Retake:
- Complete Test Corrections
- Complete Remediation Assignment
- Schedule a day to come to PAT and get a PAT pass with Mrs. Bradford
Late Work Policy:
- All assignments are considered missing until turned in and will be marked as missing in Skyward.
- Assignments are expected to be submitted by the posted due date. Work submitted after the due date will be accepted up until quarter grades are finalized; however, late work will be scored at a maximum of 75% of the original grade.
- Students are strongly encouraged to complete and submit assignments on time to receive full credit and stay on pace with the course.
→ Submitting Digital Assignments Late: If you submit a digital assignment after the initial assigned day, you must email me that you need the assignment regraded. This is your responsibility, and while I do check assignments weekly, I can not ensure that I will see the updated grade unless you email me.
Absent Work 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.
When a student is absent, all notes and classwork/homework will be placed in the folders by the classroom door, organized by This Week and Last Week.It is the student’s responsibility to locate and collect all missed work from the appropriate folder and complete it within the allowed time frame.
Failure to retrieve missed work does not excuse late or missing assignments.
Seating Policy:
You must remain in your assigned seat when in this class. You may only leave your seat after raising your hand and with permission. Seats will be assigned weekly. I will adjust seats if it is necessary for the flow of the class.
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 Policy:
- Get permission from me before going ANYWHERE.
- Take the hall pass. You only have 1 bathroom pass per week.
- Write your name on the board
- As a school rule, you may not go during the first 15 minutes of the class period.
- You may not go while I am teaching. Only during independent work time.
- Only one person is allowed out of the room at a time. You must wait until the previous person has returned before asking to go anywhere.
Technology Policy:
Calculators: Students will be using TI-84 calculators in class and will continue using this calculator throughout high school and college mathematics.
- 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 at the end of the period.
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. If you do not have your laptop ready to use, you will get a warning noted for the day. Two or more occurrences in a week will result in parent contact. Additional occurrences will result in a referral.
- I will note on each day’s agenda if you need your laptop or not. If laptops are not needed, students will be expected 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.
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.
To keep the classroom free of unnecessary trash, students will not be allowed to have food in the classroom.
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.
