Algebra I

Course Description:
Algebra 1 Honors is an individually paced, honors-level high school mathematics course that covers
the first-year of high school algebra. A graphing calculator is required.

The High School Mathematics Program of the Center for Talent Development Summer Program
provides a curriculum and instructional methodology that allows students to master as much
mathematics as possible in three weeks. Individual and group diagnostic testing, prescriptive
instruction, and enrichment activities, such as daily challenge problems, accompany independent
work. Individualized instruction concentrates on the areas students have not yet mastered. Courses
are three weeks long, with five hours of in-class work for five days a week (75 hours total class time).
Daily outside homework is required.

Proficiency and thorough understanding of material are primary objectives of this course. Students
work through honors level material and are expected to score at least 70% on chapter tests before
they move on to the next chapter. Students diagnosed as having incomplete proficiency in specific
areas continue working on those areas with individualized instruction until they demonstrate
proficiency.

Algebra I Honors meets the latest National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards.
Students will have the opportunity to complete a full year’s high school honors level course in
Algebra I. Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for a full year Geometry or
Algebra II course. Students and parents are encouraged to check whether their own schools accept
the completion of CTD coursework as credit for acceleration

Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Have a proficient and thorough understanding of material that are or major concern in this
course.
• Work through honors level material and are expected to score at least 70% on chapter tests
before they move on to a new chapter. Students diagnosed as having incomplete proficiency
in specific areas continue working on those areas with individualized instruction until they
demonstrate proficiency.
• Participate in a curriculum that meets the latest National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics (NCTM) standards.
• Have the opportunity to complete a full year’s high school honors level course in Algebra I.
Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for a full year Geometry or
Algebra II course. Students and parents are encouraged to check whether their own schools
accept the completion of CTD coursework as credit for acceleration.

Resources and Materials:
Algebra I, An Integrated Approach, Larson, Boswell, Kanold, and Stiff, (McDougal-Littell), 2007

As stated in the course description, students will also need a graphing calculator. It is suggested that
the students acquire a Texas Instrument, Model TI – 83+, TI – 83 + Silver Addition, TI – 89, or TI
– 89 Titanium.

Additional Materials include paper, pencils, notebooks, and a 3-inch binder.

Student Evaluation and Grading Policies for Credit Courses Only
a. CTD Grading Scale (A+ is at instructor’s discretion; an instructor can use 97-100 A)

Final grade for each semester will be de termined by an average of all tests completed by the student
that fulfill that semester’s requirements.

Instructor Biography:
Joe Bolz received a Bachelor of Sciences from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He
graduated with Distinction in Mathematics, being on the Dean’s List four semesters and a minor in
Secondary Education. Additionally, Joe has earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from
Aurora University. He has taught the last six years as a high school math teacher at Waubonsie
Valley High School in Aurora where he has taught Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II- Trigonometry ,
Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. He has received recognition at Waubonsie Valley High School for work
done both in and out of the class. Additionally, Joe has attended conferences at the local and state
level to further enhance his abilities to teach math. This fall, Joe will be presenting at the Illinois
Council for the Teachers of Mathematics on implementing Algebra I class over 90 minutes. This is
his second summer teaching Algebra I Honors at the Center for Talent Development.

Schedule:
Algebra I Honors is a self-paced advanced mathematics course that allows each student to progress
according to his or her own strengths. Consequently, the topics covered each day--as well as the
allotted time periods--will vary from one student to another. The role of the teacher and the TA will
be to ensure that each student is making efforts to move ahead in the curriculum, complete the units
accompanying as signments , and grow in their math and team skills.