Dr. Ijezie's STEM Studio · Mathematical Architects

Algebra I — Course Syllabus

2026–2027 · Beta Academy · Dr. Goodluck Ijezie-Desbois, PharmD

Instructor

Instructor
Dr. Goodluck Ijezie-Desbois, PharmD

School / Room
Beta Academy · Room: TBA

Email
gijezie-desbois@betaacademy.org

Messaging / Hours
ParentSquare · office hours by appointment

Required Materials

Graphing calculator (TI-84 or equivalent) or school Chromebook + Desmos
Interactive notebook (composition or spiral)
Pencils and an eraser
Graph paper

Technology

Bluebonnet Learning · IXL · Khan Academy · Google Classroom · Desmos.

Course Overview

Algebra I builds the foundation for all higher mathematics. Scholars become Mathematical Architects, learning to recognize patterns, model real-world change, and build the equations behind it — moving among tables, graphs, equations, and words. The course follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) using the TEA Bluebonnet Learning — Secondary Mathematics framework; process standards A.1A–A.1G are embedded in every lesson. The course is front-loaded so quadratics finish before the STAAR End-of-Course exam in early May; the closing weeks are review and applied projects.

The Studio (Learning Environment)

The Drafting Table — direct instruction and modeling. Build Teams — collaborative problem-solving. The Proving Ground — independent practice and assessment.

Grading Policy

Assessments 60% (tests, quizzes, checkpoints) · Classwork 40% (notebook, practice, build-team work).

A · 90–100
B · 80–89

C · 70–79
F · ≤69

The Scholar's Code

Build with precision — show work, correct notation.
Struggle productively — effort before answers.
Respect the studio — honor every scholar's learning.

Course Itinerary (5 Modules · ~144 Beta Days)

GP	Window	Module & Focus	Days
1	Aug 19 – Oct 8	M1 Searching for Patterns; begin M2 (linear functions)	~31
2	Oct 12 – Dec 17	Finish M2; M3 Linear Equations, Inequalities & Systems	~36
3	Jan 5 – Mar 4	M4 Growth & Decay (exponential); begin M5 (quadratics)	~36
4	Mar 15 – May 20	Finish M5 before STAAR EOC (early May); review & projects	~40

Policies in Brief

Academic integrity: submit your own work and show your reasoning; collaboration is for Build Teams, assessments are individual; outside or AI-produced work submitted as one's own is a violation.
Attendance & missed work: check Google Classroom when absent; scholars have the number of days absent to make up work for full credit; make-up assessments by appointment.
Communication: ParentSquare is primary; Beta is a no-cell-phone campus, so reach the instructor via ParentSquare or email.
Leadership roles (rotating): Materials Manager, Tech Lead, Notation Captain, Build-Team Lead, Data Tracker.

Math curriculum adapted from TEA Bluebonnet Learning — Secondary Mathematics (Edition 1, CC BY-NC 4.0, adapted from Carnegie Learning), licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Non-commercial classroom use.

Algebra I · Dr. Ijezie's STEM Studio

Parent & Scholar Acknowledgment

2026–2027 · Beta Academy

By signing below, the scholar and parent/guardian confirm that they have read and discussed the Algebra I syllabus, including the grading policy, the Scholar's Code, academic integrity, and communication expectations. Preferred submission: complete the digital acknowledgment in the Assessment Center. Fallback: submit a clear photo of this signed page on ParentSquare. Due by the end of the second week of school.

We have read and discussed the full Algebra I syllabus.

We understand the syllabus pop-quiz counts toward the scholar's grade.

We know ParentSquare and email are the ways to reach the instructor (no-cell-phone campus).

Scholar Name (printed)

Class Period

Scholar Signature

Date

Parent / Guardian Name (printed)

Best Phone / ParentSquare

Parent / Guardian Signature

Date

Questions, accommodations, or notes for Dr. Ijezie-Desbois (optional)

Return digitally via the Assessment Center (preferred) or as a photo on ParentSquare. Math curriculum adapted from TEA Bluebonnet Learning — Secondary Mathematics (CC BY-NC 4.0).