PRE-CALCULUS HONORS
Instructor: Mrs. Clemmer
Expectations:
Anticipate: To think ahead.
· Arrive before the bell rings.
· Come prepared to work with pencil, pen, spiral notebooks (2), book, homework, and TI-89.
Believe: To trust in, have faith in. Believe in your own ability to
learn and achieve success.
· Be positive.
· Encourage and support others.
Consider: To reflect upon. Think before you act or speak; your
actions affect other people. Be considerate.
· Leave food, drink, and GUM outside of the classroom.
· Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
· Verbalize only positive comments.
· Make your actions reflect a positive and considerate environment.
Course Description:
Pre-Calculus is a discipline that combines many of the trigonometric, geometric, and algebraic techniques needed for the preparation of the study of Calculus, and strengthens conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning when solving problems. This course takes a functional point of view to these topics. First semester concentrates on algebraic and transcendental functions and probability, and second semester is trigonometry, linear algebra, and sequences and series.
Classwork/Homework:
ü The old standby math idea of “drill and kill” is not what this class is about; however, practicing skills is necessary and critical for success in mathematics.
ü There will be two types of practice:
1. HOMEWORK:
o Homework assignments will be recommended daily and assigned occasionally.
o Points are given for assigned and collected homework only, and are classified as classwork points.
o All work must be shown to receive credit
2. CLASSWORK:
o Classwork will be assigned daily and will cover either the current lesson or any prior lesson
o Points are determined based on accuracy
ü A golden opportunity: It is to your benefit that you maintain an 85% in classwork and an 85% in projects throughout the year. If you have an 85% or better in classwork and an 85% or better in projects before either semesters end, you might be able to improve your current grade with your results on the semester final. For example—If you take the final with a grade of C in the class, but you have a 90% in classwork and an 85% in projects, and you earn an A on the final, then you will earn an A in the class. This shows me the effort you have put in, and therefore you get the chance to improve and achieve success. However, if you do not have an 85% in classwork, and an 85% in projects, the final is 25% of your grade.
GRADING:
Grading will be based on a point system and a standard scale. No curving will be done. All rubrics used will be correlated to points. Extra credit will not be given and make-up work will only be accepted under the conditions specified below.
Scale:
90.0%-100% A
89.5%-89.9% A-
89.0%- 89.4% B+ Note: For college admittance purposes, a
80.0%- 88.9% B D is not passing
79.5%-79.9% B-
79.0%-79.4% C+
70.0%- 78.9% C
69.9% C-
60%- 69.8% D
0%- 59% F
Points:
ü Tests- 100 pts.
ü Quizzes- Between 10 and 50 points
ü Group Projects and Class Presentations; Written Essays and Reports- Points to be determined.
ü Midterms- Replace your lowest test grade.
ü Two Semester Exams- 25 % or your grade, unless you have an 85% and above in both classwork and projects. (see classwork section.)
ü Two semester projects- Averaged with your semester exam grade to constitute the 25% of your grade
ü Classwork-
o Homework: 5 pts (each assignment COMPLETED)
3 pts ( partially completed assignment)
0 pts ( no assignment or just answers)
o Classwork: Between 5 and 25 points
Late Assignments:
ü There will be no make-ups for missed tests and/or quizzes unless arranged BEFOREHAND, or if it is excused due to illness. Any identified patterns of excused absences on test days will result in a grade of 0 on missed assignments and a requirement of a doctor’s note.
ü Homework, when assigned and collected, will not be accepted late.
ü Late classwork will only be accepted on the day following your first day back in school. It is your responsibility to arrange a time to make up the assignment(s)
ü NO make-ups for midterms or finals.
ü If you are to be absent the day of a group project/presentation, your part of the project must be turned in to me on the due date, and you must notify your group members of your absence; otherwise, you will earn a 0.
ü YOU are responsible for making up all missed work during an excused absence, and must turn in this work on the day following your first day back in class. It is also your responsibility to determine if you have missed any quizzes, tests, classwork, or projects while absent.
Class Project Rules:
There will be several group projects assigned throughout the year that will require time management and dedication. If you do not manage your time well and you decide to procrastinate, then you will reap the consequences of staying up late for several nights in order to complete the assignment-- bear in mind that staying up late is preventable!
Warning: Students who do not fully participate in their group projects may be fired following the process established by law in the corporate environment (documented counseling, ability to improve, second counseling resulting in being fired if no improvement has been made by the individual.) You must make wise choices when determining who will be in your project group, when counseling is necessary, and when you must make a decision to fire a group member. The success of your projects will depend on your decisions. All group members are responsible for sharing the financial costs as well as the time sacrifices for each project. Be aware that groups will not be forced to take in a student who has demonstrated little initiative during former projects. Individuals who are “slackers” usually end up in one group together or alone during projects. You will choose your own group members for all major projects.
Positive Consequences:
· You will be acknowledged and positively rewarded for appropriate behavior.
On the other hand:
1. Warning- verbal
2. Detention, written response to behavior including the solution, and parent contact.
3. Parent conference.
· Know that I will contact your parents when your grade drops to a C- or below, when I notice a continued pattern of poor classwork and/or when I see behavior issues that need parental support.
Final advice for success:
I look forward to having a wonderful year with you, and I encourage you to ask questions, to seek my help the moment you begin to feel lost, and to NEVER doubt your ability to succeed. HARD WORK and the belief that YOU CAN DO THIS will lead to success!
I am available for help by appointment. You can reach me either by email or phone.
· Email: kclemmer@esusd.k12.ca.us
· Phone: 310-615-2662 ext. 323
Note: The instructor retains the right to make changes, additions, and deletions to the syllabus during the course of the year.
For further clarification of discipline and attendance policies, please refer to the El Segundo High School Student Handbook
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