A.P. CALCULUS, AB & LMU Math 131
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.
The difference between AP Calculus and LMU Math 131:
AP Calculus is a college level course offered to high school students for high school credit. Students earn college credit for one semester of Calculus only by passing the AP exam and earning a score of 4 or better (a few schools will still accept a 3 as a passing score; however they are in the minority).
LMU Math 131 is a college course offered to college students only who have been accepted into Loyola Marymount University. All students earning a grade of C or better in Math 131 will most likely (call potential schools to verify) be able to transfer the units to their college and enroll in the next Calculus course in the sequence.
WHERE DO YOU FIT?
Ø You will receive high school credit for AP Calculus; however you are not required to take the AP exam if you are concurrently enrolled in LMU Math 131
Ø If you are not accepted into LMU Math 131, then you are required to take the AP Calculus exam. Placement into LMU Math 131 will be decided in November based on current performance in AP Calculus (Must be currently earning an A or B to be eligible for admittance as well as pass the entrance exam).
Ø Juniors may want to take advantage of both the LMU credit as well as take the AP Calculus exam, depending on choice of future college and major (i.e., MIT: Engineering Major)
Ø You have the opportunity to receive college credit from Loyola Marymount University that is transferable to the college of your choice (if you are planning to attend a private college, you will need to contact the school to ensure that your units from LMU will transfer)
Ø You will enroll in Math 131 in the spring semester (January 2004-May 2004). The approximate cost is $135.00
Ø Your grade for Math 131 will be determined according to the parameters set forth by Dr. Grady, Math Department Chair at LMU.
Ø Your high school AP Calculus grade will be determined according to this syllabus.
Practice:
ü Practice is critical to your success in AP Calculus and will be assigned daily, and is expected of you on weekends and holidays.
ü You are expected to spend as much time practicing problems as is necessary for mastery of the concepts
ü Every problem assigned must be attempted, and you need to use every resource at your disposal to successfully complete the assignment.
q Resources include: your notes, textbooks, solutions manual, each other, evening tutorial sessions offered at LMU
GRADING:
ü Grading will be based on the following weighted scale, and the A.P. scale:
Weighted scale: A.P. scale:
5 A
Tests: 80% 4 A-
Other (practice, class participation, 3 B
quizzes, essays) 20% 2 C
1 D
ü Each successive grade on an exam becomes your test grade in the course. For example, if you earn a C on the first test, then your test grade in the course is a C. If, however, you earn an A on the next exam, then your test grade in the course becomes an A, etc.
ü Tests: Each test is comprehensive, and will cover all of the material from the first day to the day of the exam.
q Tests will be given at the end of each major concept, as well as before each progress report and semester report.
q Some tests will have a point scale, while others will be normed ( A.P. scale)
q The LMU Math 131 final will determine your final test grade in A.P. Calculus during the second semester
ü Class participation: Your effort during class discussions, practice sessions, and presentations is critical for your success. Your effort and attitude will decide whether or not you will receive the benefit of “rounding up” when the semester grades.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
· There will be NO make-ups for exams or quizzes.
· You are responsible for making up all missed work during an excused absence; you must turn in this work on the day following your first day back in class.
· It is your responsibility to determine if you have missed tests while absent.
Positive Consequences:
· You will be acknowledged and positively rewarded for appropriate behavior.
· You will enjoy “Math Trails” after the A.P. exam provided you put serious effort into this course.
On the other hand:
1. Warning- verbal
2. Detention, written response to behavior including the solution, and parent contact.
3. Parent conference.
· Since this is a college course, I will not be contacting your parents; however will be conferencing with you when your grade drops to a C- or below, or when I see behavior issues.
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.
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