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Precalculus
Mr. Michael David Wee Room P [email protected]
2012-2013
· COURSE DESCRIPTION
Precalculus is designed for students who successfully finished Geometry and Algebra II. This is a college preparatory course. In this advanced Mathematics course, you will work through a comprehensive sequence of topics that will deepen your understanding of advanced algebra, trigonometry, and probability as well as you prepare for Calculus and other Mathematics courses. There is a strong emphasis on graphs of functions and use of graphing calculators.
Three Fundamental Goals:
1.To help students acquire a solid foundation in algebra and trigonometry, preparing them for calculus;
2.To show how algebra and trigonometry can model and solve authentic real-world problems;
3.To enable students to develop problem-solving skills, fostering critical thinking within a varied and interesting setting.
Furthermore, we will work on SAT preparation. In general, if you work diligently toward understanding this material, then you will not only be in a better position to be accepted to post-secondary institutions but you will also be more prepared to succeed when you get there! All this time (pre-algebra, algebra geometry, algebra two…) we’re been working toward calculus; this is the last preparation!
· GRADING POLICY
Cumulative grading for every semester will be determined as follows:
Percentages Grading Scale
Assessments* 70% A 90-100%
Projects 10% B 80-89%
Class/Homework 20% C 70-79%
F 0-69%
*Just for fun : The Final Exam is an assesment that is worth 20% of the entire semester grade, What percent of the assessments is the final exam ?
Project
Math Binder: Every student is required to compile all the assignments, use the power math cornell notes format at all times and organize it well. Binder checks will occur at regular intervals. This project will serve as a study guide for all the assessments as well as the medium of demonstration of your overall understanding and mastery of algebra.
Class/Homework
No work, No Credit, NO KIDDING!!! We will have daily assignments, which should not be neglected. Students must show all of their work to receive credit on a homework assignment.
Students are expected to complete the class work by the time they are due. It must be written in a neat and orderly manner as discussed in class. New mathematics vocabulary should be understood and spelling should be correct.
Assessments
A chapter test, cumulative test, standardized test and a mid-chapter test will be given for each chapter in the book. Announced and unannounced quizzes will be given as needed to test for understanding and progress on current material. Please note that a large portion of the grade is determined by assessments! This means that you have to know the material!!! Always ask: “Do I understand this?”
Final Exam
A final exam will be given at the end of the semester. It will test students’ accumulated knowledge of all the material we cover over the semester.
· POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Late work/Make up work
By MIT policy, all work MUST be completed (even if you have 100% in the class); students who fail to complete work will encounter following consequence in an effort to help them get that work in!!!:
v Loss of end-of-block release time;
v Assignment to RTI (end-of-day) Study Hall;
v Saturday School;
v Or, in extreme cases, AST meetings to consider contracts and/or termination of enrollment (TOE)
Note that while ALL work is required to be turned in, late work will be subjected to a penalty of not receiving a full credit.
It is the students’ responsibility to ask a classmate or visit the website to determine what they missed if they were absent. If a student misses an exam, it’s their responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to make it up in a reasonable amount of time.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Please do your own work! When you cheat you are only cheating yourself out of an education and more importantly out of developing into the best person you can be!!! All work submitted for grading must be your own. If cheating is detected on any piece of work submitted for credit, a grade of 0 will be given to this piece of work and further actions will be performed as dictated by the MITA Student Services guidelines.
Resources
Textbook: Bliter Precalculus, Third Edition, 2007
You may check the Teacher drive often to get the PowerPoint Lectures and other materials for the entire school year or visit my website http://teacherwee.weebly.com/ I will post lecture notes daily.
Check the useful links under the math tab for sites that can help you when you get stuck!
Required Materials
o Colored Pencils/Pens
o Highlighters
o Ruler
o graph paper (LOTS)
o 3-ring binder (1”)
o Page Dividers (notes, HW, assessments, projects)
Acceptable Behaviors
Classroom Rules Academic Expectations
- Respect others. 1. Be prepared .
- Be on time. 2. Participate.
- Keep hands, feet to yourself. 3. Ask questions.
- No disruptive talking or behaviors.
Other Expectations
1. We are covering a wide range of topics!!! There is a high chance that you will get stuck at some point… Come in at lunch (anyday, everyday) and get receive some extra help!!!
2. You are to be in your assigned seat – wearing no hats at all time – before bell rings and until the teacher dismisses the class.
3. You will bring to class your daily math textbook and math binder.
4. You will work cooperatively in group activities, but never copy homework from each other.
5. Raise your hand if you have any questions – all you have to do is ask!
6. Phones, ipod and other electronic devices are to be turned off, out of sight, and do not use during class time.
Consequences
Refer to the MIT Academy Discipline Matrix.
Responsibility
There is much responsibility put on each of you to complete your assignments and to ask questions. In this classroom, everyone has a job to do. It is the job of the student to master the material and demonstrate this understanding by the end of the course. My job is to help you do your job. You also have a responsibility to provide an atmosphere of respect for everyone. I will make every reasonable effort to help you succeed. I look forward to a great year together!
The Key to Success
Good note taking and regular homework completion correlate highly with a successful student. In other words, when a student takes notes and completes the homework, he or she will be successful in this class. AIM HIGH!
Contact information
The best way to reach me is by email as I check this even when not on campus. However, if you would like to have a conversation feel free to email me a number and time to call or call me at: 707-552-6482 ext 308
Course: Precalculus Teacher: Mr.Wee
I have read the course syllabus, and I have shared its contents with my parents. Furthermore, I am aware of the grading policy that will form the basis of my evaluation and how my grade will be computed. I am aware that homework is an extension of the regular classwork, and will be counted as a part of my overall evaluation. I realized that I am required to maintain a binder containing all notes, classwork, homework, and other assignments. I am aware that Mr. Wee is available every lunch as well as by appointment afterschool and before school should I need assistance beyond the time in class.
______ I have read the expectations and initialed all sections in bold and italics.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________
Parental support is requested to make sure that all assignments are completed and turned in on time. Please check in with your student. Simply asking, “What did you learn today in math?” can make all the difference. Also, powerschool is updated everyday: check to see how your student is doing! Parents are also asked to sign below, indicating that they have read this sheet and the course syllabus.
Child’s Name: ________________________________________ Class Period: ____________
Date: ____________________________
______ I have read the expectations, and I am aware of what is expected of my child to successfully complete this course. I have initialed all sections in bold and italics
____ I have read the expectations, and I would like to discuss them further.
Parent(s) Name & Signature ______________________________________________________
Contact number/s _______________________________________________________________
Email ________________________________________________________________________