Honors Algebra II/Pre-Calculus 539
2008-2009
Teacher: Mrs.
Course: Honors Algebra II/ PreCalculus Semester I and II
Textbook: Blitzer, Robert. Precalculus; McDougall Littel, 07/E.
ISBN:0131874799
Purpose: The focus of this course is an extensive and in-depth study of functional analysis, mathematical analysis and analytical geometry. This integration of Algebra II , trigonometry and functional analysis intends to broaden the students' mathematical background and provide the mathematics needed for success in Calculus. Graphing calculators will be used for graphical explorations and investigations. Heavy emphasis will be on the material written in the Blitzer book and Blitzer's' style of integrated learning.
Objectives: The student will:
v study a basic overview of functional analysis and all of Algebra II as a basis for all of PreCalculus
v learn how to manipulate logarithms and exponents and the analytical applications for transcendental functions.
v learn all the basic concepts of trigonometry and analytic geometry.
Requirements: The single most important requirement for class is a good attitude, a hunger for learning, and a willingness to be persistent and relentless when you are learning new theories and subject material. Most importantly, a student needs to realize that in higher math courses, one cannot fear mistakes. Any errors need to be viewed as opportunities for learning and trying a different approach. A disciplined daily homework schedule is a necessity for success in this course.
Note well:
On a detention notice
there are the words: Reason for
detention: lack of class materials
Every student is expected to come to class prepared.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR EVERY CLASS:
v Textbook
v at least two expo markers for board
pencils, red pens
v a graphing calculator TI-83 or TI-83 PLUS
v An organized notebook or binder complete with six pocket folders for quizzes, tests, hand-outs, homework to pass in, graph paper, graded homework assignments.
v Packet or sheets of graph paper stored in binder
v All class notes, most homework, and all class work must be done in the loose leaf binder or notebook. Homework must be filed according to the “Rule of Three.”(Explanation in detail in Homework section of syllabus.)
v Loose leaf papers will be needed for daily quizzes
v One long term assignment or project may be assigned that
would be worth two test grades in the quarter it is done.
Personal and School Policies:
On every detention notice there are the words:
Reason for
detention: Failure to complete class
work
Behavioral
difficulties
Tardiness
Improper
uniform
Lack of class
materials
If any student engages in any of the above behavior or any other violation of the student handbook policies, detentions will be given.
Ø Every student will begin with an A+ class participation grade
Ø Class co-operation, attentiveness, and willingness to answer questions and demonstrate problem-solving methods all contribute positively to the maintenance of the A+ class participation grade.
Ø If a student is late for class, she must sign a tardy slip Record Book before sitting at her desk. Each tardy will result in a 5 point deduction from the class participation grade.
Ø Any student who is absent on the day an assignment or project is due must accept a full letter grade deduction for each subsequent day (including weekends) the assignment is late beginning the day after the student returns to school.
Ø Any student who misses class for any reason is fully responsible for completing all class work and homework that was assigned during her absence. Most importantly, she must obtain a copy of the class notes from one of her classmates and obtain from me (or your class partner) any handouts given on the day of her absence. Any quizzes given in class on the day of her return must still be taken. (See page 12-13 in the Handbook)
Ø Missed tests must be completed as soon as possible. Make-up tests will adhere to the policies of the math department formulated at the beginning of the school year. (Please check your Handbook) If a student delays scheduling for more than one cycle after her return to school, she will incur a full letter grade penalty for each day after one cycle until the test is taken. All students are personally responsible for arranging the time and dates of any make-up tests or work. If they fail to do so, the recorded grade of 0 will remain.
Extra help is always after school at least till 2:40 unless faculty meetings or math department meetings are scheduled. Students will be asked to sign an Extra-Help Record Book.
Ø Extra Credit is never assigned individually. Occasionally, class Extra
Credit assignments may be offered.
Ø For full credit, projects or homework assignments are to be passed in on the assigned
day during class. Not at the end of the day or after a free period.)
Ø
If a notebook quiz is given in class, and you do
not have your notebook or your calculator, you will still be required to take
the quiz. If your calculator is not with you on the day of the test, you must
still take the test. Always be prepared for each class.
Ø Everyone is responsible for having their own expos and their own calculator for every class.
Note well: All or some of the above is subject
to change in cases of surgery or extreme illness supported by a
physicians’ note. Please have your parents email me as your
advocate regarding work missed in class due to serious illness. When you are
seriously ill, your parents and I together will devise a workable plan to keep
you current with your class work while you work on resting and getting well.
Evaluation:
Comprehensive examinations, chapter tests, quizzes on homework and all class
work, Open Notebook Quizzes (based on the student’s outlines for
the chapters including the examples), Stretch Tests, projects, all quizzes,
individual and group “lab investigations”, homework assignments and
positive class participation will be used to assess the student’s
knowledge of the subject matter. At
all times, the test format will be pre- determined by the teacher only.
I will never change a test date or a pre-announced quiz date on the day of the assessment. Neither will I reschedule a test the class before! However, if a test is scheduled an entire week or more away, only in that window of time will a reschedule suggestion be taken into consideration.
NOTE WELL: All
assigned projects must be done in duplicate. Every
student must retain one copy of any major assignment passed in.
Testing Policy:
Students will be tested in class at least twice each
quarter. All projects or large problem sets will count at least one test grade
depending on the length and depth of the assignment. Quizzes are not usually
announced. Most quizzes will be on the class lecture and class activities,
the book outlines and the homework assignments. Problem sets will be assigned
every class. There are NO make-ups for poor test or quiz grades. Long term
homework assignments and lengthy take-home problem sets will possibly be
counted as test grades. The tests and projects will count as 25% of
the quarter average, the quiz average(CN and DP) (30%) and notebook text
notes(RO) grade (15%) and homework problem sets and worksheets (15%) and
class participation grade which includes board presentations (15%).
Class rules:
In this classroom, strict standards of behavior based on academic integrity, a personal sense of responsibility and responsiveness to the needs and rights of others will be enforced. At any time the teacher is speaking, no one else is. At any time a student has a question, she must raise her hand and everyone must respectfully listen. As aforementioned, if anyone violates these basic tenets of behavior, they will be asked to report to the administration in the office and/or receive a detention for inhibiting learning. (Aka,”behavioral difficulties”)
Anyone who is tardy will incur a grade penalty: See above “Personal Policies”
Homework:
*****Homework will come from two directions: the web site AND in class
where additional assignments
will be given. Students are responsible
for all assignments from both sources. Whenever I change the website I will alert
you via SHA email so check your email every day.
NOTE WELL: NEW CLASSROOM GRADING
ORGANIZATION AND POLICY:
THE
RULE OF THREE:
Each dated class day will have a right hand cornered date and topic
title for the class discussion.
(#1 component Class Notes-DATE)
THAT EVENING’S HOMEWORK: right hand dated and HW assignment
clearly marked (Component #2 HW-DP-DATE)
The Class RO assignment for the topics covered either done before or
after a class (Component #3-RO-Date).
EVERY CLASS TOPIC WILL HAVE THREE GRADED COMPONENTS EACH WORTH 33% each
for a total HW grade per lectured class topic and the date it was covered.
Components will be numbered according to the order done. Most of the
time, you will be doing the RO first, then the class notes and then the
DP.(DP=Do Problems)
The Format for each graded event would have the following form:
Class Notes-Date and topic
RO-Date and topic
HW-DP-Date and topic
NOTE WELL: EVERY CLASS DAY MUST HAVE THREE GRADED COMPONENTS all with the same Class Date and the same topic. The date will be is the first date the topic is introduced and discussed in class.
v
It is a simple given that under no circumstances should any
Homework assignment ever
be offered for copying. Also, no
one should
ever ask another student for their math
homework
and/or assignments for the purpose of COPYING.
It is evident those students who make a regular practice of this
are making
grave errors in judgment.
v Homework will be assigned nightly and correspond to the section we are covering in class with the Bare Bones assignment on the web page. Book notes (also referred to as RO) must be taken from the assigned reading BEFORE any math problems are attempted. Keep your eyes on the web page for this class and your email where I may email the entire class regarding assignments and/or class work clarification. **********
v All assigned homework and projects are due at the beginning of each class on the desk in the plastic paper holder.
Additional information:
Since students’ actions impact others in the SHA community, all students are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of SHA in this class at all times.
Ø If you have any concerns about this class please come after school or make an appointment to discuss your concerns after school. Class time is for learning, teaching and discovering and not for airing personal grievances. Logical, sensible reasoning is always welcome.
If you have any concerns at any other time please contact me at kgniadek@sha-excelsior.org or leave a message at 288-2309 EXT.435