Syllabus

=Course Description = PreCalculus is a course that builds directly and is dependant upon what students have studied and mastered in Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. With that foundation, applications whose patterns can be represented symbolically with mathematical functions are studied. Some of the major topics covered include trigonometric functions that model periodic behavior; exponential and logarithmic functions that model behaviors of growth or decay; conics whose applications include planetary orbits; sequences and series which represent patterns in sets; counting principles which are used to quantify outcomes; and the Binomial Theorem which introduces the students to probability. As time permits, other areas of PreCalculus will be explored. This course prepares students for Calculus and/or Advanced Statistics.

The majority of homework in this course will be done in class. The purpose in doing so is to give you an opportunity to think about the material we have been discussing and to work through problems both collaboratively and on your own. Although you may find some problems difficult, you are expected to make an attempt to complete each problem and to make notes of where you became confused.
 *  Classwork/Homework **

You will receive three //Class Passes// per trimester. They are to be used when you feel the need to leave the classroom. Please use the bathroom inbetween classes; bring a water bottle to class with you and get non-urgent issues with Mr. Harris resolved during non-class times. For each //Class Pass// that you still have at the end of the trimester, those become bonus points added to your trimester average.
 *  Class Pass **

A //Total Point// system will be used which means an average grade, at any given time, is dependant upon the ratio of. With this, at the beginning of the trimester grades can fluctuate wildly. Please don’t panic. It will settle as more grades are accumulated. The categories will fall into the following: 
 *  Grades **
 * Participation
 * Assessments
 * Graded HW
 * Projects (one each trimester)
 * Participation **

 It is expected that students 'contribute positively' in class. As such, a participation grade will be issued at the end of a specified period of time and be based on my observations.


 * //Examples of Positive Participation //**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">showing leadership in collaboration and bringing the best out of team members
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">contributing in class discussions
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">taking good notes
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">sustaining a good level of focus in class
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">General positive behavior
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">When finished with an assignment, helping other students with questions (this is a big one!)


 * //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Examples of actions that would not be favorable to a curve: //**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">being off task in class
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">emailing
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">flash games
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">completing assignments for other classes while in class
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">delaying in starting assignments in class
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">distracting others


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Work ethic **

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Academic and social learning are both crucial at Cary Academy as students prepare for college. If a student works on the following skills, they will not only be successful at this course, but they create a foundation for future success. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Courage: take risks with your learning. Be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Competence: the basics: stay organized, prepare for tests and meet work deadlines <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Humility: this gives us the ability to collaborate, listen, reflect and be lifelong learners <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Honesty: Cary Academy is committed to academic integrity and honor.

=<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Honors & Advanced Courses = <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">All courses have high expectations, but there are different prerequisites and expectations for Honors and Advanced courses. Compared to regular mathematics courses, students in Honors or Advanced courses should expect to encounter topics at a faster pace, which will be investigated in greater depth. Students in an advanced or honors class can expect a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding and abstract thinkiing with less focus on review and practice. Beyond the expectations of regular mathematics courses, students are expected to be more self-motivated as well as interested in devoting time and energy towards more challenging and thought provoking problems.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">There will not be extra textbooks in the classroom. Please bring your own or schedule taking turns with your tablemate.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Textbook **

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I do not keep extra supplies so I would recommend you keep the following in your backpack: = = = = = = = = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Late Assignments = <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It is your responsibility to turn in all assignments at the beginning of class on the given due date. Late assignments will be marked down significantly for missing the deadline. If you know that you will not be able to complete an assignment on time, you must speak to me **//prior//** to coming to class. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Supplies **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Tablet w/stylus
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Calculator and extra batteries
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Covered textbook
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Pocket folder or 3-ring binder for handouts

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Make-up work due to absences = <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">NOTE: //some students repeatedly get sick on test days. I will be monitoring this pattern and if you are one who tends to do this, you and I will have a meeting with your parents, your advisor and the Learning Specialist to make critical adjustments.// = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Upper School Mathematics department Effort Scale = <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">We believe that the effort grade should measure personal responsibility, motivation, and initiative. The following descriptions are general measures of these qualities and not intended as a checklist for assigning grades.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Students are expected to make up all missed work.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I will not remind you.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">An “m” (missing) will be your grade for a week and then it turns into a zero.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">4 – Superior Effort //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The student makes a sincere effort to extend his or her understanding of mathematical processes and concepts. The student has an excellent record on daily homework assignments. The student comes to class on time with appropriate materials and a positive attitude. The student is an active, constructive participant in class discussions and activities. The strong student investigates problems beyond those required and willingly helps classmates. The struggling student takes the initiative to get extra help when needed and goes the extra mile to learn the material. //

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">3 – Good Effort <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The student makes an effort to understand mathematical processes and concepts. The student has a good record on daily homework assignments. The student comes to class with appropriate materials and a cooperative attitude. The student is a somewhat active and constructive participant in class discussions and activities. The student works cooperatively with peers and the teacher.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">2 – Marginal Effort <span style="color: red; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Parents will be notified <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The student shows sporadic effort to understand mathematical processes and concepts. The student has //poor to fair record on daily homework// assignments. The student often disrupts the learning environment by not following instructions, socializing inappropriately, or generally displaying a negative attitude. The student makes little or no effort to work cooperatively with classmates and makes little or no effort to get outside help on material. = <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> =