PreCalculus
Parent & Student Information
Parent & Student Information
Students: Precalculus, an advanced form of algebra, is a foundational mathematical discipline. Precalculus is intended to prepare students for the study of Calculus. Precalculus includes a review of geometry, as well as an introduction to exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, vectors, conic sections, and analytic geometry. If you study, ask questions, and do your homework you will succeed in this class.
Parents:
I am often asked what parents can do to help. More important than knowing how to do the math is for you to take some time to look at class notes (Are there any? Are they completed with work shown?). Ask about upcoming tests and help encourage students to study every day. Most problems arise from getting behind. If you have any questions please email me at [email protected] or call Lamar at 682-867-8300.
A successful PreCalculus student will-
- Attend class on a regular basis.
- Complete all assignments.
- Ask questions when understanding is lacking and come in for help when necessary.
- Participate in a study group.
- Take personal responsibility for success in Precalculus.
Class Rules
1. Respect yourself, others, and the classroom.
2. All Lamar and AISD rules will be enforced.
3. Proper and legible ID’s need to be visibly worn above the waist.
4. Dress accordingly to AISD policy.
5. No use of phones/devices during the period.
Grading Procedure:
Your six weeks grade will be based on the following:
1. Tests/Projects 50%
2. Quizzes/Math Journal x2 25%
3. Homework/Classwork 25% Late –10, per period, unless arranged ahead of time. If late due to absence, write “Absent”
Supplies:
Composition Notebook
pencil & eraser
red grading pencil or pen
Graphing Calculator
Tests
1. Tests are scheduled on the calendar, so you will know when they are far in advance.
2. If you are absent for the day of the test, be prepared to take the test when you return.
Absences
1. You are responsible for all make up work. You have one day for each absence.
2. Check the website for what you missed and what was assigned.
3. SCHOOL RELATED ABSENCES- you must get work ahead of time and be prepared for class when you return. You do not get extra days for makeup work.
Homework:
1. To be successful in this class, you must do your homework.
2. Homework will be assigned every class period.
3. Homework grades taken, will be based on completion and effort. Make corrections with red pencil.
4. Papers without thoughtful process will be returned with a zero.
Homework Heading:
- Heading should be on the top right hand corner of the paper.
- Include Your name, Calculus, Per, Due Date, Page # and Problem #s.
Quizzes:
1. Expect a quiz every class, unless we have a test that day.
Math Journal:
1. You will be required to keep a "Math Journal" for your notes in a composition notebook.
2. Cornell Style Notes Should be taken.
3. Notes should be brought to class each meeting.
4. Any handouts should be transposed or pasted into your notebook.
5. Math Journals will be taken up randomly for a grade.
Page 1: Cover Page-Name & Class "AP Calculus BC", Book Title & Edition
Page 2: Key
Put a box around your Essential Questions.
Place a ? next to things you need to review for quizzes and tests.
Use * for items that are important for the AP Calculus Exam.
Highlight vocabulary or key words in yellow.
Highlight section summaries in blue. Summaries should be at the very least 4 sentences long, thoughtful and written in complete sentences.
Highlight practice problems (3) in orange. Practice problems may come from your homework and should reflect concepts you struggled with.
Highlight Unit summaries in green. Summaries should be at the very least 7 sentences long, thoughtful and written in complete sentences. Be sure to connect your learning.
Page 3-4: Table of Contents
Cheating:
Students involved in any manner of cheating will:
- Receive a zero for that assignment.
- Receive a grade of C in citizenship.
- Infraction
Additional Resources
1. Coach Stephens Website: http://lamargstephens.weebly.com
2. Khan Academy Website: http://www.khanacademy.org
Phones
Research in a simulated classroom reveals how phones hurt learning, as students who did not use their phones “wrote down 62 percent more information in their notes, took more detailed notes, were able to recall more detailed information from the lecture, and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on a multiple choice test than those students who were actively using their mobile phones.” Research is also revealing that kids who spend more time online are more likely to be involved in cyber bullying than kids who spend less. Schools therefore inadvertently increase the chances that kids will be cyber bullied at school through open phone policies.
1. Phones should be powered down and not visible during class.
2. Students whose phones are visible will be asked to park them in the front.