AP Calculus AB Course Expectations
Barrington High School
Mrs. Shanna Dixon
sdixon@barrington220.org
VM: 847-842-3200 X 5019
Course Description
This is a college level mathematics course for students with a strong background in prior math courses.
It includes the study of limits and differential and integral calculus with applications. This course is
designed to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam in order to earn advanced placement credit
in calculus. Students who successfully complete this course are expected to take the Advanced
Placement AB Calculus exam in order to earn college credit.
Supplies Required
 The textbook for the course will be Calculus by Larson/Hostetler/Edwards. You must bring the text to
class every single day. Additional handouts will be provided throughout the semester.
 A notebook that contains only math notes in it and is not used for multiple subjects.
 You are required to have your OWN Graphing Calculator and bring it to class daily. The
recommended calculator is the TI Nspire CX CAS. Please keep your TI-83+/84 for classes/tests that
do not allow the use of CAS. If you are in financial need, please stop by the Math Office and inquire
about the calculator loan program.
 Students are expected to bring their fully charged Macbook with them to class every day. Laptops will
be used to work on math activities as directed by the teacher and should only be used for appropriate
academic purposes. Distracting activities including, but not limited to, web browsing, checking email, or
instant messaging are disruptive to the learning environment and are not acceptable uses of the laptop
during class time. Students are expected to abide by the district’s Technology Appropriate Use Policy.
Any inappropriate use of the computers will result in loss of the computer privileges and additional
consequences.
Grading Policy
 Grades will be assigned letter grades based on the 90-80-70-60 scale.
 Below is the breakdown that will help to derive each quarter’s grade:
Chapter Tests/Quizzes/AP Sets/Homework Accuracy
100%
Homework Completion
0%
 The above will account for 80% of your semester grade and your final will account for 20% of your
semester grade.
 Grades will be updated regularly on Infinite Campus
Assessments
 Tests are generally announced at least 48 hours in advance. Most quizzes are announced, though you
should always be prepared for a short “pop-quiz” on the section we most recently covered.
 Calculators or other materials may not be shared between students. If you come to class without a
calculator, you will need to take the test/quiz without one.
Homework
 Expect that homework will be assigned and COLLECTED. You should do homework on loose-leaf
and have it already stapled if necessary upon entering class so it is easy to turn in.
 Each problem must be written down, relevant diagrams should be drawn or copied, and the problem
should be fully worked out. You should clearly identify your answer.
 Your homework may be checked randomly for accuracy. Make sure your assignments are complete. If
I randomly choose the three problems you didn’t happen to do, you will receive a zero for that
homework grade, even if you had all other problems completed. Also, if you do not have your
homework in class that day, you will receive a zero – there will be no make-up opportunities because
your folder is in your locker, etc. You will have at least one class day to ask questions on an
assignment before I would ever check for accuracy, since I know you may not understand everything
the first night you try your homework. Ask questions on the ones you don’t know!
Classroom Management
 In this classroom I expect students to both give and get respect to/from their peers and myself.
 Cell Phones and I-Pods/MP3 players are NOT allowed to be used during class! Consequences
will follow as stated in the student handbook.
Missed School Work
 If you have an unexcused absence, you will receive a zero on any in-class work done or checked that
day, INCLUDING tests and quizzes.
 You will need to turn in all assignments on the day of your return that were assigned while you were
present. You are expected to get any assignments missed while you are absent. Homework
assignments be updated on our class website via my page on the BHS website.
 Tests/quizzes must also be made up within a reasonable time. It is your responsibility to see me the
day you return (preferably before school) and arrange a make up. Keep in mind that if you choose to
make your test up during an open period, the location in which you are taking the test may NOT be
silent nor an ideal testing condition. If you are easily distracted, being present the day of the test is the
only way I can guarantee a quiet environment. After the acceptable make up time-frame, a zero will be
issued for anything not completed.
 If you miss the day before a test and no new material was taught, you will be expected to take the test
the DAY you return. If you would like to participate in the review, email me the day you are absent and
I will email you the review sheet if there is one.
Academic Honesty
 If you are found to be copying from another student on any assignment being collected, using
unauthorized notes, or having information stored on your calculator, you will be immediately referred to
the department head. Parents will also be notified and other consequences may apply.
How to Contact Me
 Typically you can find me in W216. I am normally in the building until 3:30 pm each day.
 The easiest and BEST way to get in touch with me is through email. My email is
sdixon@barrington220.org.
Math Resource Center (MRC)
 Remember that we have a Math Resource Center where you can go and receive help every period of
the day. Not every teacher is able to readily help with calculus, please be patient. There is a NO Cell
Phone policy in the MRC. Please do not be afraid to ask for help.
What I can expect from you
 A reasonable amount of effort, even if you are struggling. You will ask me questions if you need
additional help. A level of honesty where we can candidly talk to one another. The best work that you
can put forward – this includes both presentation and content. A level of respect towards everyone in
class – no one will be degraded or put down in my classroom and your behavior should not interrupt the
flow of class.
What you can expect from me
 A willingness to do whatever necessary to help you learn the material and be successful. A level of
respect where you will be treated like a young-adult at all times. A willingness to assist you whenever
possible, as long as you come to seek the needed help. A desire to help you learn the material – if you
need help I will be there to assist you, however you must meet me half way. If you come in for help, I
will not do your homework for you. Sometimes coming for help may just offer you a hint to get you
started on the right path. All assignments or tests/quizzes I am grading will be graded and returned in a
reasonable amount of time.