Advanced Quantitative Reasoning
(Formerly AMDM)
2011-2012 Syllabus
Teacher:
Shannon Simon
Email:
ssimon@dpisd.org
Room:
2307
Phone:
(832) 668-7200 ext. 72307
Conference:
7th Period
Teacher Website:
http://www.dpisd.org//Domain/1141
Tutorials:
Mon-Thurs, 8:00-8:45
Teacher Website:
Using a smart device
Course Overview
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning (AQR), formerly known as Advanced Mathematical Decision Making, is proposed
as a fourth-year capstone course to follow Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Its primary purpose is to reinforce
career skills such as collaborating, conducting research, and making presentations in the areas of mathematical
knowledge. needed skills that are to prepare students for college majors that are not math intensive, for technical
training, or for a range of career options. This course may also be useful to other students as an elective.
Pre-Requisite
Successful completion of Algebra 2 and passed TAKS Math Exit Level Test.
Course Topics
This course is made up of nine core units and one supplemental unit; within each unit, there are three to five
sections. Each unit requires 2 to 3 weeks of instructional time. AMDM is structured as follows:
*Semester 1
*Semester 2
Unit 1
Developing College and Career
Skills
Unit 7
Mathematical Decision Making in
Ranking and Selection
Unit 2
Analyzing Numerical Data
Unit 8
Modeling Data
Unit 3
Analyzing Information Using
Probability
Unit 9
Modeling Change and Relationships
Unit 4
Critiquing Applications of
Statistics
Unit 10
Mathematical Decision Making in
Finance
Unit 5
Conducting Statistical Analyses
Unit 11
Unit 6
Communicating Statistical
Information
Unit 12
Network Modeling for Decision
Making
Modeling with Geometric Tools
*This is a tentative schedule. It may change as we progress through the year.
Grading Policy
South Campus grading policy assigns the following weights to assignments:
Progress reports will be sent home every 3rd week and some time during every
5th week of the six-week. For parents on Parent Portal, grades will not be
updated until the 3rd week of every six-week.
Test
Homework/Participation
Quizzes
60%
20%
20%
Rules and Procedures
Tardy Policy
If a student is late to class they will be required to sign a Tardy Sheet. The South Campus tardy policy will be
followed. A copy of that policy can be found on my website.
Cell Phones/ Electronics
Please do not use during class. It is at my discretion to pick these items up. I will be following the South Campus cell
phone/electronic policy.
Interactive Notebooks (IANs)
The purpose of the interactive notebook is to enable students to be creative, independent thinkers and writers.
Interactive notebooks are used for class notes as well as for other activities where the student will be asked to
express his/her own ideas and process the information presented in class. Interactive Notebooks will be graded on a
periodic basis. Students must keep up with their IAN and be prepared to have them graded at any time.
In addition, the following supplies will be needed by the student to maintain the IAN:
 Spiral Notebook
 Tape, Glue, Scissors
Late Work
Late work will be accepted at my discretion. You are always encouraged to turn late work in; however, know that
your late work may or may not be graded. Do not turn in any late work that is not fully completed.
ISS and Unexcused absences:
 You are responsible for all your assignments
 You must come and get your assignment(s) in advance (this includes providing the ISS form)
 Assignments are due the same day as all other students otherwise it will be considered late.
 All quizzes and tests (unless taken in ISS) will be given the day you arrive back in my class and any
material you miss while you are taking the test you will be responsible for.
Tutorials
Student are encouraged to come to tutorials for extra help or have questions on homework may come in on MondayThursday from 8:00-8:45. Friday’s are reserved for campus faculty meetings and tutorials will not be held on those
days. Please always sign in when attending tutorials.
Retesting Policy
 If a student receives below a 70 on a test he/she will be allowed and are strongly encouraged to take the
retest to improve their score. The rules for retesting are as followed:
 You may only retest twice in a six weeks period.
 The retest will be calculated out of a 70; therefore, the highest possible grade on a retest is a 70.
 All retests must be taken BEFORE another test is given. After another test is given you forfeit your chance
to retest on the previous test.
 Retest will only be given over chapter test. Retesting will not be allowed on Benchmarks or quizzes.
Extra Credit Opportunities
No extra credit projects or assignments will be given to raise grades for individual students. If extra credit is given
it will be an opportunity for the entire class. I will assign extra credit opportunities at my discretion. Please do not
ask for or expect them.
UIL Eligibility
Please stay on top of your grades and do not wait until the last minute to attempt to raise your grade to meet UIL
requirements. You must be passing with a 70 to participate in any UIL sponsored activity. There will be no grade
manipulation/inflation on my part to help you meet requirements for UIL participation. Please do not have a Coach
or Sponsor conference with me over eligibility the day or day before grades are due. I will gladly have a conference
but this should be done BEFORE it is too late.
Calculator Policy
Because of the increasing number of calculators being taken, a tougher calculator policy will in effect for this school
year. It is recommended, however not required for students to bring their own calculator. The following guidelines
are how calculator usage will be handled:
1. You must use your designated calculator. Do NOT take anyone else’s calculator.
2. If your calculator is not there at the start of the class you must inform me immediately.
3. At the end of each class ALL calculators must be turned in before anyone is allowed to leave.
4. You will not be allowed to use my graphing calculators when there is a substitute.
5. During your class period YOU are responsible for your calculator. If your calculator is missing I am holding
you responsible and a referral will be written to the Assistant Principal.
Student Name______________________________
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Please sign below indicating that you have received my class rules and procedures, AQR syllabus, and the DPHS
South Campus Math Department grading policy. Also, please be aware that the following procedures will be
enforced in my classroom:
 Dress Code Procedures
 I.D. Procedures
 Cell Phones & all Electronics (will be taken up and given to Assistant Principal)
 Tardy Policy
You may email me at any time regarding your student at ssimon@dpisd.org to check on assignments or information
about my class procedures. Working together we can make this the best year in math for your student. Thank you
for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Shannon Simon
Advanced Mathematical Decisions Making
______________
Date
____ ______________________________________________
(Student’s signature)
______________
Date
____ ______________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian signature)
GRAPHING CALCULATOR CONTRACT
I, _________________________________________________, am in Mr. Simon’s AQR class. I will be allowed to use one of
DPHS’s (South Campus) TI84-Plus Calculators in class as long as I agree to the following guidelines and have a
parent signature.




The calculator will be used as an instructional tool, not a toy.
It is to be returned at the end of each period into the appropriate place.
The back of the calculator is NOT to be taken off and batteries are NOT to be removed.
Any of the following will result in denial of calculator privileges:
1) Damage in any form to the calculator and/or parts
2) “Text Messages” entered into the calculator
3) Programs loaded without the teacher’s permission
4) Loading or playing games on the calculator
Mr. Simon will explain the procedure for distribution and collection of the calculators in class each day. If you do
not agree with this contract, it will be your responsibility to provide your own graphing calculator.
______________
date
____ ______________________________________________
(student’s signature)
______________
date
____ ______________________________________________
(parent/guardian signature)
This form must be signed and returned to Mr. Simon by Friday, August 29, 2011.
SOUTH CAMPUS MATH DEPARTMENT GRADING POLICY
I.
The grading policy for all average or basic level math classes is:



II.
20% homework/class work
20% quizzes
60% major tests
The grading policy for honors level classes is:


III.
20% homework/class work
80% major tests
A zero will be recorded for any student involved in cheating. No make-up or retesting will be
allowed.
SOUTH CAMPUS MATH DEPARTMENT RETESTING POLICY
I.
Conditions for retesting:
A. Test Grade less than 70
B. Successful completion of a remediation assignment
C. No cheating occurred on the original test
II.
Retest date will be determined by the teacher
III.
Maximum retest grade is 70.
IV.
Only two tests per six weeks may be retested.
V.
Benchmark Exams cannot be retested.
NOTE: IF A STUDENT DOES NOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE REMEDIATION
ASSIGNMENT OR IS ABSENT OR LATE FOR RETEST DATE, HE/SHE FORFEITS HIS/HER
OPPORTUNITY TO RETEST. ANY EXECPTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE TEACHER.