Student Name______________________________________ Class Period _____ Date _________
Pre-AP / Honors Pre-Calculus Course Syllabus
Teacher:
School Phone:
Michelle Neighbors Sheffield
205-342-2800
Email: msheffield@tcss.net
Website: hillcresthigh.tcss.net
Course Description:
Pre-AP/Honors Pre-Calculus is designed primarily for those students considering careers in mathematical or scientific
fields of study. The curriculum includes an expanded study of polynomial functions, conic sections, vectors, logarithmic
and exponential equations, and the real-life applications of these topics. Students are challenged to defend and support their
conclusions from the problematic situations. Working in both individual and group settings, students apply a variety of
problem solving strategies, incorporating the use of graphing calculators or other technological tools. This course fulfills
the requirement of one unit of mathematics for the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement
with Honors or High Honors. Students receive 0.5 extra quality points for successfully completing this class.
Please Note: All course objectives meet Alabama Course of Study requirements and Stanford 9 requirements.
And, the course is designed using ACT’s College and Career Readiness System and Laying the Foundation AP
Preparation Techniques.
Prerequisites:
Algebra II with Trigonometry or Algebra III
Attendance:
Pre-AP/Honors Pre-Calculus will progress at a rapid rate with increased rigor. Daily class attendance is critical for success
in this course.
Essential Functions:
In order to be successful in this course, the student must
1. Have mastered the skills in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II at a level of 70% or better
2. Be able to stay alert, focused, and follow classroom and school rules for 96 minutes
3. Communicate effectively both in oral and written form
4. Work cooperatively during class time and spend time outside of class in order to master objectives
5. Read, understand and apply information given in the form of word problems
6. Effectively take notes, listen to instruction, and keep up with the pace of the course necessitated by the state COS
7. Keep a well-organized notebook that includes notes as well as written assignments and grades
8. Exhibit good study habits and complete all assignments
9. Seek additional help from the teacher or a tutor if necessary
Math Supplies:
Each student will have access to the adopted textbook, Advanced Mathematical Concepts.
Each student is expected to own:
1. A (2”-3”) three-ring notebook filled with loose-leaf paper.
2. Graph paper
3. Several pencils and pens
4. A scientific or graphing calculator
Class Rules:
1. Bring supplies to class everyday.
2. Do not bring food, drink, candy, or gum into the classroom for any reason.
3. Do not ask for a pass out of class for any reason. No passes to restroom, locker, phone, or office.
4. Follow all instructions given to you by the teacher.
5. You must be sitting in your assigned seat before the tardy bell rings.
6. Have good manners and show everyone respect.
7. All students must complete a grade sheet and keep up with their own grades.
Grading Policy:
Students will receive numerous grades on class work, homework, pop quizzes, written assignments, class participation,
tests, and group assignments. There will be at least three grades each week but more grades are likely. These grades will
be averaged together on a points basis with the student’s total earned points divided by the total possible points.
The first 9-week term average will be calculated by counting the above mentioned points average as 80% and the
cumulative 9-week exam as 20%.
The second 9-week term average will be strictly the points based average mentioned above.
The final semester average will be calculated by: combining the two 9-week averages for an over-all average for the 18
weeks and counting this score as 80% and the required final cumulative semester exam as 20%.
Any student not taking the required comprehensive final exam will receive a zero on the exam and he/she will not
receive the additional 0.5 weighted quality point at the end of the semester.
*Accommodations will be made for those students with special needs.
Make-up Work:
Students will have two days to make arrangements to complete all make-up work when they have been absent. The missed
grades will become zeros after the two days if the student has made no arrangements.
Note to Parents:
I am always available for tutoring and parent conferences. Please help me help your child by keeping the lines of
communication open. Email is the quickest way to get in touch with me, but I am more than willing to speak to you on the
phone or in person whenever you need me. I am looking forward to a wonderful semester.
Michelle Sheffield
Please sign and return:
Students Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Parent’s Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Parent’s email address ________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: _________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________