Students: Please read the course syllabus and share it with your parents. Then you and your parents should sign
the last page. Please return this sheet by Friday, August 8, 2014.
Pre AP Pre-Calculus Syllabus
Instructor:
Instructor E-mail:
Instructor Phone:
Conference Period:
Ms. Susan Patterson
SUpatterson@uplifteducation.org
817.287.5121
9:35 – 11:05 Tuesdays and Fridays
Course Description
This is a high school course that meets MYP Aims and Objectives and satisfies the State of Texas’s TEKS
mathematics and prepares students to continue their study of math in AP Calculus. The course attempts to
incorporate the IB fundamental concepts of holistic learning, intercultural awareness and communications, in
that connections between mathematics and other subjects are emphasized. The cultural aspects are shown in that
mathematics is embedded in all cultures. Finally, students are expected to be able to show what they know if a
variety of manners.
The IB learner profile is used as a guide in developing and implementing the curriculum. Being a mathematics
course, an emphasis is placed on developing inquirers and thinkers while trying to have students reflect upon
what they have learned.
Units of Study
•Foundations for Functions
•Triangles
•Trigonometric Functions
•Trigonometric Identities
•Probability and Statistics
•Parent Functions
•Parametric Functions
•Polar Functions
•Conics
•Sequences and Series
Pre-Calculus is a course designed for students who have successfully completed the Algebra II with
Trigonometry course. This course is considered to be a prerequisite for success in Calculus. Algebraic,
graphical, numerical, and verbal analyses are incorporated during investigations of the Pre-Calculus content
standards. Parametric equations, polar relations, vector operations, conic sections, and limits are
introduced. Content also includes an expanded study of polynomial and rational functions, trigonometric
functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and real-life applications of these topics.
Course Objectives
In this course students will:





Write, evaluate, and analyze various types of functions,
Solve, graph and apply trigonometric functions and identities
Understand the relationship between numerical properties and complex numbers,
Master the use of graphical calculators for the purpose of statistical data and regression
Begin to develop the relationship between conic sections, Euclidean geometry, and Calculus.
Primary Textbook
PreCalculus: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, or an online version of the textbook.
Required Materials
3-ring binder to store handouts and homework
Pencils and Erasers
Ruler
Mechanical Pencils with Erasers
1 Spiral Notebook of Graph Paper (notes)
Computer Paper
Loose-leaf College Ruled Paper
Scientific Calculator (graphing calculator is preferred)
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes. However because of illness, appointments, and other conflicts, it is
understood that sometimes absences may occur. Students are responsible for all missed work, notes,
assignments, tests, quizzes, and any other information missed. Students are given 2 (two) full days after
returning to class to turn in makeup work. For example, if a student misses class on Monday and returns
Tuesday, they have until Thursday to turn in the makeup the work. If a student misses class notes, they are
responsible for copying the notes from the PowerPoint slides located online and copying the notes from
classmates. Once they have the class notes, they can meet with the instructor for further explanation.
If a student misses class on a test day, they are expected to take the test the day they return to school.
Arrangements need to be made for the make-up test with the instructor as soon as possible. This can be done in
person or through e-mail. If a student missed class on the day of a review, they are not expected to take the test
when they return. They are given the same amount of time they missed to make-up the test. Students are urged
to meet with the teacher to review the material that will be tested before taking the test. If a student misses a
class on the day of a project, they will have to complete the project on their own, but will have the number of days
they were absent from class to complete the project. If a student is absent from class on a day where a video is
shown, the video will be made available to them online.
Homework
Homework problems, as well as all assignments should be done in pencil only. Homework should
be completed neatly, following the rubric outlined in the classroom. On each assignment, your name, the date,
page number, and lesson should be printed neatly at the top of each page. Each homework problem should be
numbered in ascending numerical order. Failure to follow directions will result in a loss of homework points.
Homework is not optional.
Class Notes
It is imperative that students take notes during the lecture. Also I will give many examples in class that are not
on the online notes, so it’s important that students take notes during class for those examples. Handouts and
homework should be placed in the 3-ring binder for easy review. Please let me reiterate, taking notes in class
is not an option. Students need to copy down everything from examples problems to definitions. Students will
turn in their class notes with their homework notebook, which will be graded for completion, accuracy, and
neatness. Please refer to the grading rubric for homework and class notes.
Grading Policy
Grading is done on a point system reflecting MYP Criterion and a percentage system. The point system will
reflect the thoroughness of the completion of the assignment. The point system will then be converted into a
percentage system. Each assignment is assigned a point value and students’ grades are determined by the
number of points they have earned divided by the total points able to be earned on an assignment. The letter
grades associated with each number of points are as follows:
MYP Criterion
IB/MYP
Scale
Criteria A
and B
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
100 point
scale
100 - 95
94 – 93
92 - 90
89 - 80
79 - 70
69 - 60
59 - 55
54 - 0
IB/MYP
Scale
Criteria C
and D
6
5
4
3
2
1
100 point
scale
100 - 90
89- 80
79 - 70
69 - 60
59 - 50
49 - 0
More information about the Mathematics Criterion breakdown will be found on my website.
Also each category of grades has an assigned percentage.
Homework
Quizzes
20%
20%
Class work
Tests and Exams
20%
40%
Tests, Quizzes, and Projects
Tests are usually given after each chapter has been completed. They include concepts and problems from the
chapter and are worth 100 points. The class period before a test is always designated as a review day, which will
help prepare for the upcoming test.
Quizzes are shorter than test and cover a small amount of material, usually from one to three lessons. There will
not be review days for quizzes so students are expected to be caught up on the material and meet with me if they
have any questions.
Scholars will have the opportunity to redo work in an effort to demonstrate mastery. If a scholar requests a redo
opportunity, they will be required to schedule and attend a tutorial with the instructor prior to redoing the
assessment (common assessments and exit tickets do not fall under this category). The scholar will have two
options to redo an assessment:
1. Retake assessment: scholar may choose to retake an assessment with the understanding that the rigor
will be increased to ensure content mastery; scholar will receive a new grade that will replace their
previous grade
2. Correct mistakes: scholar may choose to correct their mistakes on a separate sheet on paper showing all
their work to receive half of the points missed on their first assessment; for example, if the scholar
receives a 70% on a unit test, they may correct their mistakes with the understanding that the new
highest grade possible is 85%
In order to receive credit for any and all assessments, the scholar must show their work. The instructor may
reference scholar work to understand where the scholar needs additional practice to gain mastery.
For each chapter a project will be assigned. The projects are done during class time with assigned groups.
Students need to work together with their group members to complete the project and are graded not only on the
project but how well they worked with their peers.
Food, Drink, and Trash Policy
Students are not allowed to have food and drink in the classroom. Students are allowed to have water bottles
with a cap. Please always clean your area and throw all trash away before you leave the classroom. Also please
take all of your belongings when you leave the classroom. Do not leave books, book bags, calculators, or any
other personal belongings in the classroom because we do not want them to get lost or accidentally thrown away.
Classroom Decorum
Students are expected to demonstrate courtesy, respect, and honor in class. This includes raising your hand
when you have something to say and respecting the instructor while teaching is taking place. The classroom
should be a fun and educational place, so it is important that we all respect each other to ensure that it remains a
safe and thriving learning environment. If a student decides not respect the learning environment, they will be
given first a verbal warning, then a detention, and finally a call home. If the student continues to be
disrespectful, they will be sent to the office with a referral.
I have read the policies and expectations for the MYP Algebra II class and understand them. If I choose not to
meet these expectations, I am willing to accept the consequences.
Student Printed Name:
__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Printed Name:
__________________________________
Student Signature:
__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:
__________________________________
Date: ________________
Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian: If you have an email address you would like the teacher to use to communicate with you about
your child's progress, please include it here:
__________________________________
Comments/Concerns: