Honors Precalculus – 468101H
Course Syllabus
2012 – 2013
Course Basics
Instructor: Mr. Im
Email: yim@cps.edu
Phone: 773-535-1350
Schedule: Class periods are 4th and 7th
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 3:15-4:30
Course Description
Pre-Calculus is the study of a variety of topics necessary to succeed in Calculus. These topics include, but are
not limited to, various functions, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, vectors, matrices, determinants and
probability. Some topics may be reviewed at a new or greater depth. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing
and interpreting a functions behavior.
Class Profile
Precalculus is a math course. Students will receive 0.5 credits per semester towards their math graduation
requirements.
Primary Text
Larson, Ron, Hostetler, Robert P., and Edwards, Bruce H. Precalculus With Limits: A Graphing
Approach. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005.
Scope and Sequence
Unit
Unit Title
Date
1
Trigonometric Function
Sept. 4 – Oct. 2 (21 Days)
2
Analytic Trigonometry
Oct. 3 – Oct. 23 (15 Days)
3
Functions and Their Graphs
Oct. 24 – Nov. 30 (24 Days)
4
Polynomial & Rational Functions
Dec. 3 – Jan. 24 (28 Days)
5
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Jan. 28 – Feb. 22 (18 Days)
6
Linear Systems and Matrices
Feb. 25 – Mar. 28 (29 Days)
7
Topics in Analytic Geometry
April 15- May 1 (13 Days)
8
Limits and an Introduction to Calculus
May 2- June 5 (24 Days)
Learning Targets
This course will focus on mastery of the next generation math standards and the College Readiness Standards
for math, including functions, graphical representations, and utilizing the unit circle. This course will focus on
Common Core State Standards for math, specifically explaining how the unit circle in the coordinate plane
enables the extension of trigonometric functions as it relates to real numbers.
Tests/Quizzes
Tests are generally given at the end of a unit and at the teacher’s discretion. Often students will be provided with a study guide or
practice exam prior to a test. Historically, students that work diligently on the study guide perform well on the exam. Quizzes are
also given regularly in various forms including in-class projects and in standard quiz forms. There is absolutely NO TALKING
during a test or quiz. If you have a question, please direct it to Mr. Im. Talking will be considered an act of cheating, resulting in
your test/quiz being confiscated and you receiving a zero for that assessment.
If there is an exam scheduled on the day that you have a field trip, you should make arrangements ahead of time to take the exam.
Make-up exams are only given if you have a legitimate absence. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements upon
returning from an absence to make up a quiz or test. If arrangements are not made within 1 day, students will not be allowed to make
up the exam and will receive a zero.
Summative assessments will be given at the end of each unit. These will be open-ended tests covering content and College Readiness
skills. A variety of formative assessments will also be given throughout the year and may include quizzes, homework, and projects.
Quizzes will be given at the end of each week to assess the student’s weekly progress. Homework will be given every night in order
for the student to practice the concepts learned in class.
Grading Scale
Category
Quizzes, Classwork
Final Exam, Projects
Homework
Participation
Total
Percentage
30%
50%
10%
10%
100%
A
B
C
D
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
F
0-
59
Homework Policy
Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. Bring a red pen in order to make corrections on the homework the following day.
Homework will be collected after corrections are made. Late homework is worth 50%, and it is expected that the late work will be
turned in before the unit test. Keep in mind that if you consistently turn in homework late, your grade for this category will be 50%,
which will likely lead to a failing grade. In case of excused absences make sure to bring in a note in order to receive full credit for the
missing assignments.
How to Be Successful in This Class
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Attend class on a regular basis and be prepared to learn and do your best
Complete the bell ringers diligently
Take neat and organized notes as instructed by your teacher
Ask questions – it is ok to not know something and you are most likely not the only person with the same question
Take risks and attempt even the most difficult problems – it is ok to make mistakes, as we often learn best by working
through our errors
Do your homework every night
Since 40% of your grade is tests, give yourself enough time to study for them
Prepare for exams/quizzes by redoing problems from your bell ringers, notes/classwork, homework, and/or tests and quizzes.
In addition, use the reviews at the back of each chapter in the textbook for additional problems
If a study guide or practice test is given, complete every problem, as they are very similar to the actual test problems
Attend tutoring if you are having trouble grasping a concept
Gradebook
Students are expected to take responsibility for their grade. It is important to spend time on this class daily. Feel free to confide in
your instructor if you are having difficulty and need extra help or tutoring. You are probably not alone, so do not feel embarrassed.
Students should keep an organized binder, stay aware of assignment and project due dates and check their overall average regularly on
gradebook.
School Policies
Respect for one another and classroom decorum will be maintained at all times. Students are expected to adhere to the
Chicago Public Schools Uniform Discipline Code and Kenwood Policy of conduct regarding academics, behavior and dress.
The following policies will be consistently enforced to ensure that every student receives the instructional time and atmosphere
that he/she deserves.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Wear ID at all times.
Students will not be allowed to wear coats, hats, or other items that are on the Kenwood list of prohibited dress.
Students may not leave the classroom for any reason during the first ten minutes and last ten minutes of class.
Respect all property. (School property including desks, personal property, and other’s property)
Respect all ideas given in class and do not criticize anybody’s ideas or thoughts.
One bathroom pass per quarter will be issued to students. Students should use the restroom before class and return before
the bell rings. If students are late they will have to get a tardy pass. (This is not a suggestion it is a rule.)
7. Cheating and/or plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated. Evidence of such will result in a grade of zero on the
assignment or exam.
8. Cell phones and other electronic devises must be turned off or silenced during class and placed out of sight. Phones may not
be visible during exams and can not be used as a calculator. Cell phones that are visible or heard will be confiscated and a
detention will be issued.
9.
Eating and drinking is not permitted in the classroom at any time.
Classroom Policy
Students are expected to follow the Kenwood Academy Code of Conduct. This is a learning environment.
Anything that distracts from the learning process will not be tolerated and handled appropriately.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Arrive on time with all materials (pencils, binders, textbook, calculator etc.). Students should be in class when the tardy bell
rings and seated within 30 seconds after the tardy bell.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Work during all work times (i.e. stay on task).
Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
Respond immediately to the attention signal.
Use appropriate levels of conversation.
*Sequence of Consequences for Classroom Violations
1.
2.
3.
4.
Verbal Warning/Loss of Participation Points
Student-Teacher Conference
Parent Phone Call/ Conference
Referral to Dean/Detention
*Severe disruptive behavior/infractions may warrant a referral and/or detention as the first course of action and is at the discretion of
the teacher.
Attendance Policy
Students are responsible for finding out what they missed either from a friend or from the teacher, on their own time (not during class
time). No class time will be spent on anything related to an absence, including making up work or tests. Class is about moving
forward, not catching up, therefore students are expected to make up work on their own time.
Mr. Im’s Schedule:
M/Tu/Th/F
Wed
Per 1
Advisory
Per 2
Advisory
Per 3
Per 4
Per 5
Per 6
Per 7
Per 8
8:00-8:50
8:50-8:57
9:01-9:51
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9:5510:45
10:4911:39
11:4312:33
12:371:27
1:312:21
2:253:15
Room
319
Room 319
Prep-314
----------
Room
318
Room
318
Lunch
Prep314
Room
319
Room
319
8:00-8:45
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8:49-9:34
9:38-10:21
11:1411:59
12:0312:48
12:521:37
1:412:26
2:303:15
Room
319
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Prep-314
Room 318
Room
318
Lunch
Prep314
Room
319
Room
319
10:2511:10
Room
318