Course Outline for Pre-Calculus
Mr. Purser
The purpose of this course outline is to help us develop a good working relationship.
It lets you know where we are headed and what is expected of you.
Texts: Precalculus with Limits, Houghton Mifflin, 1997
Course Description: Pre-Calculus is an algebraic approach to the basic concepts of calculus. We will study graphing, functions, trigonometry, systems of equations, probability, geometry, and limits. This is a lecture-based course, with an emphasis on student involvement, that will prepare you for your first course in calculus.
Prerequisites: A letter grade of ‘A’ in Algebra II, or ‘A’ or ‘B’ in Honors Algebra II is recommended in order to be successful in this course.
Grading Policies: Grades will be determined by the accumulation of points throughout each semester. Points will be earned from homework assignments, quizzes, tests, activities, a midterm, and a final examination. Grades are available on Aeries after every test. Grades will be determined by the following percentages and will be weighted as follows:
100-90%
89-80%
79-70%
69-60%
A
B
C
D
Graded Homework
Quizzes
Tests
Final
2 points per assignment + a check’mark’
5 – 50 points per quiz
100 points per test
200 points
59-0% F
Most assignments will be started at the end of the period, and any portion not completed will be deemed as homework and is due at the beginning of the next day’s class. Assignments will be inspected or collected, 1 point received for using time efficiently, and 1 point for completion. If by the end of the semester, you are missing no more than six homework assignments, meaning 12 homework points, your grade will be raised to the next half letter grade. Example: C+

B-. If by the end of the semester you are missing more than twelve assignments, meaning 24 homework points, your grade will be dropped half a letter grade. Example: B-

C+. This, of course is a privilege, not a right.
Excessive tardies, bad attitude, poor participation, cheating etc could dissuade my decision to raise your letter grade.
Assignments: Assignments are due by their assigned date. There will be no late assignments accepted. Students with cleared absences will have an extra day for every day they are absent. Missed tests or quizzes will be made up on the day of return.
You have three days to make up a test, then its score is entered as a zero.
Tutoring: Your teacher is available for tutoring before school EVERYDAY, and after school Mondays.
Make arrangements ahead of time.
Citizenship: Numerous absences, tardies and poor behavior will adversely affect your citizenship grade.
Student Responsibilities: Self motivation is the key to learning. A teacher can only guide a student, he cannot “force” a student to learn. In order to maintain a sound learning environment, the following rules have been established:
Classroom Rules
1. Be quietly in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
2. Bring materials to class: book, paper, pen or pencil and homework.
3. Respect the property of the school and others.
5. Put your phones away!
4. Don’t let your actions result in disruption of the classroom.
Violations and Consequences
1
2
3
4 st Offence = A verbal warning. nd rd th
Offence = A 25 minute after school detention.
Offence = A 40 minute after school detention.
Offence = A referral.
At detention, the student will be required to write the rules and consequences 4 times for every 15 minutes of detention.
Cheating Policy: Any student caught cheating in the class may receive an “F” grade and a “U” in citizenship for the entire semester.
Examples: stealing tests, unauthorized cheat sheets, cheating on test make-ups, using unauthorized electronic devices.
Cell phone usage: My suggestion is KEEP YOUR PHONE IN YOUR BACKPAPCK DURING THIS CLASS.
Any phones or personal devices out during lecture and homework, will cost you points towards your homework and test grades. Any phones or personal devices present during tests and quizzes will be assumed to be use for cheating purposes and WILL affect your scores GRAVELY! Please make sure they are put away during tests and quizzes.
Web site: Lecture notes, homework assignments, and lab activities are available online. Please make use of these resources,
BUT DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE! The website can be accessed by typing ‘Apple Valley Unified School District’ in your search engine, navigate to the Granite Hills icon in the ‘Our Schools’ tab, navigate to Mr Purser in the ‘Staff 
Teacher’s Websites’ tab.
(Please detach and return this portion.)
I have read the Pre-Calculus class guidelines. I understand them and will abide by them.
______________________________ ______________________________ _______________ __________
(Print Your Name) (Sign your name) (Date) (Period)
____________________________________________
(Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature)