Last modified: September 10, 2020

Pre Calculus Syllabus

Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement

Welcome!!!

I want all of you to do well and succeed in our class.  I will do my part by being prepared and ready to teach and expect you to come prepared and ready to learn.  I will do all I can to explain concepts clearly and provide you with the necessary practice to be successful in this course.  I hope to provide a classroom where you will feel free to ask questions and make mistakes to increase your understanding.  Please make sure you are familiar with the policies of this class so you will know what you need to do to achieve your goals.

Learning Expectations

A learning target page is given to each student at the beginning of the chapter.  It includes Success Criteria and assignment problems to help them check their own learning.

Assessment of Progress

Assessments will be given at the end of each Unit. We will have at least one day to review for each assessment.  You will have a chance to show mastery of any learning target and improve your score by doing well on the term test at the end of each term.  The term test will count as a test but can also replace a low-test score for the term.

Test dates and Learning Targets with Success Criteria are given to students at the beginning of each chapter

Course Materials

What materials do I need for class EVERYDAY?

Everyone will need a folder or binder that you must bring to class EVERY DAY.  Use this to organize your notes, assignments, and tests.  We take notes every day so bring something to write with.

Textbooks Pre-Calculus:   College Algebra 4th Edition, By Stewart, Redlin and Watson

College Trigonometry 5th Edition, By Aufmann, Barker and Nation

Scientific Calculator is required for this course.

(You can purchase one on your own or rent one from the school for $5)

Graphing Calculator is optional but recommended for this course.

(You can purchase one on your own or rent one from the school for $20.)

Classroom Procedures

Class Rules:

Respect, Self, Others and Property.
Eating in class is ok if it is dry food (gum is wet J) or a drink with a lid.  If it is distracting anyone in the class (including yourself and the teacher) you will be asked to put it away.
Be ready to start class when the bell rings… you are tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings.  Come to class prepared with your own supplies.
Be involved in classroom activities.
Electronic devices such as cell phones, I-pods, headphones are not allowed in the classroom.  Inappropriate items will be confiscated.  Please don’t bring use them during class time.
NEVER GIVE UP!  If you are determined, then you can succeed at anything.  Come in and see me when something in class doesn’t make sense to you or any other questions.  I’ll work with you!  You can’t be afraid to fail, it’s the only way you succeed.
Hall passes.  If you ask to go while I am teaching I will say no, so plan ahead.  Each student needs to be responsible and use the time wisely when they leave.  I will limit privileges if I feel you are taking advantage!
Academic Integrity: Do your own work.  Working together and helping each other is encouraged on homework.  Quizzes and Tests must be done alone, no help from others.
If you are caught cheating in any way you will be given a zero and parents and administrators will be notified.

Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments

Due dates for each chapter test as well as end of term exams are listed on Learning Target page that students are given at the beginning of each chapter.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

How will I be graded?

20% Homework

DO HOMEWORK WELL and ON TIME.  In math, every day builds on the information given the day before.  If you keep up with the homework, you will keep up with the class.

Each assignment will be stamped the next class period after the material is taught.  I will stamp your homework for completion when it is due.  Turn it in before the test and correct the problems you missed.  Assignments are worth 10 points if on time, 7 points if turned in late but before the test.  Homework will be turned in the day of the test.  Homework turned in after the day of the test will only count for 5 points and must be turned in before the term test.

If you want to do well on homework you need to take good notes.  If you want to do well on test, complete homework!

5% Quizzes

Quizzes will be given at the BEGINNING OF CLASS.  If you are tardy or absent you will miss a quiz.  You cannot makeup, quizzes however I will drop your 3 lowest quiz scores at the end of the term.

75% Assessments

Assessments will be given at the end of each Unit. We will have at least one day to review for each assessment.  You will have a chance to show mastery of any learning target and improve your score by doing well on the term test at the end of each term.  The term test will count as a test but can also replace a low-test score for the term.

Connecting Home to School

How to contact me:

E-mail is the preferred way to contact me: territ@provo.edu

You can call the school and leave a message with the secretary and I will call you when school is over.   Please do not call my extension during school hours.  After school call 221-9720 ext. 3616.

It is your responsibility to check your grades regularly on PowerSchool.

Personal Statement and other items (optional)

How can I do well in this class?

BE HERE!  Attendance will make a difference in your grade; the information you learn in class is going to help you on your homework and tests.  Even missing one-day hurts in math class so, I suggest you come!

Attendance:  Missing class will affect your grade as it is easy to get behind and difficult to catch up.  Truancies, tardies, and absences will all affect your progress.  You may earn an extra 2% by having no tardies and at most one excused absence per term.