Academic Plan Pre-Calculus (UW Math 120) Shorecrest High School, Fall Semester 2015 Teacher: Matt Gallagher Room: M-309 Phone: (206) 393-6242 (only after 2:30pm) Email: matthew.gallagher@shorelineschools.org Website: http://learn.shorelineschools.org/shorecrest/mgallagher/index.php Welcome to Pre-Calculus! This is going to be a great year! I will be working closely with both students and parents to create a successful year for all of us. Below you will find some helpful information about our class and expectations for our classroom: Textbook: 1) Precalculus Collingwood and Prince (University of Washington Math 120 course book) Note: The UW book can be obtained by: Downloading a free pdf from http://www.math.washington.edu/~m120/ Asking me to email you a copy of the free PDF. Or, purchasing a printed copy for a fee (usually ~$30) at: Professional Copy and Print 4200 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105 2) Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, Addison-Wesley, 2011 (in-class only) Course Summary: This course will help you to further develop your problem solving skills and mathematical endurance to prepare you for Calculus and other college level mathematics courses. The class is modeled after the University of Washington Pre-Calculus (Math 120) class, with the intention of giving you an introduction to the culture and rigor of a typical college math class. The graphing calculator will be an integral part of your learning process as you strengthen your understanding of the connections between algebraic, verbal, graphic and numeric representations of mathematical situations. You will also work on increasing your ability to understand written math explanations and to write and orally explain mathematical reasoning. You will be expected to work independently and with others. It is common to spend an hour or more doing one problem from the UW text. Students learn by active participation; it is very unusual for a student to learn simply by watching the instructor. There is a significant increase in student autonomy and responsibility in Pre-Calculus. Students will be expected to address confusion immediately and always be looking for ways that they can delve deeper into the topics presented. Power Standards cultivated in UW Precalculus Concepts/Themes Power Standards Approximate Time Frame The behavior of functions I can identify the function type by its equation. I can apply functions and identify their properties in math and real-world situations.
Behavior of functions, cont. I can compare and contrast the different function types, their uses, and properties. Function transformation and composition I can examine and apply the basic transformations in math and real-world situations. I can compose two functions with one another. I can find the inverse of a function and find the domain and range of both function and inverse. Trigonometry I can solve problems involving measures in triangles using trigonometric functions. I can identify the properties of trigonometric functions, their inverse functions, and their graphs. I can work with trigonometric functions in both angle and radian measure. Periodic functions I can apply trigonometric functions as general periodic functions of real numbers. I can use transformations of trigonometric functions, their properties, and their graphs to model and solve a variety of problems. Required Materials: Each student is expected to bring his/her ipad, calculator, and spiral notebook to class every day. You will learn how to solve many problems on a scientific and/or graphing calculator**. You are strongly encouraged to obtain a scientific calculator (my personal favorite: TI-30XS Multi View for approx. $16). The UW Math 120 website also lists the TI-30X IIS as their recommended scientific calculator. Graphing calculators (i.e. TI-83 or 84) are discouraged for use in class and at home.** A class set of scientific calculators are accessible for students who do not have their own. If you are having trouble obtaining a calculator, please let me know. **On the University of Washington final exam in June, which all students will take, a scientific calculator is required. No graphing calculators will be allowed on tests (per UW rules). I encourage students to purchase their own scientific calculator for home use, so they can learn how to use it throughout the year. Ipad and iphone calculators are acceptable for use on problem sets but not learning checks, quizzes, or tests.
Next year, in AP Calculus, a graphing calculator is allowed on all tests, including the AP Calculus exam in May. Who Should Take This Course: This class is designed for students who have achieved at least a B in Algebra 2. If students have achieved lower than that in Algebra 2, they need to be prepared to put in the extra work outside of class to be successful. Earning College Credit: Note that ALL students will be completing the same assignments and tests, regardless of their intentions to pursue college credit. In order to obtain 5 credits in Math 120 at the University of Washington (in addition to your Shorecrest High School credits), you need to: 1) Be in Grades 10-12 (per WA State Legislature); 2) Pay $369 in tuition by October 31, 2015 (forms available in my classroom and on website); 3) Obtain a passing grade (D or higher) using the UW grading percentages below: Cumulative Final Exam (end of the year) 40% Chapter Tests & Quizzes 35% Homework Effort 15% Homework Learning Checks 5% Participation 5% Note that these percentages are different than the percentages (listed below under Grading Policy ) used to obtain your Shorecrest High School Grade. Your UW grade is only relevant if you have applied for UW credit, and it will not show up on your Shorecrest report card or transcript. I will give you regular updates on your UW grade throughout the year. Information about the UW in the High School program in general can be found at http://www.uwhs.washington.edu. UW recommends that students register for college credit if they expect to earn at least a 2.5 in the class, although credit will be awarded for any grade earned in the 0.7 4.0 range. Assignments: In general, assignments will be given each class period. It is expected that you will have completed each assignment to the best of your ability when you arrive at the next regularly scheduled class. Some problems in this course may look routine and repetitive when, in fact, they have a novel twist so it is important that you work on every problem. Because the math conceptual level is much higher and the pacing is quicker in this course you will be much more comfortable and will learn more if you participate and complete assignments consistently. Homework Grading: If you have adequately attempted ALL parts of the assignment and have shown your work, you will receive 5 points credit for completion. We will go over any questions you have in class and thoroughly discuss the assignment every day. Late homework will be given a maximum of 3 out of 5 points. Late homework may be checked for accuracy, as you will have had ample time to correct your work during class. All late homework must be turned in prior to a unit test on the material. Homework accuracy will also be assessed through small homework-check type quizzes (we will call them Learning Checks) covering the same topics as the homework assignments. These homework checks are open-note and students who have finished and corrected their work will find these quizzes quite straightforward. Make Up Work, Absences, and Tardies: Parents: It is imperative that you excuse any absences or tardies within 5 days of the absence/tardy with the Shorecrest Attendance Office (393-4294). No tests or quizzes can be made up due to an unexcused absence. If you miss class just once on the day before a test, you will still take the test on the day you return when everyone else in class takes it.
For all excused absences, make-up work will be accepted for full credit if you talk to me about it immediately when you return to class. If you forget to show me your assignment on the day after an absence, that assignment will be considered late. (More time is allowed for extended absences.) New concepts will be introduced that build on one another. Missing classes periodically or for an extended period of time will make learning this material much more difficult. If you are gone, use the website and homework list to stay caught up if possible. There are example problems in each section that will assist you in understanding the concepts you have missed. Tardies: Our Pre-Calc class adheres to Shorecrest s Tardy Policy, effective September 2014. Specifics are detailed in the Student Handbook. It s important to note that at the 5th tardy, there are consequences, as in 45 minute detention! Test Retakes: You may retake ONE test per semester if you want to learn more and raise your grade. The new score (x) will be weighted twice as much as the old score (y) and divided by 3 to determine the new weighted average score you will be given. score = You may retake a test if the following conditions are met by the time of the scheduled retake: Help was obtained to relearn the material. You completed and corrected the test review worksheet or packet. You entirely reworked any problem on which you missed points on the original test. You showed work on these corrections, and explained what you did incorrectly the first time. You have arranged a time to take the retake with the teacher and you arrive on time. Math Mastery Skills: The Shoreline School District has compiled a document listing basic math skills essential to your education. There will be 2-3 mastery tests covering material that you will be expected to complete perfectly. You will be able to take as many versions of each mastery test as needed until you get 100%. You will earn test points based on how many attempts it takes you to pass each mastery test. Though you must eventually get 100% of the questions correct, you cannot receive 100% of the points after multiple attempts. To earn a passing grade in SC Pre-Calculus, you must successfully complete the mastery tests and have at least a 60% overall average. If you do not reach mastery by the end of the semester you will receive a NC (no credit) if you have at least 60% otherwise. 2x +y 3 Grading Scale: 93% A 90% A- 87% B+ 83% B 80% B- 77% C+ 73% C 70% C- 67% D+ 60% D 0%-59.9% F Shorecrest Math Credit Grade Weighting: 65%: Tests & Quizzes 10%: Final Exam 20%: Assignments (Homework Effort & Accuracy Checks) 5%: Participation (Engagement in lesson daily, vocal participation in group and whole class discussions, tutoring hours complete (see below)) Students must also complete four 25 minute tutoring sessions with an Algebra 2 student each semester. Algebra 2 topics are generally the same topics as Pre-Calculus, but at a lower level.
Tutoring will help you review and solidify the basics of the concepts you are learning in this class. Tutoring hours make up the participation portion of your overall grade (5%). Shorecrest Harassment Policy: Shorecrest High School is a place where all students are safe to learn without threat of violence or concern for safety. Shorecrest adheres to a strict zero tolerance policy regarding harassment of any form between students, faculty, and staff. Students and staff who experience or witness harassment of any form at Shorecrest should report the incident to an SC adult that you trust, or if you prefer, our point person on harassment incidents, Lane Loland, Dean of Students. You may also fill out a harassment incident report that is available in the security office, online, main office, or with your counselor. Do your own work on tests and homework. There are times when I want you to collaborate and to figure things out with others; there are also times when I need to know how you are doing. You need to know how you are doing too. Shorecrest s Honesty Policy is enforced in our class. Consequences for these violations are worse than any bad grade. Copying homework or letting another student copy your work is considered a violation of this policy. Technology Rules: ipads can only be out of case when directed by teacher. No music/headphone use unless otherwise directed by the teacher. Cell phones must not be seen or heard at anytime. Resources for Help: You can find me between classes, most lunches, and before or after school, and during Highlander Home movement days (with purple passes), or talk to me about setting up a time that s mutually agreeable. Other tips that students have found useful: study groups of 2-6 students that meet regularly, Math Night (starting in October), and getting set up with an AP Calculus or NHS student who knows Pre-Calc and also has a tutoring obligation. On my website: Course information, Online grades, Homework assignments, Links to helpful websites, Important announcements, Extra Handouts / Extra Graph Paper *****NOTE to PARENTS OR GUARDIANS: Please fill out the information on the response page and return it to me by September 23 rd. I use Skyward Family Access to pull emails so please let me know if you regularly use a different email. I will save the address and use it as needed to communicate with you about your student. Please don t hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns I welcome the opportunity to communicate with you. Thank you for reading the academic plan and returning the attached form. Sincerely, Matt Gallagher
Math Academic Plan Acknowledgment/Info: I have read and understand the Pre-Calculus Academic Plan. Student Name: Student Signature: Parent Name: Parent Signature: I have access to email at home. YES NO My student: Already has a scientific calculator (has trig functions) Intends to buy a scientific calculator very soon. Will talk to Mr. Gallagher about checking out a scientific calculator out from the school. Please print clearly in the boxes below: Parent or Guardian #1 Name: Parent or Guardian #2 Name: Daytime phone number: Daytime phone number: Evening phone number: Evening phone number: E-mail address: E-mail address: **Please only give me phone numbers and email addresses that you would like me to use to communicate with you. I have the following questions or comments about the academic plan: How would you prefer that I contact you? Please return this form by Oct 9. Thank you! I really look forward to the upcoming year with your child!!