Course Syllabus

Pre-calculus  /  AP Pre-calculus

Mr. John McCarragher   aka “Mr. Mac”

817-744-2101                                                               

John.mccarragher@kellerisd.net

N306
 

Course Description

Pre-calculus combines the trigonometric, geometric, and algebraic techniques needed to prepare students for the study of calculus, and strengthens students’ conceptual understanding of problems and mathematical reasoning in solving problems. Facility with these topics is especially important for students intending to study calculus, physics, and other sciences, and/or engineering in college. 

For this Pre-calculus course, instructional time will focus on at least these critical areas: (1) extended work with algebra II including quadratics (2) extend work with complex numbers; (3) expand understanding of logarithms and exponential functions; (4) use characteristics of polynomial, conic and rational functions to sketch graphs of those functions; (5) unit circle and trigonometric identities/functions; and (6) perform operations with vectors. 

A graphing calculator is required for some homework, but will not always be allowed for use in class.  Students will be required to complete most work without the use of a calculator or other electronic devices.  We have a class set of calculators for use at school, but they cannot be checked out for home use, or use outside of the classroom.

Expectations

You are expected to:

• Treat your campus, staff, and peers with courtesy and respect.
• Come to school prepared to learn. This includes having your supplies and assignments
• Act responsibly and accept consequences for your actions. Follow the CHS Student Code of Conduct.
• Know and follow all classroom procedures.
• Make sure you keep your parents in the loop of what is going on in class. When I talk with parents, I will tell them what is going on in class. 99% of the time I am teaching what it required, but the student is not doing what is expected of them. (OK so maybe 95% I like to play sometimes too.)

 

Student Materials

• Pencils – all work is to be completed in pencil.
• Pen (any color other than blue or black) – may be used for grading or quick fix items.
• Graph paper – as needed
• Note taking supplies (composition, spiral - student preference)
  2 notebooks required. One for notetaking and one for HW.  The HW notebook may be collected from time to time to be graded.
  The best notebook for notetaking is one with graph paper.  A lot of work in pre-cal involves graphs
  **please note that electronic devices may be used to take note; however, this does not mean students will be allowed to utilize their cellular devices during the class period..
  
  
• The only supply I ask to have for my room is a box of tissue or 2. I buy what I can to share, but it is never enough especially come December/January
  

 

 

 

Notes:

Students will be expected to take notes, and in most cases we will be focused on utilizing a style of note taking referred to as Cornell Notes.  This is a school wide mandate, which will assist students in becoming better prepared for college and assist them in retaining the information they learn each day. 

 

Assignments

Homework is essential in any math class. To be able to master the skills learned in class a student must practice the skills. A student is expected to complete all homework assigned in class on time. There will be designated time during the beginning of class for students to ask any questions on their homework and make corrections.

Homework will rarely be taken for a grade, but content quizzes will be given over a few homework assignments to check for understanding.  (For most students if you do not do the homework, you will not pass the test, this is not a threat, just an observation from the past 10 years of Pre-Calculus)

Progress Reports will be available on Home Access continuously.

Homework will be given accordingly at the discretion of the teacher. Our aim is for our students’ grades to be reflective of the material they know.

Grading
60% Major (Exams, projects)                                       
40% Minor/Quiz (Content quizzes, “old school” quizzes, etc.)

Retaking Policy

Any student who earns less than a 70 on a major grade has 5 school days to complete the reassessment (including any absences during that time). Retest deadlines will be posted in the classroom after each exam. In order to complete a retest, students are required to complete all homework pertaining to the current unit (if they haven’t already done so), attend at least one tutorial session to complete test corrections and an additional session to retest for a maximum grade of 70. Many times, more than one tutorial session is required to complete test corrections. Please allow for this amount of time when planning your retest. If any of the aforementioned criteria are not met, a retest will not be granted.

Students are allowed only one retest for each failed grade. Reassessments are only allowed on major assessments.

If a major project is turned in late, then the assignment will not be considered for a retaking opportunity.

Absent Work

When you are absent, it is your responsibility to get all missed notes and assignments. Check with a peer or the class website for the assignments. According to CHS policy students are allowed two class sessions per day absent in order to complete makeup assignments.

Late Work

Students are expected to turn in their assignments on the day an assignment is due. However, in the event a student turns an assignment in late, 30 points will be deducted for the first day past the due date.(Due today, but turned in tomorrow is automatically a 70)  A 50 point deduction will incur on the second day past the due date. After this point, the assignment will receive no credit. (Assignment must still be completed if a retest is required or requested regardless of grade assigned)

 

Tutorials

Tutorials are many things. They are an opportunity for students to catch up on absent work, an opportunity to clarify understanding, an opportunity to reassess and more. Unfortunately, with tutorials meaning such a variety of things to different students, tutorials cannot guarantee one-on-one instruction.

Math Lab

A few weeks after the start of school there will be a Math Lab available before/after school from Mon-Thurs 8:00am-820am and 3:45pm-4:45pm.  The lab is in my classroom and is run by students in the Math Honor Society (Mu Theta Alpha).   Students who work in the lab will be asked to sign up to work the lab, but may not always be available.  Especially before AP testing and Final Exams.

I officially offer tutorials on Mondays and Wednesdays barring any outside conflicts (faculty meetings, duty, etc.). I am available in the afternoon  from 3:41 – 4:30pm.  On non-scheduled tutorial days/times, if my door is open, students are welcome to stop in and check my availability for additional tutorials. However, on non-scheduled days, I am unable to stay beyond 4:15pm.