Merion Mercy Academy

Course Description and Expectations

Course:  Pre-Calculus A

Teacher:  Mrs. Erin Leeds

School Year:  2005-2006

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 

Topics include functions and graphing, trigonometry, logarithms, probability and statistics, and sequences and series.  Juniors taking this course would take Calculus A in senior year.  Seniors would be preparing for a Calculus course in college.

SUPPLIES:  (All of the following items should be brought to class each day)

·         Textbook:  PreCalculus with Limits, A Graphing Approach, 3^rd ed., Houghton Mifflin, 2001.  (Textbook should be covered at all times)

·         Folder

·         Notebook (divided into two sections – class notes and homework)

·         Graph paper

·         TI-83 plus or TI-84 Graphing calculator

·         Ruler

·         Pencils (All work should be done in pencil!!)

NOTEBOOK: 

• Your notebook is to contain two sections: class notes and homework. If your notebook is complete, you will have everything you need to study for tests. 
• Always take notes in class. You are responsible for anything that appears on the board. Notes should be labeled with the date, section number, page number, and problem number. 
• Never put notes and homework on the same page. Start each homework assignment on a new page and label each homework assignment with the date, section number, page number, and problem number.  This will make referencing for homework quizzes and tests much easier. 
• Read your notes before you begin your homework. Read the notes again as you begin preparations for the test. 
• Please do all of your work in pencil. We all make mistakes, but they are easily corrected in pencil and it's neater.

ATTENDANCE: 

• Daily attendance in class is a crucial factor in your success in mathematics class.
• Try not to miss classes. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to determine what you have missed and to make arrangements with me to make up any announced quizzes or tests. 
• If you are not absent from school but you will not be in class (e.g., field trips) it is your responsibility to advise me about missing class as early as possible. 
• It is imperative that you come to class on time. You must have a pass to be admitted late.

HOMEWORK: 

• Homework will be assigned daily! It may be collected; I may look to see who has it; I may assign points for your effort. 
• Homework quizzes will be given periodically. These quizzes will be open notebook quizzes but you will not be permitted to use textbooks or worksheets. 
• Homework quizzes require you to copy the complete problem and solution (including all work) of several problems assigned during the previous week. The key to doing well on these quizzes is making sure your assignments are neatly done and organized. 
• It is very important that your assignments are dated and labeled with page number and assignment number. We will always spend time going over homework. You are expected to try every problem. If you don't know how to do it, you are expected to copy the problem and write something in an attempt to solve it. 
• Part of your homework is to check odd-numbered problems from the text with the answers in the back of the book before coming to class. 
• Homework is assigned to help you learn. You must do the work when it is assigned. Try your hardest not to fall behind. 
• You may ask other students as well as the teacher for help with questions. This does not mean that you can copy someone else's homework. 
• Make homework corrections. Write them in a different color, or set them off in a column next to each problem. That way you can clearly see the correct solution and your errors.
• Special homework assignments will be given throughout the year to encourage writing and public speaking.  These assignments will be given well in advance of the due date, so use the time wisely, and do not wait until the last minute.

TESTS AND QUIZZES: 

• Some quizzes will be announced; some will be unannounced. 
• The possible points on each quiz will vary depending on length and difficulty. 
• Generally, there will be a major test at the end of each unit. Major tests will be announced in advance, and the day before a test will always be used for review.
• Some tests may have the opportunity for test corrections, where a student can earn up to ¼ of the credit back that she missed.  Students will be notified when tests are handed back if test corrections will be accepted for credit.  Students are always encouraged to meet with me after a test if they have any questions.

GRADING:

 

• Homework, special assignments, quizzes, and tests will be given a grade, not always on a scale of 100 points.  Tests will be worth more points than quizzes and homework.  At the end of the marking period, all earned points will be added up and divided by the total possible points.  This will give a number grade for the marking period, which will then be assigned the equivalent letter grade. 

 EXTRA HELP: 

• If you need extra help, I am available in the mornings from 7:45 – 8:20 in room 234, if you can not make it to school early, please speak to me before or after class so we can arrange a time to meet. If you need to find me, check this room or the main office. 
• If you need to contact me, send email to [email protected]  or call 610-664-6655 ext. 325
• A homework website will be setup and the web address will be announced in class.
• Strict attention to detail and a persistent "never quit" attitude are essential to success in mathematics class.

As the student handbook says, “Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely her own.”  Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.