SYLLABUS
Course Description:
The content of the Pre-Calculus standards encompasses mathematical studies focusing on the development of the student's ability to understand and apply the study of functions and advanced mathematics concepts to solve problems. The course will include a study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Pre-Calculus will include instruction using the mathematics process standards, allowing students to engage in problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, communication, and applied learning. Students are expected to use technology, including graphing calculators, computers, and data-gathering equipment throughout the course. The content of this course is aligned with all state and national standards.
Course Content Standards:
https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards-learning/mathematics/standards/scccr-standards-for-mathematics-final-print-on-one-side/
Required Text:
Larson, Ron, Precalculus with Limits, 2th Edition. Davis Drive, Belmont, CA, Cengage Learning, 2011
Online Textbook and Resources:
http://www.cengage.com/us/ (Click SIGN IN, then go to NEW STUDENT)
Login ID: ELPPQXB3PPP61S
Materials:
Each student is expected to attend class with the following materials in their possession. These materials will need to be purchased by the student and/or parent. In the event the student and/or parent cannot provide the following materials, please inform the teacher and/or school for assistance or appropriate accommodations.
-Paper (College-Ruled: Approximately one pack / 250 sheets)
-Three-ringed Binder (1” or 2” recommended)
-Pencils (No.2 traditional or mechanical)
-Pens (Black and red)
-Dividers
Assessment/Calculation of Grades:
Student progress is assessed during each nine-week period over the semester. A student’s progress is reported as a grade based on the South Carolina grade reporting system:
90 to 100% = A 80 to 89% = B 70 to 79% = C 60 to 69% = D 0 to 59% = F
A student must earn a minimum grade of 60% in order to receive credit for this course.
Student progress is cumulatively assessed each nine weeks in the following areas:
Unit Tests and Projects 60%
Daily Grades: Quizzes
Classwork 40%
Homework
Quizzes and unit tests will be given for each unit. All unit tests will be announced at a minimum of two days before they are given. More detail concerning grading policies will be discussed in class.
Tests:
Each student will have the opportunity to complete a test re-take for one major assessment per quarter, not to include a semester or final exam. The test re-take will be averaged with the original score to produce the grade to be entered into the grade book. At the time the original graded assessment is returned, students must decide if they will complete a test re-take. The test re-takes will be given at specific time and place, at the discretion of the teacher, and announced at the time the original assessment is returned. All students wanting to complete a specific test re-take will attend the same re-take session. No make-up tests re-takes will be given.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned at the discretion of the teacher. All homework assignments will be graded for completion and quality of work. Assignments will be posted in the classroom and will be due the following day unless stated otherwise. In the case of an absence, it is your responsibility to find out from the instructor the missed assignment and understand the missed material.
No late homework will be accepted. In the case of an excused absence, the homework grade will be excused. In the case of an unexcused absence or incomplete homework, the student will receive a grade of zero.
Make-Up Policy:
Any missed work (classwork or projects) from an excused absence, must be made up within 5 school days. Arrangements are to be made with the instructor upon the student’s return to class.
If a test has been announced prior to the student’s absence, the student should be prepared to take the test on the first day they return. All missed tests are to be made up before school or after school. It is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher, to make necessary arrangements for make-up work.
Attendance/Tardy Policy:
To receive credit, students may not miss more than 10 days in this class. Refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for more details.
Tardiness will not be tolerated. The class will start when the bell rings. No exceptions. Please arrive on time and be ready to work. If a student arrives late, they will not be allowed into the classroom without a pass from the attendance office. The tardy policy for the 2017-2018 school year is outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook.
Classroom Expectations and Behavior:
Students are expected to follow all J.L. Mann Academy rules, regulations and policies, while in the classroom.
- Eating and chewing gum will not be allowed in the classroom. Students may have a drink in the classroom, as long as the drink has a screw top closure or secured lid.
-Cell Phone / Smart Phone / Tablet use during instruction is prohibited.
-Students will be seated prior to the tardy bell and ready for daily instruction.
-Students will not use foul or slang language in the classroom.
-Students will assist one another and ask questions as necessary in a respectful manner.
-When requesting help or asking questions, students will raise their hand and not talk until called upon.
-Students are asked to use the restroom in between classes or at lunch. If a student needs to use the restroom during class, they are expected to raise their hand and request permission to go to the restroom. Students will take a hall pass and return to class in a quiet and timely manner.
Students are expected to help create and maintain a productive and safe classroom environment. All students are expected to be:
-Respectful to the instructor and their peers
-Attentive and prepared
-Helpful to one another
-Enthusiastic while working
-Determined and motivated to succeed
All students are unique, but the instructor will expect all students to achieve and strive for success.
Students are expected to be attentive and respectful at all times in the classroom environment. At any time that a student is not being attentive, the teacher will correct the student, and at the teacher’s discretion, will take appropriate actions to create a focused and informative environment (i.e. Change a student’s seat, have a parent / student conference). If a student is disruptive or disrespectful to other students or the teacher, at any time, the course of action will be as follows:
1st Offense Verbal Correction
2nd Offense Verbal Correction and Parent Contact
3rd Offense Teacher Detention and Parent Conference
4th or more Offense Student sent to Administrator for further action
Any major disruptions will result in office referrals and/or removal from class.
Electronic Devices:
Students may use their electronic devices in between classes and during lunch. Once the bell has rung to begin class, no student may use their device unless they have been given permission, by the instructor, to do so as part of a lesson or activity. If a student uses their device in class without the permission of the instructor, the student will be corrected and/or disciplined as set forth by the Greenville County School District and J.L. Mann administration.
Daily Routine:
The instructor will develop an instructional plan for each lesson and/or class period. Most days will be structured to promote routines for the students’ benefit. Generally, the daily routine will be:
1. Warm-Up/Beginning Activity: To activate learning, connect previous knowledge, and prepare the students for the current days lesson (Homework, if assigned, will be check during this time)
2. Introduction to Lesson: To introduce, inform, and direct the student in exploring new knowledge and concepts
3. Directed/Guided Instruction: To reinforce knowledge and concepts with teacher guidance
4. Independent Practice and Exploration: To further explore skills and concepts and promote student confidence in the material being covered
5. Reflection/Planning Ahead: To solidify the knowledge and concepts, as well as assign homework and keep students informed of future lessons
Extra Help:
There will be extra help available Thursday afternoons until 4:30. Students will be informed in class if the instructor is unable to provide extra help on specific days. Other help times and tutoring sessions are available, but must be discussed with and approved by the instructor.
Transportation will be provided for bus riders on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays with prior coordination with the instructor.
Communication:
Parents and students are encouraged to contact the teacher with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact me during school hours, but please allow at least twenty-four (24) hours for responses.
Mr. P.M. (Mac) Jones
Phone: 864-355-4795
Email: pajones@greenville.k12.sc.us