Precalc:  Syllabus

Materials Needed

• Pencils, preferably mechanical.  I have lots of lead you can steal from me.  Assignments done in pen will not be accepted!  You may use pen for notes or any other thing that you don't plan on turning in, but even there I believe pencil is the best writing tool for a math class. Things get messy when you have to keep putting an X through mistakes!

• Paper.  Lined paper is fine for a lot of our work that doesn't involve graphing.  Just make sure that it has holes in it for using in a 3-ring binder.

  • Graph Paper.  I have a small supply and can give you graph paper when needed, but I recommend picking up a stash of your own to use, especially at home.  Additionally, if we have to graph something on the x-y plane (lines, parabola, etc.), then it must be done using graph paper.  Scale, accuracy, and precision are important, and making some "guesses" on regular line paper about the scale of the x-axis just isn't good enough.

• Three-Ring Binder.  Your book should not act as your paper holder!  You need a place to put your notes (if not using a dedicated notebook), handouts, assignments, and returned assessments (tests & quizzes).  A 1" (or larger) binder (with a few dividers in it) should do the trick.  I have a few dividers you can use--first come, first serve.

• TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator.  Chances are, you already have one, or have one from an older sibling.  We will get very familiar with the graphing functions, but will also dig into how to use the TI for matrices, probability/stats, and other uses.  You can use a graphing calculator on sections of standardized tests (ACT, SAT, AP Calc, etc.), so it is important we familiarize ourselves with it.

  • Important note:  The purpose of the graphing calculator is not to use it on basic math.  For example, simple order of operation problems with small integers will be expected to be done without a calculator.  In fact, most of our assessments will be without a calculator.  You will be expected to know things like perfect squares from 1-20 and the corresponding square roots.

• Laptop/Chromebook.  These are, of course, required for all students this year.  Just don't forget to bring it to class!  In particular, we will use these devices for web-based apps like Desmos or Geogebra.

  • Optional:  You can also bring your smartphone or tablet/iPad.  The Desmos app runs pretty well on it in a pinch, but the web-based browser version is much easier to use.

• Ruler/Straight-edge.  While not absolutely essential, we do draw a lot of lines in math!  Having a straight-edge to make them is obviously very helpful, but sometimes just a 3"x5" card will do the trick.

• Mouse--optional, but highly recommended!  Web-apps like Desmos and GeoGebra work so much better with a mouse.  A wireless mouse is cheap (here's an $10 example) and will make your life so much easier.

Grading Policy

Homework Due Dates

I tend to be somewhat flexible regarding homework deadlines. If you genuinely struggle to grasp the material and require additional assistance or time, I am willing to extend the due date. However, if the lack of effort is due to laziness, failure to follow instructions, or inattention during class discussions about the assignment, I will be strict. The consequence will be either a zero or minimal credit for the assignment.

Homework should be completed in pencil, preferably mechanical.  Dull wood pencils make fat lines that can make your work messy.  I will not accept papers written in ink!  Homework assignments must be done on loose-leaf paper, or paper that can be placed in a 3-ring binder.  Points will be lost for paper that still has the “fringes” on it if you're tearing it out of a notebook.  Don’t forget to write your name!

HW Grading

I usually grade homework out of 2 points.  If you get a check mark on your paper, that means you received all 2 points (100%), which is a good thing.  If you receive a check-minus, that means 1 out of 2 (50%).  If I grade any assignment other than out of 2 points, it will be indicated on your paper.

Tests & Quizzes

I will give you partial credit for work done, as long as that work is correct.  If you’ve got no clue as to what you’re doing on a problem and put down a bunch of gibberish, you will get zero credit.  I need to see that you have at least a little understanding of the problem.  Of course, there is no partial credit on multiple choice or other types of problems that require specific answers and little or no work.  (Occasionally, I make an exception to that last rule depending on the problem.)

In general, tests are scored out of 100 points, while quizzes are usually worth half of a test at 50 points.  That means two quizzes is equivalent to a test, and about 25 HW assignments is equivalent to a quiz (since each HW assignment is 2 points a piece).

Projects & Larger Assignments

Some of our learning will be project-oriented this year.  Assignments will usually be around 5-10 points each.

Bonus/Extra Credit

In general, I don’t give bonus assignments.  There are a couple ways, however, for you to still receive bonus points:

1)  Occasionally I will assign more difficult bonus problems on a homework assignment, usually worth an extra point.  You do not lose points for not attempting the problem.

2)  On a test or quiz, I may assign a problem that may require a little more work and thinking “outside of the box.”  Amount of bonus will vary from problem to problem.  You will not lose points if you do not attempt an answer or get the bonus problem wrong.

3)  I usually drop one HW assignment (your lowest score, obviously) each quarter marking period.  While it’s not really bonus, it does tend to boost your grade a little bit.

Participation & Citizenship

You start each quarter with a 5-point participation grade.  You can only lose points from this.  Ways to lose point: Forget your materials (book, binder, pencil, homework, etc.) or screw around in class.  If behave and remember your materials, then you’ll have a nice little cushion for your grade each quarter. 

Your Textbook & Binder

It is very important that you have your book with you every day unless I specify otherwise.  Following along in someone else’s book because you forgot yours is not fair to the person whose book you are borrowing.  Similarly, knowing where to find important info in a textbook (especially math & science) by using glossary, index, appendices, etc. is an excellent skill to develop for future use.  This is hard to do if you constantly forget your book!  Furthermore, this can affect your participation grade (as well as if you forget other important supplies).

I am requiring that all students have a 1" (or larger) 3-Ring Binder in which to organize their class materials.  You need to have dividers in the binder to separate material either by chapter, or by notes/HW/assessments.  Having quick access to your notes & other materials will be of utmost importance.

If you don't want to bring your binder home (or to your locker), I will have a shelf reserved in the room for your class to store their binders.  This will hopefully cut down on clutter in your bookbag/locker, and also allow me to do graded binder checks every once in a while.

Absence Policy

If you are absent due to illness, the school policy allows an additional day to submit assignments for each day of absence. It is your responsibility to gather information on missed work from PowerSchool, Google Classroom, classmates, or by contacting me (preferably at jdefauw@cardinalmooney.org). I will endeavor to post all assignments online as they are assigned, if not earlier. To prevent falling behind, it is advisable to complete assignments promptly, even if you are sick for several days.

Should you be absent on a test or quiz day, you must arrange a make-up test as soon as possible. The best initial step is to email me your availability. To minimize missing more class material, it is preferable to take make-up assessments outside of class time, such as before or after school, during PowerHour, or at lunchtime.

Explanation of Symbols

From time to time you will see the following symbols on an assignment or test/quiz after I have graded and returned it to you.  This is your key as to what those symbols represent: 

• HW—homework

• cw—copied problem wrong from book

• co—check odds

• sm—steps missing in your work 

• See Red—look for red pen in your returned work; check and correct, as needed

Contact Info

Email is jdefauw@cardinalmooney.org.  If you want to talk in person, by phone, or via Google Meet (or other video conferencing app), emailing first to set up a time is your best bet.  You can also call my school phone at (810) 765-8825 ext. 34.  Please leave a message if I am unable to answer the phone.

Navigating This Website

I will continue to post regular assignments on Google Classroom (with official grades for them on PowerSchool).

I will use this site for the more web-based learning materials that we will use.  You see that there is a Resources & Links page specifically for each class. That will start off with some basics, but more useful material will be added as needed.

More sections/subpages may be added as needed as the year progresses.