Email: michelle.greene@darlington.k12.sc.us
Phone: 843-326-7544
Please click the link (https://forms.gle/1iEYpPeE9iUAk2eX7) to fill out the Syllabus Acknowledgement Form once you have completed reading the syllabus. Thank you!
Precalculus is a mathematics course that follows Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. The course allows students to gain an introductory understanding of convergence and divergence, collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from data, solve problems in contextual situations involving polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, model motion using parametric equations and vectors, and develop an intuitive understanding of limits and continuity. By taking Precalculus, students should solidify and increase mathematical knowledge and skills at and above the level of Algebra II or its equivalent. They should also deepen and enrich their understanding of math, as well as develop real-world applications of math across disciplines and in practical situations.
Blitzer, Robert. Precalculus. 7th ed., Pearson, 2022, and other supplemental workbooks
Textbook, three-ring notebook with looseleaf paper, pencils, and erasers. If students would like to have a calculator at home, the TI-30XS calculators are available at Walmart, Target, Office Depot and usually cost between $12 and $17.
Tutoring services are provided in my room from 3:35-4:00 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. Additionally, I will assist students any time I am available.
Instruction for the course will be provided through some lectures, group work and individual work, demonstration, in-class group activities, and the use of technology such as graphing calculators and computers. Essential questions with associated state standards and assignments will be clearly posted.
Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
Functions and Graphs
Trigonometric Functions
Analytic Trigonometry
Additional Topics in Trigonometry
Conic Sections and Analytic Geometry
Enrichment opportunities throughout the course
It is my belief all students who want to succeed can achieve given the right information and encouragement from those who are teaching. As the professional mathematics instructor for this course, I will plan activities that are designed to help students understand the basic algebraic concepts. Success in the workplace today is not achieved by mediocrity; therefore, I will challenge all students to give their best daily and not settle for anything less. I will employ research-based teaching strategies and be mindful of various learning styles when teaching class. I will treat all students fairly and provide feedback in a timely manner. Additionally, I will enforce all rules and policies of Lamar High School and Darlington County School District.
Research has shown those who do the work are the ones who are learning. Therefore, all students are expected to take an active role, assuming responsibility for their own learning by doing each of the following:
wear your ID at all times and dress according to the Darlington County School District Dress Code
leave all electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, etc) at home
participate fully on a daily basis
complete all assignments on time, attempting every problem assigned
never turn in work that is not your own
keep material organized in his/her notebook and bring it to class daily as a notebook test will be given quarterly
be in class regularly – if you are out for any reason, you must make up any work within 10 days (a grade of zero will be placed in the grade book for any assignment missed while absent until the work is made up and graded)
contribute to class, cooperate in small group activities, and treat others with respect
take care of all supplies and leave the work area clean
be in your seat working on bell work when the tardy bell rings
seek extra help when needed
enter the room quietly
begin on the bell work assignment
wait for the teacher to dismiss you at the end of class
a raised hand by the teacher is a signal for silence…when you see that, get quiet, look at the teacher, and raise your hand
students will be given an emergency pass card to use during a nine weeks for all four classes without penalty—if you need to leave after this card has been used up, you will forced to walk out of class without permission. After you have walked out of class without permission, you will need to report to the office to receive a discipline referral from an administrator.
Complete work in Schoology or My Lab Math
Collaborate with fellow students on research using appropriate websites and the Google suite of applications
Having your phone out
Texting
Playing non-teacher approved games
Using the Internet for non-instructional purposes
If a student fails to honor their responsibility, the student will be subject to consequences. Academic consequences follow naturally as irresponsibility in this area and generally lead to lower grades. Behavioral consequences include the following: warning, counseling the student, contacting the parent, and referral to the office. Serious disruptions of the learning environment, including disrespect, harassment, fighting, etc., will result in immediate referral to an administrator and/or removal from the classroom.
EFFORT is the most important component – therefore, I reward students who truly give an honest effort by recording no test grade below 50 in the computer
Grades will be updated regularly, no later than Monday of the following week.
Late work will not be accepted
Makeup work - Students have up to ten days to complete makeup work upon their return to school from an absence.
Cheating or failure to turn in an assignment will result in a grade of zero
I use a weighted system for grading.
Assessments - 40%
Class Performance - 35%
Mastery Checks - 25%
I give two days' notice in announcing a test. I try to return a test the day after it is given.
Test Correction Policy: After a test is graded, a student may improve his/her score by correcting problems that were missed. The student will be awarded half of the points missed for each problem when it is completely corrected. This must be done within the time period specified by the teacher, on the student’s time, and in the teacher’s classroom.
A midterm exam will be given at the conclusion of the first nine weeks and counts 10% of the first nine weeks average, and a final exam will be given at the end of the semester and counts 20% of the course average.
Class Work: I have always valued practice. Clearly, to be good at anything in life, one needs to practice, practice, and practice! Class Work provides daily practice essential for developing a mathematical understanding of the concepts introduced in class. Class Work is assigned nearly every day and is due at the beginning of the following class period. Class Work is graded using the following method:
For a Schoology grade of 90-100, a grade of 100 goes in the grade book.
For a Schoology grade of 70-89, a grade of 90 goes in the grade book.
For a Schoology grade of 50-69, a grade of 80 goes in the grade book.
For a Schoology grade of 1-49, a grade of 50 goes in the grade book
For an incomplete or unattempted grade in Schoology, a grade of ZERO goes in the grade book.
A - 90-100
B - 80-89
C - 70-79
D - 60-69
F - Below 60
Parents can check student progress any time through the parent portal available at http://powerschool.darlington.k12.sc.us.