This year-long course is designed to emphasize and reinforce the conceptual understanding of all the Algebraic and Geometric concepts necessary to master College Mathematics. These concepts are really simple and not all of them new for you. College Prep Math combines topics of basic Equations and Geometry, Linear and Non-Linear Functions, Financial Math, Probability and Statistics, and work strategies to be successful at the College Level; CPM builds on the Math concepts and skills taught in Elementary and Middle School, in Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.

Therefore, it is very important that you do not get behind. Homeworks, class assignments, projects, on-line lectures, quizzes and tests, will be designed to continually reinforce and challenge your ability to master the concepts discussed in class.

As this course is your preparation for college level math classes, it is going to follow the basically same guidelines as a college class 

Students should be able to:

• Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace

• Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution

• Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems

• Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate

• Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas

• Analyze mathematical relationships to connect and communicate mathematical ideas

• Display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication

CAS TI-Nspire Graphing calculators will be used in this course. You can check out one from the Math Department Specialist, depending on availability. For the remote learning classes, you may receive a Chromebook notebook for your personal use at home; you will need then local internet access.

There is also a Workbook with activities that will be performed in class, an electronic copy is always available in your Google Classroom:

• The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin: Transition to College Mathematics, Student Edition, In-class Activities, August 2016 

It is extremely important that you be responsible of the items assigned to you. If one of these is lost or damaged, the Assistant Principal will determine the responsibility of the student to whom this calculator/textbook was assigned, and the corresponding replacement cost.

Your grade will be determined by your accomplishments in: Tests, Homeworks, Quizzes, Projects, and Class Work/ Class Participation. These areas have assigned the next weights in your final grades: Projects/Tests: 50%, Homeworks and Quizzes: 25%, Class Work/Participation: 25%.

Scores will be computed using: Total Points Achieved/Total Points Possible, and grades will be assigned according to the next scale:

A:   90% ≤ score

B:   80% ≤ score < 90%

C:   75% ≤ score < 80%

D:   70%  ≤ score < 75%

F:   score < 70%

Assignments are expected to be completed on time. These are an important part of your grade. Consistent progress in your assignments is imperative to your success in this class. Mastering concepts is not an easy process. Practicing problems is essential. Following along in class is not the same as doing it yourself. Working with other students is very helpful, but copying will not be accepted.

If by a good reason you miss a Test, teacher must be notified as soon as possible to program a new extra class test, to get the corresponding grade.

Practice Problem Sets are extremely important! Remember, this class will follow the same guidelines as a college level class, and at this level, one hour in class requires at least one hour of extra out-of-classroom work (studying and practicing). Your assigned Practice Problem Set (Homeworks) is your key to succeed in test and quizzes. For justified late class work or homework, ask to the teacher for a new due date.

On-line Lectures and On-Line Quizzes will be assigned regularly, and students must have to take them in the assigned days in order to do not struggle with the related classwork and practice. Also, the grade obtained in the on-line quizzes will be part of the overall grade. These are important assignments that students have to get used to accomplish; in College, students will be required to do on-line assignments regularly.

By School District policy, Final Exams are mandatory, and are an opportunity to improve your final grade. These exams will include all the subjects covered during the semester, but tests could have more emphasis on the last chapters. A request for a make-up final exam should be done to me and to the Assistant Principal, and will be programmed extra class.

Alternatively, a Major Project can be given at the end of each semester, and these projects will be equivalent to a final test grade. The due date for these projects is the corresponding final test day.

Tutorials initially will be available Mondays and Thursdays, from 2:45 to 3:30. Any modification to this schedule will be announced during class. Tutorials in a different day or hour will be available by previous appointment.

On-line lectures and on-line video tutorials are always available for students. You will find the links to access these tutorials and lectures in every lesson at Google Classroom

Make-up work has to be authorized by the Assistant Principal coordinating the Math classes. In case of authorized make-up work, students will have five (5) school days to complete it and turn it in.

It is expected that each student take responsibility for his/her own learning. It is expected honesty from every student. Integrity, once lost, cannot be easily regained. The work you submit for credit must be your own. Students who copy someone else’s work or allow someone else to copy their own work will be given zero credit for that assignment. Group learning and collaboration is encouraged; however, each student is expected to make a genuine personal contribution.