Upcoming Test Dates (test days subject to change to a later date)
September 9 - Unit 1 Test
Southside High School
Statistical Modeling
Syllabus 2026 - 2027
Instructor: Shelby Bryant
Room: 211
Phone: 864-355-8773
Email: sjbryant@greenvilleschools.us
CLASS SCHEDULE
Fall Semester
1st Block, 8:45–10:15 a.m. — Statistical Modeling
2nd Block, 10:20–11:55 a.m. — Planning
3rd Block, 12:00–2:00 p.m. — Statistical Modeling
4th Block, 2:15–3:45 p.m. — Algebra 2
Spring Semester
1st Block, 8:45–10:15 a.m. — Statistical Modeling
2nd Block, 10:20–11:55 a.m. — Planning
3rd Block, 12:00–2:00 p.m. — Algebra 2
4th Block, 2:15–3:45 p.m. — Algebra 2
Lunch: 1:08–1:37 p.m.
WELCOME TO STATISTICAL MODELING!
Statistics is the study of how we use data to understand the world and make informed decisions. In this course, we will collect, organize, display, analyze, and interpret information. We will explore how statistics is used in sports, business, healthcare, psychology, science, social media, and many other parts of everyday life.
You do not have to think of yourself as a “math person” to succeed in this class. If you are willing to participate, ask questions, think carefully, and keep trying, you can build useful skills and learn to see numbers in a whole new way.
WHAT WILL WE LEARN?
Throughout the course, students will learn how to:
• Formulate meaningful statistical questions that can be answered with data
• Design and carry out plans to collect appropriate data
• Organize and visualize data using graphs, charts, and numerical summaries
• Analyze information from surveys, observational studies, and experiments
• Use probability to understand uncertainty
• Use simulations and technology to investigate statistical ideas
• Make predictions and draw reasonable conclusions from data
• Connect statistical findings to the original question being investigated
• Read, understand, and communicate mathematical information clearly
• Apply logic and higher-order thinking to real-world problems
Our goal is not merely to calculate answers. We will also learn to decide what the answers mean, whether conclusions are justified, and how data can sometimes be used—or misused—to influence people.
TEXTBOOK
Elementary Statistics by Allan G. Bluman, McGraw-Hill
COURSE MATERIALS
Please bring the following materials to class:
• Charged Chromebook — We may not use Chromebooks every day, but you should always be prepared.
• Writing utensil — Guided notes will often be provided as hard copies. You are expected to follow along and annotate them.
• Folder or binder — Keep your notes, assignments, and other course materials organized.
• TI-84 calculator — A classroom set will be available for students who do not have their own calculator.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to follow all Southside High School and Greenville County School District rules and guidelines. I also expect everyone to demonstrate professionalism in both face-to-face and online interactions.
Our classroom should be a place where everyone can learn. Come prepared, participate, treat others respectfully, and help create a safe and productive environment.
All school-wide rules apply at all times, including rules governing personal electronic devices. Failure to meet Southside High School’s behavioral expectations may result in disciplinary action according to the Student Handbook.
When a student does not follow classroom procedures or expectations, the usual progression of consequences will be:
Verbal warning
Parent or guardian contact
Disciplinary referral to administration and/or removal from class
Dangerous or extremely disruptive behavior may result in immediate removal from class.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CELL PHONES
For purposes of district policy, electronic devices include cell phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, electronic watches, earbuds, and other devices that display messages or images, produce sound, or permit communication. This rule does not prohibit a device required for a student’s documented health needs or otherwise required by law.
Personal electronic devices may not be used in classrooms during the instructional day. Devices must remain silenced and out of sight unless their use is specifically authorized. Students may use personal devices during class changes, lunch, and other permitted times outside the classroom unless directed otherwise by the principal or the principal’s designee.
Students may not use an electronic device to photograph, record, harass, humiliate, threaten, embarrass, or intimidate another person. Students may not use devices to access inappropriate or blocked content while on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
Students are personally responsible for the care and security of their devices. Violations will result in disciplinary action in accordance with GCSD Board Policy JCDA. Any confiscation or search of an electronic device will be governed by Board Policy JCDA and applicable legal requirements.
The instructional day for Southside High School is 8:45 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
Students are encouraged to meet with me at a mutually agreed-upon time to discuss their progress, strengths, questions, or academic needs.
Assessments will include both formative assessments, which help us identify learning needs, and summative assessments, which evaluate progress at the end of a unit or major part of the course.
Major Assessments — 60%
Tests, unit projects, and other major assignments
Minor Assessments — 40%
Classwork, homework, quizzes, lesson activities, and other daily assignments
LATE WORK
Major Assignments Other Than Tests
Late major assignments will be accepted for five school days after the due date. The grade will be reduced by 10 points for each day the assignment is late. After five school days, the grade becomes a zero.
Minor Assignments
Late minor assignments will be accepted until the major or summative assessment at the end of the unit. Late minor work is subject to a 10% penalty.
Tests
A missed test may be completed for full credit if it is made up within five school days after the student returns to school. The student is responsible for arranging the makeup test with the teacher.
After the five-school-day period, a makeup test may still be available until the teacher’s grade-cutoff date for the quarter, but it will be subject to a 10% penalty.
REASSESSMENTS
Reassessments are a way to demonstrate understanding at any time after a unit test and before the end of the semester. In order to reassess you must first make sure that you have no missing homework assignments for the unit and then submit test corrections. Your test corrections (written or typed) must meet the following criteria:
Identify what your mistakes are and explained – This can include understanding of the question, operational errors, use of the wrong method, or something else. “I didn’t know how to answer the question” is not an acceptable answer. Your gaps/errors must be explained.
Indicate how to solve the problem – Explain in a few words the process you will use to solve the problem.
Work out the test problem(s) showing detail and arriving at a correct solution.
You cannot get help from the teacher on the same day you reassess. Show me you can retain understanding! Test corrections must be received and reviewed prior to reassessing.
You may reassess at any point during one of my availability hours that are posted on the board.
MAKEUP WORK FOLLOWING AN ABSENCE
In accordance with GCSD Board Policy, a student whose absence is coded as excused in PowerSchool—such as for a medically documented appointment, bereavement, or court date—has five school days from the date of return to complete missed assignments for full credit.
Regular attendance is strongly connected to success in this course. Although some absences cannot be avoided, students are strongly encouraged to be present whenever possible and to come to class ready and willing to learn.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are expected to submit original work and maintain a high level of honesty and integrity. Work submitted for credit should demonstrate the student’s own understanding and effort.
A violation of the academic integrity provisions in the Student Handbook will result in an automatic zero for the assignment. Additional action may also be taken by the administration.
GENERATIVE AI AND MAGICSCHOOL
Students may use teacher-approved generative AI tools, including MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to support learning. These tools may be helpful for brainstorming, receiving feedback, checking understanding, or finding another explanation of a difficult idea.
AI must support thinking—not replace it.
Students may not use AI to complete problems or assignments and then submit the generated material as their own work. Doing so constitutes plagiarism and academic dishonesty. All submitted work must demonstrate the student’s own understanding and effort.
When AI use is approved:
• Students must follow the teacher’s directions for the assignment.
• Any required AI citation must be included.
• Students should be prepared to explain how the tool was used, how it helped, and what they learned.
• Students must critically evaluate AI responses for errors, bias, and misleading information.
MagicSchool is an educational generative AI platform intended to help students practice safe and responsible technology use. Teachers retain access to student chats completed within MagicSchool. According to the district-approved platform guidelines, MagicSchool protects student privacy and does not collect or use student data outside the approved educational purpose.
All use of AI software in this course will follow Greenville County Schools Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
COURSE OUTLINE AND PACING
Topic 1: The Nature of Statistics — Approximately 10 days
Topic 2: Frequency Distributions and Data Descriptions — Approximately 15 days
Topic 3: Sampling and Simulation — Approximately 7 days
Topic 4: Probability and Binomial Distributions — Approximately 12 days
Topic 5: The Normal Distribution — Approximately 7 days
Topic 6: Confidence Intervals — Approximately 8 days
Topic 7: Hypothesis Testing — Approximately 10 days
Topic 8: Correlation and Regression — Approximately 5 days
Final Exam and Culminating Project — Approximately 5 days
This schedule may be adjusted as student progress is monitored. Instructional materials and pacing may also be modified to support different learning needs or accommodate the availability of supplemental resources. Changes will be communicated through weekly lesson plans.
A FINAL WORD
Statistical Modeling is a practical course that can help you become a more thoughtful consumer of information and a stronger problem-solver. My goal is to provide clear instruction, useful support, meaningful practice, and opportunities for everyone to succeed.
Come to class, stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and give your best effort. Let’s have a great year!