Introduction:
Welcome to our math class! So that you can do your best, I have compiled a brief summary of my expectations and classroom procedures. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns; I am in this classroom before and after school. My phone here at FSHS is 832-6050 ext. 4399 and my email is Loneil@usd497.org.
Course Description:
The Advanced Placement Program offers a course description and examination in statistics to secondary school students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns (20-30% of the AP Exam) 2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study (10-15% of the AP Exam) 3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring Random phenomena using probability and simulation (20-30% of the AP Exam) 4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses (30-40% of the AP Exam)
Prerequisites:
Credit for Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Credit for Analysis or Precalculus is strongly recommended.
Textbooks:
The Practice of Statistics (3rd Edition); Yates, Moore, and Starnes; 2008
Methods:
In teaching AP Statistics, it is my practice to incorporate a variety of approaches to improve students’ understanding of concepts and to perk student interest. The approaches, administered often with students working in small groups, will include reading (both text and a variety of media materials), writing, activities, simulations, graphing, experimentation, and group projects. I will stress that there is a large amount of writing in this course and students should be prepared to face the challenge of expressing themselves clearly and in detail on tests and projects.
Materials Provided:
At the beginning of the course, students receive a list of formulas and tables from the AP Course Description Book; these are the formulas and tables that will be provided on the actual AP Exam. These handouts are used throughout the year for homework and tests. Students will also have access to statistics software, online simulations, and other activities provided to build student understanding.
Required Materials:
It is required that students purchase a graphing calculator for use during this course as well as on the AP Exam. (Please visit with me if this is a problem because I can check out a calculator to you for the year.) I recommend the TI-84+ Silver Edition since this is the calculator that I can provide assistance with and my lectures are geared toward. The TI-84+ has a few extra statistical functions as well as a Catalog Help function that the TI-83+ does not. Other graphing calculators with statistical abilities are acceptable, but I cannot assist students with their use.
Assignments:
Homework will be assigned every night and collected during the next class period. You must put your name, hour, and the assignment at the top of your paper. You must also show all of your work to receive full credit. I grade homework on completion not correctness, so you are responsible for checking your own answers in the back of your textbook or online. Homework is graded on a four point scale, a 4 being a complete assignment. Late homework is accepted for partial credit until the chapter/unit test is taken and is not accepted at all after that date.
Assessments:
There will be a test at the end of every chapter/unit and quizzes given as needed. I expect you to be prepared for the test the day it is given. If you have an excused absence on the test day, you have one week from your return to school to make up your test or quiz, otherwise it will count as a zero. If you have an unexcused absence on a test day, your test will count as a zero. All make-up assessments must be done before or after school and must be scheduled with me ahead of time. All assessments must be completed in one sitting; you may not start a test one day and finish it another. Because this is a college-level course and students must be prepared for the AP Exam in May, I do NOT offer test retakes.
Notebooks:
It is strongly recommended that you keep and organize a large 3-ring binder containing a section for class notes and a section for homework. Keeping your notebook organized will allow you to better prepare for chapter tests and the AP Exam in May. Also, in the case of a grading error, your homework score can be verified.
Grading Scale:
A = 90% - 100%, B = 80% - 89%, C = 70% - 79%, D = 60% - 69%, F = 59% and below
* Since this is an AP course, the GPA points associated with the class letter grade are increased by 0.5 unless the student earns a D or F.
Course Grade:
Your course grade will be determined as follows: homework and in-class assignments and activities will be worth 10% of your quarter grade and tests and quizzes will be worth 90%. Although I anticipate that all students will take the AP Stats Exam at the end of the course, it is optional. If students choose not take this exam, they will take a final exam. There will also be a two-day midterm examination before winter break worth 20% of the semester grade. Students are expected to be prepared for exams; no re-takes are allowed. If a student is absent on a test day they must schedule a time after school to make up the exam within two weeks.
Academic Misconduct:
All forms of academic misconduct are prohibited. If you engage in any form of academic misconduct, you will be subject to the loss of credit for the work in question. However, you may redo the assignment (or a new version of the assessment) for a maximum of 59%. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism and knowingly permitting another student to plagiarize or cheat from your work.
Expectations:
I expect that you try your best and do not create problems for yourself or others. I also expect that you follow the school rules as listed in the student handbook. Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence!
Final Thoughts:
I am here to facilitate your learning. Please ask questions whenever you don’t understand something. The only "dumb" questions are the ones that are not asked. Remember, I am here after school to help you have a successful school year! I also know that things happen; it never hurts to approach your teacher with your concerns. If you are willing to put forth an effort, I am willing to listen.
*As your instructor, I reserve the right to modify this syllabus. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on this website.