Class Information Honors Pre-Calculus Mr. MuellerText: Precalculus Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic 7th Edition

Demana, Waits, Foley, Kennedy Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.

Honors Pre-Calculus is a fast-paced course intended to broaden and deepen your prior mathematical knowledge, and to provide prerequisite background for the study of Calculus. Students are expected to have mastered the skills and understand the concepts covered in pre-requisite courses ( Algebra 2/Trig or Math Analysis ). Students need to be self-motivated, take responsibility for their own learning, and seek help when necessary. Learning will take place in the classroom, but also in reading and problem-solving homework assignments. Students are expected to adopt a theoretical approach to mathematics, apply their knowledge to open-ended & non-routine problems, and communicate ideas & solutions effectively.

Procedures: A typical class session will consist of the following elements:Warm-Up: There may be a warm-up assignment for students to complete independently at the beginning of class.Homework Questions: We will usually have an opportunity to discuss strategies and solutions for homework problems from the previous class session. If you need to make a correction, correct your entire solution, don’t merely change the answer.Lesson: As new material (including examples) is presented, students are expected to take notes, and to actively participate in classroom discussion and all independent or group work and activities that are included in the lesson.Homework: There will sometimes be time to start on homework. This is not “free time” and should be used only for math work. Work from other classes may be confiscated. Expectations (The 3 R's): The following expectations are two-way. I will work diligently to meet or exceed the reasonable expectations that you, your parents, and the school and district administrators have for me to be ready each day for class, to be responsible for creating a positive learning atmosphere, and to be respectful of you and them in every way. I ask that you work to meet or exceed my reasonable expectations for you. Ready: Be on time. Show up to class with all supplies and with a positive attitude. I consider you to be tardy if you are not in the classroom, seated, and prepared to work when the bell rings. Tardiness and unexcused absences will be dealt with per the school-wide Attendance Discipline Policy (see pages 5-6 of your MVHS Planner).Responsible: Take care of business. Have your notebook & homework out as class begins. Take responsibility for learning new material, understanding homework, and asking questions or getting extra help when needed. Make an honest effort to do assignments on time- mastery of the material is dependent on regular practice. Be involved with the class- help me to create the best possible learning environment for you and your classmates.Respectful: Respect yourself, your classmates, your school, and me by refraining from any activities that are disruptive, destructive, or abusive. If you choose to engage in any such activities, consequences could include detention, communication with your parents, and a conference involving you, me, your parents, and/or school administrators.

Grading: 90-100%=A 80-89.99%=B 70-79.99%=C 60-69.99%=D below 60%=FTest scores will account for 85% of the grade (Chapter Tests ~45%, Quizzes ~22%, Final Exam ~18%). The remaining 15% will be based on homework (10%) and participation (5%). Individual test/quiz/exam scores may sometimes be curved to account for level of difficulty. The range of scores for the letter grades also is subject to slight expansion based on the distribution of scores in my classes. Scores will be posted on School Loop.

Homework: Homework will be assigned daily and will usually be collected during the next class. I provide a complete schedule of homework assignments (posted on School Loop) at the beginning of each chapter. This is done to help you. If you abuse this help by working on homework during the daily lesson, the work may be confiscated. To receive full credit, students must: do the complete assignment on time (before class begins on the due date) and in a neat, orderly style; use pencil; print name, period number, assignment number, and score in the upper right corner; show all work; and check solutions in the back of the book whenever possible. Partial credit can be earned for late homework if it is turned in before the chapter test. Homework that is late due to an excused absence should include a note requesting consideration for full credit. Accumulated homework and class notes will be collected for each chapter on the day following the test. I encourage collaboration with other students on homework. I believe discussing approaches and solutions to the problems to be a valuable learning experience. However, each student is expected to do his/her own work. I consider it cheating to be in possession of another student’s homework or to give your homework to another student.

Tests/Quizzes: There will typically be one test and one quiz per chapter. If you are absent (excused) during a test or quiz, you will make it up as soon as possible upon your return to class – on the day you return if you were present throughout the unit. It is your responsibility to remind me of your need for a make-up when you return. Retakes are allowed for any test provided that corrections are completed for the original test. Retakes should be done within four weeks of the original test. Maximum score for the first retake is 80%. For each subsequent retake, the maximum score decreases by 5%. I consider it cheating for ANY information about a test or quiz to be passed from a student(s) who has already taken it to a student(s) who has not.

Participation: Participation points will be based on attendance, meeting classroom expectations and participation in note taking (including all example problems), class discussions, group activities and board work. Class notes will be collected in the homework packet for each chapter following the test.

Absences: For absence due to illness or emergency, homework is due and missed assessments are to be made up immediately upon return to school unless you make other arrangements with me via e-mail. For absences due to a field trip, doctor appointment, etc., notify me at least two school days ahead to set up alternate dates to turn in homework or make up an assessment. You are responsible for getting notes from a classmate for any missed days. No credit will be given for work due or tests given on days of an unexcused absence (cut).

Supplies: Students should have in class: pencils and erasers; a binder with a section for class notes and extra paper (including graph paper); a ruler (or other straightedge); and a graphing calculator (TI-83, 84, or 89 is recommended). A scientific calculator is also useful on most tests.

Electronic Devices: Monta Vista’s OFF/AWAY policy for cell phones is in effect. Any phone that I see or hear is subject to confiscation. Also to be left OFF/AWAY are iPods, CD/MP3 players, etc. (I may allow these to be used occasionally, but my permission is required.)

Academic Code of Conduct: Students are expected to behave according to the FUHSD Academic Honesty Policy (see pages 22-25 of your MVHS Planner) and the policies provided in this course information sheet at all times. Failure to do so can result in a score of zero for the homework assignment, quiz, or test, and a letter grade deduction for the semester. A second offense can result in a semester grade of F and removal from the class.

Help/Communication: I want you to succeed! Ask me for help promptly if you have trouble with an assignment or with your understanding of a concept. I will typically be available before school (7:15-7:35), during brunch, and during the Thursday Tutorial period in Room E201. I may also be available by appointment during Periods 3 & 7, or after school. You can reach me by e-mail at skip_mueller@fuhsd.org. You can leave notes or homework in my mailbox in the office. Have Fun! This class will be whatever we make of it together. The work we have to do is serious. But some enthusiasm and a good sense of humor can help us all to learn and to enjoy it as we go.

I have read and I understand the structure and course requirements for Honors Pre-Calculus.

___________________________________ __________________________________Student Parent