Precalculus - Class Expectations

Author:		Dorothy Heithoff
Posted:		8/5/02; 1:49:00 PM
Topic:		Precalculus - Class Expectations
Msg #:		22 (top msg in thread)
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Expectations  for Precalculus
Mrs. Heithoff
Room 204


Rules

    There really is just one rule in this class.  "RESPECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS". This means no talking when someone else is talking, keeping your hands to yourself, and not being disruptive.  You are expected to be in your seat and ready for class to begin when the bell rings.

    This is not a class for lazy people.  There will be homework almost everyday and you are expected to do the assigned homework.  Homework is how you learn by doing the problems yourself, it is the best way to make sure you are prepared for tests and quizzes.



Materials

    When you come to class you must always have your book, a pencil, and  a graphing calculator.
 
        BOOK--Must have a book cover.  You will get extra credit points if you have a book cover on by the first test.    Anytime throughout the year after the second test if you do not have a cover on your book you will be expected to come in  early the next morning and put one on. 

        PENCIL--All homework and tests must done in pencil. 

        NOTEBOOK--I would recommend a three ring binder to keep notes, handouts, and assignment organized.

        GRAPHING CALCULATOR--The school is encouraging students to purchase their own graphing calculators so that they will become familiar with their  own calculator as they continue with their mathematics education.  We will be using them several times throughout the year and they are a must have for upper level courses.  I recommend the TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus (Texas Instruments) but there are less expensive brands available.  If this is an expense that you truly cannot afford, please talk to me and we will work something out.
       
                   

Grading

    All grading is done on a point system. 

    Homework- There is homework almost every day and you will be expected to show work on certain problems.    In trying to prepare you for college,  I will not pick up homework on a daily basis.  You need to get in the habit of doing homework  for your own benefit.  However, I will  pick up one homework              assignment per week.  Each homework assignment that is picked up and                     complete will be worth 2 points.

    Quizzes - There will be at least one quiz a week covering new material.  Notes may be used on quizzes.   Quizzes are worth approximately 10 points.

    Group  Work- The class will be divided into groups of approximately four  to work on review sheets the day before every test.   Everyone will be expected to          work together and show their work.  If one person in the group misses a                 problem then everyone in the group misses the problem.  Group work is                 worth 2 points.

    Tests-  Tests are worth  approximately 30 points.  You may chose to retake a test if you do not pass it the first time.  You must retake on your own time (before school,  study hall, or after school) not during class time.  You are responsible for setting up a retake time with me. 

    There are usually around 200 points possible for a quarter.  To calculate your             percentage grade take the number of points you have earned and divide by the total number of possible points.
        Example:  You receive 27 out of a possible 30 points on a test.
                27/30 = 90%

    Since all tests are accumulative the Final Exam is simply a regular test.

    Cheating is not tolerated.  A student caught cheating on a test will be required to redo the test before school under direct supervision of Mrs. Heithoff.  The student will then receive 50% of their retake test grade.  ex:  Student retakes the test and receives an 80%.  A grade of 40% will be recorded in the grade book.


    All make-up work must be turned in within 2 school days for every day you missed.
    You are responsible for getting notes and obtaining make-up work.

General Info

    I will be available to answer questions and provide help outside of class before school (7:45-8:05 am), during my plan period, and after school until approximately 4:15 pm.