Alg II/Trig Syllabus

2013/2014 Southfield High School Syllabus

Department: Mathematics

Course Name: ALGEBRA II WITH TRIGONOMETRY

Teacher: Ms. Crum Room: C203

Email: crumke@southfield.k12.mi.us Phone: 248-746-8600

Conference Period: 2nd Hour

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course focuses on reinforcing many of the skills that developed in algebra and geometry with increased attention on investigating functions. This course will stress more problem solving, applications and critical thinking that is expected of college bound students. The units covered will include topics in polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. In addition, topics from analytic geometry (conic sections), complex numbers, mathematical induction, matrices and determinants, probability and statistics, sequences and series are included. ACT/MME objectives will be incorporated throughout the year. A graphing calculator is recommended.

EXIT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

College Core Abilities. After successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply the principles of Algebra to pursue a more detailed study of functions and proceed to Precalculus.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS GOALS:

Prepare students to advance to Precalculus.

GOALS:

Students will learn to use:

algebra as a tool to solve problems and represent relationships
problem solving techniques and make connections between

algebraic and geometric representations of mathematical concepts

a graphic calculator to enhance the study of functions as well as statistics and data analysis

Success will be measured by the students’ proficiency with variables and ability to use the skills of algebra to solve problems.

COURSE MATERIALS:

1. Three-ring binder with 5 dividers
2. Loose-leaf notebook paper
3. Several pencils (preferably mechanical pencils)
4. Journal (can use composition or spiral notebook)

5. Graphing calculator (The mathematics department recommends the TI-83 or TI-84 Plus for all of our students. This calculator provides the technology that is most appropriate for the mathematics taught in high school and in the early years of college. The TI-83 or TI-84 Plus calculators are also allowed for use on the ACT College Entrance Exam. Please do not purchase a TI-85, TI-86, TI-89 or TI-92 since these calculators have advanced features which our students will not use and they lack basic features which are necessary for our students.)

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

Follow directions.
Be present, prepared, and on time everyday.
Be respectful to others. Treat your fellow classmates as well as your teacher with respect.
Foul or derogatory language is not allowed in this classroom.
Raise your hand if you want to be recognized.
Tardiness is unacceptable. Do not arrive late to this class.
Do not eat food or candy or drink any liquid other than water in class.
Hand in your homework when you first arrive in class. All homework is due in the beginning of the class period.

GRADING SCALE:

A 93 – 100% B+ 87 – 89 C+ 77 – 79 D+ 67 – 69

A- 90 – 92 B 83 – 86 C 73 – 76 D 63 – 66

B– 80 – 82 C– 70 – 72 D– 60 – 62

F 0 – 59

MARKING PERIOD GRADE CRITERIA:

Tests/Projects 45%

Quizzes 30%

Homework/Classwork/Binder/Journal 25%

SEMESTER GRADE CRITERIA:

A comprehensive exam will be given at the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Each student must take these comprehensive exams.
Semester grades are computed based on the following weighted average:

30% for each of the three marking periods + 10% Semester Exam

FINAL EXAM WAIVER:

Students who have an “A-“ average or higher for the semester in any non-Advanced Placement course will be exempt from the final exam.

MAKE UP WORK:

Students are expected to make up all work missed due to an excused absence from class for any reason. Parent/Guardian submission in writing is preferred on the day upon return. Students will be given the number of class periods missed plus one (1) to turn in missed assignments and class work. Extenuating circumstances may require teacher and student to negotiate reasonable time lines for making up work that both can accept. If a student has an unexcused absence, he/she will not be allowed to make up assignments or tests(s) for that particular day.

LATE WORK POLICY:

Late work is unacceptable for any reason other than an excused absence from school.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

In this course the study of mathematics intensifies and students will be expected:

To follow the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education Policy and the Southfield High School Code of Conduct. This includes dress code, electronic devices, and student ID’s.
To get to class on time everyday. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Attendance is a significant part of your class participation percentage. It is vital to achieve the objectives of this course.
Extensive absences will significantly lower your grade. You are responsible for finding out what you have missed while you are absent. Make sure to copy any notes or journal topics missed from a fellow classmate. Make a study buddy.
Makeup work is only given for excused absences. Otherwise, late work will not be accepted. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent, you must get your work in advance in order to receive credit.
To complete their homework everyday. Homework is an important part of learning mathematics and will be assigned daily. Every assigned problem should be tried and the answer checked. It is permissible to discuss problems with other students and relatives. It is not permissible to copy another student’s work.
To keep a complete binder which includes class notes, vocabulary, classwork, homework, projects, quizzes, and tests. Students are required to keep all their work in a three-ring binder organized with dividers. Binders will be checked each marking period for neatness, completeness and organization. Make sure to follow the binder requirement guidelines handed out in class.
To keep a math journal daily. A math reflection/log journal will be required in order to further develop the student’s mathematical skills and to apply their knowledge of math to understand real-world problems.
To bring their book, binder, journal, paper, pencil, and a calculator to class everyday.
To have your student ID everyday.
Passes will be only given at the teacher’s discretion during emergency situations. You have your student ID in those extenuating situations. Make sure to use your passing time wisely. Passes are rarely given.
To do their own work. Cheating will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will be given a zero for the assignment or examination. This applies to those receiving answers as well as those giving answers.
To check out the class website daily. The website address is: http://crumke.educatorpages.com. This site includes course information and requirements, copies of forms, homework assignments, problems of the week, helpful math links, etc. This site should be very helpful to you. If you do not have access at home, other places to get access are the public library, computer class, a friend’s computer, etc.
To get extra help if you are having trouble understanding any of the work. Do not wait until it is too late. Almost all students need help at one time or another. Tutoring will be offered on a designated day after school. Please make an appointment with Ms. Crum if you need extra help.
To accept responsibility for your own learning.
To come to class prepared everyday to participate and study.

HINTS FOR SUCCESS:

Success in mathematics depends on doing mathematics on a regular basis. Listening in class and working to understand the concepts during class is important. That is not enough without daily written work, practicing the skills and attempting to do the problem solving. This reinforces the concepts and makes them your own. To this end, homework will be assigned at almost every class meeting. Your regular routine should include the following in order to be successful:

Stay positive and keep an open mind
Listen in class
Take notes in class, keep them in order with dates and the aim of the day written at the top of the page
Try every problem
Give your best everyday
Bring your supplies to class everyday
Ask questions when you need clarification
Review one day’s assignment before beginning a new one.