Houston Academy for International Studies
Opening a World of Opportunities
Pre-Calculus Course Syllabus
2015-2016
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. N Keith Kim
CONTACT: [email protected]; Edmodo __________; (713) 942-1430; Room 109
TUTORIALS: 4:00pm – 5:00pm Tues, Thurs, Fridays or By Appointment
TEXTBOOK: PreCalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities by Sullivan, 4th Edition
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Pre-Calculus is designed to be the preparation for AP Calculus, but supports other upper-level mathematics
courses such as AP Statistics. Pre-Calculus is the study of basic functions; identity, quadratic, cubic, rational,
square root, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, absolute value, piecewise, and logistic functions. Each
function is studied from both an analytical (pen-and-paper) approach and also a graphical approach. Solving
real-world problems gives students a context for the uses of each function.
PREREQUISITES
Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. Textbook: PreCalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities by Sullivan, 4th Edition
2. Calculator: TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator
3. 3-Ring Binder: Students are required to take notes and keep them organized.
4. (Graph) Paper & Pencils
EVALUATION
There will be a variety of activities and tests for the students. Students work in a cooperative learning setting.
That means small groups of no more than 4 students. Averages for each grading cycle will be determined as
follows:
Major Grades = Tests (50%) + Quizzes/ Projects (30%)
Minor Grades = Classwork (10%) + Homework (10%)
*The semester exam will constitute 25% of the semester average.
GRADING SCALE
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
75 - 79 = C
70 - 74 = D
00 - 69 = F
TESTS
You must show your work to receive full credit. There will be a test per each chapter depending on
class progress and a final exam. The tests will be a mixture of individual and group tests. Tests are
worth 100 points each. The final exam is for students who are required to take it by HAIS policy.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be assigned and checked daily. Homework is worth 100 points each and is graded on
neatness and completeness. Homework must show all work and steps. Answers Alone Will Not
Receive Points.
WARM-UP
Warm-up is a daily assignment that is to be done in the first minutes of class. It is worth 100 points.
You are to go to your assigned seat upon entering the classroom and start on the warm-up. Do not
wait for the bell to ring to start.
MAKE-UP/ LATE WORK POLICY
The grade for any late assignment will be significantly lowered: -30 points per day. Check the
assignment calendar for work missed due to absences. If you have an excused absence for 1 day, you
will have 1 day to make up your work. You will have 2 days for 2 excused absences, etc. It is your
responsibility to ask for make-up work or to schedule a make-up test. All make-up tests must be
completed during after school tutorial. Any assignment not made up will result in a zero – including
tests.
TECHNOLOGY USE
All students are encouraged to use a TI-89 or TI-Nspire, but a TI 84 Plus calculator will also suffice.
The school has some TI-84 Plus calculators that students may check out throughout the year for use at
home and at school.
EXPECTATIONS
You are expected to act in a controlled age appropriate manner. All rules in the student handbook are
to be followed. Consequences are per school policy; in the unlikely event an infraction should occur.
1. Respect yourself, others, and the teacher.
2. Be on time and be prepared for class.
3. Follow directions the first time they are given.
4. Put away before entering class: food, drinks, cell phones, and other distractions
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Instructor: N Keith Kim
Houston Academy for International Studies
[email protected]
Room 109
PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE OUT AND HAVE YOUR PARENT SIGN AND
BRING IT BACK TO THE NEXT CLASS MEETING.
PARENT/GUARDIAN & STUDENT SIGNATURE PAGE
I have read the Pre-Calculus Syllabus and I understand the course requirements as well as the
classroom guidelines.
Student Name (print)________________________________________________
Student Signature___________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (print)_______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________________________
Parent E-mail address:________________________________________________
Best Phone Number to reach you:______________________________________
Comments:
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