Description / AP Statistics is a college-level class that will be taught in accordance with national standards for rigor and content as established by the College Board.
The intent of the AP Statistics curriculum is to offer a modern introduction to statistics that is equal to the best college courses in an intellectual content and in its alignment with the contemporary practice of statistics.
Students will interpret data displays, summarize distributions, and compare distributions of one and two variables. Students will plan and conduct statistical studies. They will study probability and use it in simulations. Finally, students will learn to construct confidence intervals and perform significance testing.
Topics / 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 (taken from the AP Course Description, College Board, 2005):
1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and
simulation
4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing
hypotheses
Textbook /
Yates, D., Moore D., and Starnes, D. (2013). The Practice of Statistics. 4th ed. New York, NY: WH Freeman.
You are expected to bring your textbook to class every day. I recommend that you cover your book. If the book is damaged, a fine will be assessed. A lost or unusable book must be replaced at a cost to you of $85.Supplies / · 3-ring (2” or larger)
· Graphing Calculator*
· Loose-leaf notebook paper / · #2 pencils
· Ink pens
· Various food items as needed (M&M’s, animal crackers, gummy bears, etc.) / Wish List
· Boxes of Tissue
· Hand Sanitizer
· Paper Towels
* A TI-83+, 84+, or 89 or TI-Nspire calculator is necessary for this class. If you do not already have one, I recommend that you purchase a TI-84. Otherwise, a TI-Nspire calculator will be issued to you for use during class. This calculator belongs to Wheeler HS and must be returned at the end of the semester. A lost or unusable calculator must be replaced—new in package or $100. There are several statistical calculator emulators available for use on a computer or smart phone for use at home, but phones may not be used on quizzes or tests.
Notebook / A three-ring binder is suggested for this class. You will use the notebook to store your class notes, class work, homework, quizzes, tests, and other materials. Based on my experience, students get higher grades when they have diligently kept a notebook. I recommend you organize your binder using dividers by Unit and, chronologically, by date.
Student
Evaluation / Modified Standards-Based Grading:
A Modified Standards-ased grading will be used in AP Statistics. The purpose of a Modified Standards-Based grading is to allow the student, the teacher and the parent to see very clearly what standards/topics the student has mastered and what standards/topics the student has not mastered so well.
Each standard that we must cover has been assigned a weight (see attached paper). The weightings have been determined based on the importance of the topic. Further, these percentages have been aligned to those of the AP exam.
Each standard falls within a topic represented by a category in Synergy. Every assignment will be linked to a topic, and the grade for each assignment will be entered under the appropriate category. There will be no ‘test’, ‘quiz’ or ‘homework’ categories, only ‘Exploring Data,” “Sampling & Experimentation,” etc. categories.
The assignments in this course will be graded using a percentage system, based on College Board standards, with different assignments carrying weights alligned with the relative importance of the topic. You have access to Synergy so that, at any time, you may check your current average.
Percentages are as follows:
· Exploring Data 20%
· Sampling &
Experimentation 10%
· Anticipating Patterns 20%
· Statistical Inference 25%
· Statistical Community 5%
· Final Exam 20%
*See separate handout for further breakdown of these percentages. / The assignment of letter grades, according to Cobb County policy will be:
90-100 A
80-89 B
74-79 C
70-73 D
69 and below F
Grade
Definitions / Letter grades reflect the following characteristics of student work:
A: One could scarcely expect better from a student at this level; Superior work
which is clearly above average
B: Good work, meeting all requirements, and eminently satisfactory
C: Competent work, meeting requirements
D: Fair work, minimally acceptable
F: Unacceptable work, failing grade
Source: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/general/grades_undergrad.pdf
Student Responsibility / You must take responsibility for your own learning. Students will be given an agenda at the beginning of each new unit, and a copy will be posted on my blog. This agenda includes the focus of each day’s lesson, as well as assignments to be completed. Students should expect homework to be assigned daily. Reading the text will be a part of the homework assignments. You will be given a reading guide to help focus on specific topics.
Homework / The key to mastering any field of mathematics is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE! Therefore, homework will be assigned every night, and its completion is necessary for your success in this class.
Some homework assignments will be completed via WebAssign. These assignments must be completed by the given due date. You will be given 3 attempts per problem. I recommend that you read the chapter and complete practice quizzes prior to attempting these assignments. Extensions will only be granted under extreme circumstances, at my discretion.
Other homework assignments will be given, which may or may not be graded for completion and/or accuracy.
You will have an opportunity each day in class to ask questions regarding homework. I recommend that you take advantage of these times as well as make corrections to aid in your understanding of class concepts.
Daily Work / You will complete a variety of assignments during a class period, including technology labs, worksheets, journals, textbook assignments, and group tasks.
Projects and performance assessments will be assigned during each unit to enhance the learning and understanding of the material being taught and to emphasize its importance in the real world. Technology labs will be used to encourage discovery of key concepts and to visually reinforce main ideas.
Online Discussions
(Statistical Community) / We will discuss course content, current events, and relevant research articles as they relate to Statistics in the form of online discussions. For each unit, there will be two discussion questions (DQs). Each student is expected to answer each discussion question. In addition, each student is responsible for responding to at least 5 other posts during the unit.
Quizzes
Tests / Quizzes will be given frequently and may or may not be announced. Quizzes will be counted as part of the overall grade, but students will have the opportunity to bring quiz grades up to within five points of higher unit test grades if they have completed all homework assignments during the unit.
There will be at least one test each unit covering the material in that unit as well as topics from previous units. This is to keep material fresh as math is a cumulative subject. This practice also provides you with multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the standards over time.
Tests will include questions that assess skill mastery, application, critical thinking, and writing. Each test will consist of both multiple choice and free response questions. The free response questions will be graded according to the rubric for AP Free Response Questions. Tests do count toward the final grade in the course.
As these assessments contain short-answer essay style questions, you can expect the timeframe for returned feedback and commentary to be longer than two class periods. For some assessments, it could take up to one week for return feedback.
Make-Up Work / If a student is absent, he/she will be assigned a grade of zero (0) for all worked missed. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and complete the work missed for each absence. Per Cobb County policy, you may only make-up assignments if your absence is deemed “excused.” This policy includes tests and quizzes.
Check the class agenda to see what assignments were missed and what worksheets, if any, need to be picked up. Check the file for any worksheets and papers that may have been passed back in your absence.
Any assignments that were due on the date(s) of your absence are due immediately upon your return to class.
For any assignments that were given on the date(s) of your absence, you will be given 1 day per each day of your absence, plus an additional day to turn in those assignments.
If you are absent on days prior to the test, excluding review day, you are still responsible for taking the test. Any new material that was presented in your absence will not be counted against you on the test. However, you will be given an additional opportunity to demonstrate mastery of those concepts in the form of test questions.
If you are absent on review day or test day, you will take the test on the day of your return, during class time. You will be responsible for making alternative arrangements to catch up on material covered in class, via tutoring sessions, scheduled with me.
Late Work / Late homework or in-class assignments will NOT be accepted. Major grades (long-term projects, take-home performance assessments, etc.) will be accepted** after the due date with the following penalties:
1 day late -15%
2 days late -30%
3 days late Too late
**In order for your assignment to be accepted late, you must complete and turn in the “Assignment Excuse Form” on the day the specific assignment is due.
Final Exam / A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of the semester. This exam will be worth 20 percent of your final grade. This exam will mirror the final exam in format and content. There will be a free response section as well as a multiple choice section and will span two class days.
A review will be given during class to help you prepare for the exam. However, the most important things you can do to prepare for the final exam are to attend class every day, complete all assignments, and participate fully in class activities.
You will be able to take advantage of the alternate final exam as long as you register for and take the AP Statistics Exam in May.
AP Exam / All students are expected and strongly encouraged to take the AP exam. Students scoring 3 or higher on the AP exam may qualify for a college course exception, dependent upon the college or university. Even if you do not score “well” on the exam, research shows that those students who take an AP exam, in addition to the course, are more likely to remain in college.
Differentiated
Instruction / The instructional strategies for this course may at times be differentiated in content, pacing, process, skills emphasis, and expectation of student outcomes. Not all students will be doing the same thing at the same time, and assignments may vary from student to student to ensure that students have the opportunity to explore, create and apply themselves as we learn the complexities of AP Statistics.
Testing
Protocol / In efforts to provide a consistent and stable testing environment, we will follow a testing protocol for all quizzes and tests.
The protocol is as follows:
1. Before the test:
a. Gather testing materials from your bags: pencils, pens, erasers, calculators, etc.
b. Place all bags (including purses) at the front of the room.
c. Turn your cell phones off (vibrate, silent, or stealth modes are unacceptable)
d. Place your cell phone in the upper left-hand corner of your desk, face down.
e. Sit quietly as test materials are distributed
2. During testing, you should:
a. Remain quiet at all times
b. Remain in your seat
c. Keep your eyes on your own paper
d. Raise your hand if you have a question
3. After testing, you should:
a. Copy the Statement of Integrity on the lines provided and sign your name.*
b. Raise your hand to indicate that you are finished
c. Complete the “after test” assignment
d. Continue to remain quiet until the testing session is complete
4. You are expected to remain in the classroom at all times during testing. You will only be allowed to leave class in cases of extreme emergencies, to be decided at my discretion.
5. If at any time during testing you are seen with a cell phone in your hands, I will assume that you are cheating.
6. If at any time during testing you are witnessed talking, mouthing, or otherwise gesturing to anyone, I will assume that you are cheating.
7. The consequences of cheating are:
a. Your test will be removed from your possession
b. You will be given a grade of zero (0) for the test
c. Your parents will be contacted and made aware of the incident
d. A discipline referral will be written
e. Your application for any honor society will be denied
*Statement of Integrity: I certify the work I am submitting is my original work. I have not shared nor exchanged information or materials with anyone, nor will I do so in the future.
Student
Progress / You can see your grades at any time from home or school through the Synergy (Svue/Pvue) website. Please have your parent see guidance to get a login and a password. Please see me before/after school or at the end of class if you have questions about your average.
Class Communication / The class blog can be found at http://www.cobblearning.net/kentalgebra/. You will find tasks, notes given in class, helpful websites, and a calendar of assignments. This is a great tool, especially if you are absent from school, as it provides access to your assignments.
Resource
List / If you find that you need help, here is a list of appropriate resources that can be of aid throughout this class:
1. Your instructor (during class and during help sessions)
2. Your textbook (see agenda for specific sections)
3. Your classmates
4. Family members
5. Class Blog: http://www.cobblearning.net/kentalgebra/
6. Alternate Online Statistics Textbook: http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat
7. Article: Reading a math textbook: http://cc.pima.edu/~carem/Mathtext.html
8. Against All Odds Video Series : http://www.learner.org/resources/series65.html
9. Khan Academy Video Lectures: http://www.khanacademy.org
10. AP Statistics tutorial and practice exam (http://stattrek.com)
11. Study Island (http://www.studyisland.com)
12. Just Math Tutoring (http://patrickjmt.com/)
Feel free to let me know of others that you find helpful.
Help Sessions / If you find that you are confused on any topic, please do not hesitate to ask for help. Do not wait; it will only hurt you in the long run. Although there may not be enough time in class to get assistance, there are other means available to you.
I will be available on Monday afternoons from 3:35 until 4:30 as well as Friday mornings from 7:40 – 8:10. No prior notice is required. If these opportunities are not convenient for you, then please see me to schedule an appointment.
You may also take advantage of Magnet Learning Links on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.
Tardies / The school policy will be followed regarding consequences for unexcused tardies.
Student
Expectations / Students are expected to:
· follow all county, school, and classroom rules.
· bring materials (including textbooks and calculators) to class each day
· be in their seats working on the opening activity within 2 minutes of the tardy bell
· participate fully in the learning process
· complete all assignments, whether present or absent. Students are also responsible for correcting their assignments and asking questions.
· REVIEW AND STUDY their notes nightly to prepare for the next day’s class.
· be polite and respectful of other individuals, their property, and other students’ right to learn.
Finally… / A strong association exists between regular class attendance and successful completion of the class. While it is understood that absences cannot be completely avoided, students are strongly encouraged to be present in school whenever possible, really and willing to learn.
So, put your best foot forward and let’s have a great semester.
This syllabus is a working document and subject to change without prior notice, at the teacher’s discretion.