Teacher: Mrs. Spiess

(530) 677-2281 (ext. 2390)

Course Description:

  • Advanced Placement Statistics acquaints students with the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Ideas and computations presented in this course have immediate links and connections with actual events. Computers and calculators will allow students to focus deeply on the concepts involved in statistics. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in Statistics.
  • This is an Advanced Placement course. You need to understand that this is a college-level course and that the standards are high. It is not necessary to have a strong mathematics background in order to succeed in this course – it is necessary to give a good effort all year.
  • It is important to understand that Statistics is not Mathematics, although there are formulas and algebra-like operations. Some good math students turn out to be poor statistics students and some poor math students turn out to be good statistics students. You need to get comfortable with the notion of “how likely” something is rather than “precisely what” it is. It’s a new way of thinking for most of you and may be uncomfortable for some at first. The actual calculations are not all that’s required. You need to understand the meaning of your answers and be able to interpret them in context.

Materials: All materials are expected to be with you in class every day!

  • TI - 83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. If you have, or wish to purchase, your own calculator that is great. The math department hasa few to issue for the school year if you do not have your own. See me for a form. You are responsible for batteries. The replacement cost of these is $120. Don’t lose it!
  • Workbook: Workshop Statistics-Discovery with Data and the graphing calculator 3rd edition. I have a class set. You can keep your book at home.
  • Three ring binder with sections for homework, tests and A.P. review materials.
  • Composition/spiral notebook for classwork and notes, or a dedicated section in your binder.

Remind:

  • Sign up by texting 81010, class code @f8f3h8. Please enter your real first and last name when prompted.
  • I do sometimes send reminders or important information. I would recommend that you use this! You can also text me questions this way as well.

Grading:

Grades will be calculated using weighted averages.

  • 20% Assignments:

Classwork and Homework will be stamped daily, and stamp sheets (with homework attached) will be collected every other Tuesday.Assignments will be posted on . Each week will be worth approximately 60 points.

  • 80% Assessments:

Tests and Quizzes – You will have a quiz or test every block day. They will take the following formats:

  • Multiple Choice - every other block day - 25 points each
  • Open–Ended - every other block day – 25 points each
  • Unit Tests – 2 per semester - 100-150 points each
  • ‘Need to know’ quizzes when necessary
  • Semester Exam – 250 points

A.P. Exam

  • The Advanced Placement Exam will be given Thursday, May 17th. There are late testing dates (for a $45fee) if there is a major conflict. Plan ahead! This is an afternoon exam, so be prepared to be here until around 4:30.
  • The cost of the exam is$93, and will be collected 2nd semester. There is a reduced fee available if necessary. Speak to the counseling department when the time comes if you think you qualify.
  • All students in the class should intend to take the exam. If for some reason you are thinking about not taking the exam, please discuss this with me before making a final decision.

Suggestions:

  • Come to class!
  • Have a classmate’s phone number in case you are absent or have questions.
  • Use the website
  • Join Remind.
  • Ask questions - both from other students and myself.
  • Come to my after school help/review sessions.
  • Work together during class time - don’t waste it.
  • READ the sections, HIGHLIGHT, and WRITE IT DOWN.
  • Think and interpret results. Statistics is more than computation. You must be able to display your results, interpret, and provide well-written explanations.
  • Be patient and open to discovering ideas for yourself.
  • Deadlines are important - don’t get behind.
  • Have fun!