Mr. Juarez
Math 3
Phone: 461-6600 ext. 5669
Prep Period: 4th
Dear Parents and Students,
Math 3 is the third course in Foothill’s college prep Math 1-4 program. It is designed to strengthen basic Algebra skills as well as introduce and develop advanced Algebra skills according to the California State Standards.
The successful study of mathematics requires a great deal of time and effort from students. Homework will be assigned every day and there will be at least one test or quiz each week.
Students cannot afford to get behind in this course. If absent, students are accountable for all work missed. Daily homework assignments as well as test and quiz dates are posted on my classroom web site. I am available for help during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and after school by appointment.
Each student must have a calculator of his/her own to successfully complete this course. Any basic scientific calculator will work fine, but it is recommended that students have their own graphing calculator along with a basic scientific calculator. I recommend purchasing a Texas Instrument model TI-83+ or the newer TI-84+. Any graphing calculator will do, but I have found the Texas Instrument models, the TI-83+ in particular, to be the most useful and user-friendly. I know graphing calculators are expensive, but they should last through college and can be used on the SAT exams. We will use them often throughout the class to aid in overall comprehension of course content, and they will be used more extensively in Math 4. So, the purchase of one is a good investment.
One of our goals at Foothill is continued success and improvement on the STAR test in April and May. To better prepare students for those tests, we will frequently review and practice the state standards, a portion of each chapter test will be dedicated to multiple choice questions, and the use of calculators on tests will be limited. Calculators of any form can not be used on the STAR test. Also, many junior colleges as well as CSU’s and UC’s do not allow students to use calculators in their first year math courses. Students must become proficient in math without relying on the calculator and we will practice that in this course.
My classroom policies, rules, and procedures are described on the next few pages. I will do all that I can to help your son or daughter succeed in my class. The class web site will be the best tool for you to stay up-to-date on assignments and grades. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the number above or e-mail me at school.
Thank you,
Tom Juarez
PROCEDURES, REQUIREMENTS, AND GRADING POLICY
Math 3
I. ATTENDANCE
Absence: In mathematics it is very important to stay with the class and not fall behind. If you are absent, you are still accountable for work missed. You must see me on the day you return from an absence or you may lose credit for what you missed. All tests are announced well in advance. If you miss a test you should expect to make it up upon your return.
Tardies: All tardies result in a loss of 5 points from your participation grade. Each tardy after the 3rd, will also result in a morning school detention.
Cuts: All unexcused absences are cuts. School policies will be followed regarding all cuts (refer to your student handbook) and you will lose 15 points from your participation grade. Any assignment (including exams) due on the day of a cut or suspension will not be accepted for credit.
II. MATERIALS FOR CLASS
Textbook: There will be one textbook that we use in this class. Since we have a class set of books, the textbook should be kept at home and does not need to be brought to school everyday.
Notebook: You need to have a 2-inch(or larger), 3-ring binder that is just for math. Notebooks are collected and graded at the end of each chapter. Your notebook should be brought to class daily and should be organized at all times. Please check the website for a description of how your notebook should be organized. Below is a general list of what will be in your notebook.
TESTS AND QUIZZES
This includes all tests and quizzes taken throughout the semester in chronological order.
CLASSWORK
This includes all work done in class, including warm-ups, notes, and classwork organized in chronological order.
HOMEWORK
This includes all homework assignments and should be kept in chronological order.
JOURNAL
This includes all chapter reflections written throughout the semester in chronological order.
PAPER
You need 8 ½ x 11-inch binder paper and graph paper in your notebook at all times.
PENCILS
Work done in pen will not be accepted.
GRAPHING AND/OR SCIENTIFIC CACULATOR
The best graphing calculator for you is the TI-83+ or the newer TI-84+. The TI-84+ is a newer version of the TI-83+ with more memory, a faster processor and some enhanced graphing features. A graphing calculator is a great learning tool and will be used throughout the class, however, its use may be limited on chapter tests. A basic $5-$10 scientific calculator will do. Both are recommended.
RULER
You must have a ruler to ensure your graphs are neat and accurate.
III. HOMEWORK
Most homework assignments are worth eight (8) points. All work in this class must be completed in pencil only. For every assignment, you need to copy the entire problem onto your paper and then show all of your work. Homework assignments are assigned and checked daily. I know that sometimes you may not be able to solve some problems at home, but you may still receive credit by copying the problem and leaving space. When we go over it in class, you may fill in the steps so you can study the problem later. All corrections made to homework must be made in red ink. Homework is only accepted on the day it is due. There is no late work accepted. If you have an excused absence, you are responsible for making up your work within two days of your return.
IV. PARTICIPATION
Students will be assigned a problem 2 to 3 times a month from the homework to put on the board at the beginning of class. All work must clearly be shown for these problems. Each problem will be worth five points towards their participation grade. Students who are absent on their day will be reassigned a problem when the return to class.
V. TESTS AND QUIZZES
Students will be assessed frequently to check for understanding. There will be at least one test or quiz a week. Quizzes are quick 5-15 minute assessments and range from 10-25 points. My quizzes are designed to check for basic understanding of the past few nights’ homework assignments. Calculators, both graphing and scientific, are will be limited for tests and quizzes. Tests are given at the end of each chapter and are worth between 70 and 100 points. They are designed to test for content mastery and understanding and, therefore, are more difficult than the quizzes. Each chapter test will include basic and advanced computational questions similar to the homework, multiple choice questions, and several short answer questions.
VI. GRADES
Semester grades are based on the total points earned in weighted categories. Points come from class assignments, notebook, homework, tests, quizzes, and class participation. The weight that each of these categories has on your grade is as follows:
50% Tests and Quizzes, 30% Homework and Notebook, 10% Final, and 10% Participation
A standard grading scale is used for his class.
100%-90%=A, 89.9%-80.0%=B, 79.9%-70.0%=C, 69.9%-60.0%=D, Below 59.9%=F
The lowest quiz score is dropped each quarter.
Anyone receiving at least a 90% on the Final Exam will receive a 70% as a minimum grade for the semester.
VI. CLASS RULES
1. Be on time and be prepared to learn
2. Be respectful and respect everyone’s right to learn.
3. No eating or drinking in class
4. All school rules are to be followed at all times.
I have read and understand the rules and requirements for this class.
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