MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
DUBLIN HIGH SCHOOL 2017-2018
Calculus CLASS PROCEDURES
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GRADING POLICY
Your grade is dependent upon the following items:
ANNOUNCED TESTS: You will be given a major test at least once every three weeks. These tests will constitute a major portion (approximately 65%-70%) of your grade. If you are absent and miss a test, you must make arrangements for a make-up exam before or after school. School policy dictates the number of days you have available to complete the exam (see ILLNESS below).
Corrected tests will be returned to students during a class period for review. The tests will be re-collected and stored in the classroom. Students can look at their tests at any time but will not be able to take them out of the classroom. Please make arrangements with your teacher.
QUIZZES: These are based on your homework and may occur at any time and could be announced or surprise.
HOMEWORK: (approximately 10% of grade) You will be assigned homework every day! Your homework must be completed in pencil. (All homework must be done in pencil and all work must be included.) Math is not a spectator sport! Homework is essential if you wish to succeed in math. Late work will not be accept except in rare cases in which there are legitimate reasons for the assignment being late (extenuating circumstances.) Approximate time for completion of nightly assignments will vary depending on difficult be should be an average of 45 minutes to an hour. If you are finding yourself spending more time than this consistently, please see me for options on how to get it done in an appropriate time or how we can adjust homework to accommodate students with individualized needs.
NOTEBOOK: A bound notebook for class notes is required everyday as well as loose leaf binder paper for homework and graph paper for graphing. Keep all returned assignments in a folder or binder that will be brought to class everyday.
CLASS PROJECTS: You will be asked to participate in group projects or investigations. These projects may be long term assignments which may require that you cooperatively organize and sustain your thinking over an extended period of time and they may involve computers and calculators.
ATTENDANCE It is extremely difficult to learn math if you are not in class. Regular attendance and class participation are major steps toward the mastery of math.
ABSENCE: If you are absent, you have time equal to your days absent to complete all make-up work. However, it is to your advantage to keep up with the class if you are absent. Teachers have their assignments on their web page.
SUSPENSION: If you are suspended, you are responsible to find out about missed class work and homework. All homework and classwork is due the day you return to school. You are expected to make up all tests and quizzes either the day you return or the following day. You are responsible for scheduling the makeup test time with your teacher.
PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be excused in advance before you take part in ANY school activity that requires you to miss class (including participation in after school sports and field trips). This means you MAY NOT bring a pass AFTER you have missed class. Also, in order to receive full credit for homework assigned during your absence, you must turn it in before participating in these activities.
Field Trips: Homework due the day of the field trip MUST be handed in PRIOR to the field trip. If a test is to be given the day of the field trip, the test MUST be taken BEFORE the field trip or the student will not be able to earn full credit. If there is a test the day after the field trip, the student MUST take the test on that day or the student will not be able to earn full credit.
Athletes with early release: Homework due the day of the early release MUST be handed in PRIOR to leaving for the event. If a test is to be given the day of the early release, the test MUST be taken at 7:00 am the morning of the early release or the student will not be able to earn full credit. If there is a test the day after the early release, the student MUST take the test on that day or will not be able to earn full credit. If an early release is announced during the day, and there is a test the same day, the test must be taken at 7:00 am the following morning or the student will not be able to earn full credit. It is the responsibility of each athlete to communicate in advance their early release schedule with their teacher so that test arrangements can be made.
WHAT WE WILL LEARN THIS YEAR: Dublin high offers non-AP calculus for students who wish to expose themselves to calculus concepts without the pressure or intensity of an AP class. We will cover the basic topics in afirst year college calculus class. Basic differentiation and integration methods will be taught. Application problems will be addressed which will cover common minimization and maximization topics. Interdisciplinary learning involving physics will be addressed as well. A historical perspective will be presented during the course as a way to investigate the questions that were first asked which prompted the discovery of Calculus. Students will be spending time investigating the Newton-Leibniz controversy. We are looking forward to a great year filled with plenty of hands-on opportunities to learn.
HOMEWORK HELP OPTIONS: I suggest one of the following options if you find yourself struggling on homework or need extra help understanding concepts:
· Come in and get help from Mr. Taylor. I get to school at 7:00 and am usually here in my room until 4:00 – 4:30.
· Come get help at lunch or during your Gael period at the Hub. See the Hub website for hours.
· If your Gael period happens to be 4th period or 7th period, come get help during Mr. Taylor’s prep period
· Mr. Taylor has the name and phone number of a professional tutor if it is determined that help is needed with more frequency or depth.
CLASS BEHAVIOR
It is the intent of each teacher in the mathematics department to help you achieve math proficiency. Meeting this goal requires your best efforts. Please come to class prepared to work and bring the materials that your teacher requires. Courtesy and respect are to be shown to each other at all times.
CALCULATORS
A calculator is required in all Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and AP Calculus courses. We recommend a graphing calculator for all of the aforementioned courses. The TI-84 Plus or the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition is our graphing calculators of choice. If you use calculators in an inappropriate way, such as playing games during class or writing inappropriate material, you will lose the right to use a graphing calculator in the classroom for the rest of the year. We have engraving tools that you may use to clearly mark your calculator.
STUDENT STUDY TOOLS
The publishers of the math textbooks provide student online tools. These tools include practice tests, practice quizzes, additional practice problems and additional chapter/section explanations which can be used by absent or struggling students. The web address and instructions for accessing these tools are included on your teacher’s web page.
Code of conduct
Please be conversant with the school discipline policy as the math staff strictly supports, adheres to, and enforces this policy.
HOMEWORK AND GRADING POLICY
The math department and its teachers support and follow the homework and grading policy approved by the Dublin Unified School District’s board and Dublin High School.
COLLEGE NOTE
It is important to note that most four year colleges only recognize grades of C or better on a high school transcript. If you earn a D in a math class and plan to attend a four year college you should see your counselor for advice on how to re-enroll in the class to improve your grade.
STUDENT GRADE
Each math teacher posts student grades on Infinite Campus. Grades are normally posted after each chapter test. All students have access to their grades. Parents can check using their student’s account.
Note to student: Please sign this and have your parent/guardian sign it. Keep this information sheet in your notebook.
Note to parents: If you wish to discuss your child’s progress with me, you may email me at or call me at x7148 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Please sign this document and have your child return it to me.
Thank you,
Mr. Taylor
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