FOLSOM HIGH SCHOOL COURSE EXPECTATIONS Making Folsom High Great Again! COURSE: Statistics AP INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Sean P. Rivera PREREQUISITE: Pre-Calculus. TEXTBOOK: THE PRACTICE OF STATISTICS, Forth Edition, Starnes, Yates and Moore, published by W.H. Freeman. Cost ~ $100. Note: Care of the Text - Each student will be responsible for the care of this book for the entire school year. The student must cover the text book to protect it from damage. If the book is lost or stolen, a replacement cost will apply. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook, (1) 2 inch 3-ring notebooks, notebook paper, graph paper, canary yellow paper, an eraser and a pencil (NOT PEN). All work must be done in pencil, you must learn how to correct mistakes, and using a pen will not allow you to erase those mistakes...if you use a pen, you will have to copy all your work in pencil - for reals!), and a TI-84 Plus CE calculator. This calculator plays a big role in this course and it is imperative that every student owns this calculator. I will have a couple of calculators available for use during class and for check out after school, but it will be necessary for all students to have their own calculator as soon as possible. The TI-84 Plus CE can be found at office stores, Wal-mart and Target. Graigslist, ebay etc... P.S. you will have to use the calculator on the AP exam! The notebook can be shared with other classes. We will also be using handouts from other textbooks during the course, so a good notebook and organizational skills is a must!! All work must be done in pencil, you must learn how to correct mistakes, and using a pen will not allow you to erase those mistakes...if you use a pen, you will have to copy all your work in pencil - for reals! DONATIONS State law does not allow school districts to charge fees to students for educational activities; many of our programs rely on financial contributions from participating families. Please know that a donation is not required to participate, and families that choose to contribute may do so at any amount. A suggested donation can help sustain school wide programs. A donation to B-103 is appreciated to help offset costs for this program and to maintain the quality of the AP program we have here at FHS. I. COURSE OBJECTIVE: This is a one year, college level course. The AP course in statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 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 Students who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit, advanced placement, or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course. This does not necessarily imply that the high school course should be one semester long. Folsom High School offers it as a one-year course. II. AP EXAM: I strongly recommend that all students enrolled in this course take the examination. There is a fee for the exam. It is a 3 hour-long exam including 90 minutes of multiple-choice questions and 90 minutes of free-response questions. Each student is expected to bring a graphing calculator to the exam. Students who sign up and take the AP Exam at the end of the semester WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE SECOND SEMESTER FINAL. Students who do not take the AP exam will take a second semester final that covers the entire years curriculum. III. COURSE SCOPE AND GOALS: This one-year Advanced Placement course is intended for students who are preparing for further study in disciplines requiring statistical course work. This course includes describing patterns in data and departures from patterns, planning and conducting a statistical study, exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, estimating population parameters, and testing statistical hypotheses. The use of technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course is intended to prepare students for taking the Advanced Placement Examination in Statistics. This course will fulfill one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation. 1. To understand and use the basic vocabulary and notation of probability and statistics. 2. To summarize sets of univariate and bivariate data by center, variability, shape, location, and unusual features. 3. To construct and analyze sets of data, tables, and graphs using statistical techniques. 4. To design and conduct unbiased experiments and surveys.
5. To use results of simulations to represent or predict events and compare experimental results with mathematical expectations. 6. To describe the characteristics of probability distributions for random variables. 7. To study binomial, geometric, Normal, Student s t, and Chi-square distributions. 8. To draw conclusions from data using statistical inference procedures, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. 9. To gain proficiency in analyzing data using statistical software packages and graphing calculator technology. 10. To develop the ability to reason and communicate mathematically in order to apply learned concepts to new problemsolving situations. 11. To develop an appreciation of statistics as a field of study applicable to multiple disciplines and be prepared to take the College Board Advanced Placement examination in Statistics at the conclusion of their studies. IV. COURSE OUTLINE: Even though I will be providing notes and examples during lecture, it is important that you know that this course is very different from other math courses you have taken. Often the solution to a question will not be a numerical answer, but a paragraph interpreting data. If you look through the text, you will see that there is a lot of reading in each section. In order for you to do well in this class, you will need to read the book! (Yep read, and re-read and outline and make flash cards, and study, and WIKI it, and youtube...) I cannot stress to you enough how much this will determine your success in this subject. Every chapter should be considered a reading assignment. There may be times when you have to outline or take a (pop) quiz on the readings, where you will have to remember key terms and their meanings. (just like English, or History, or Science classes) Class periods may also differ from previous math classes. There will be times when there is no lecture or notes and you will have an in-class assignment which might entail reading, outlining, group work, discussion or an activity. I will, of course, still emphasize major points, answer questions and do examples of problems on the board, but this will not always take up the majority of the class time. Class time may be allowed to work on assigned projects but only if time is available to do so. Topics and Timeline TBA. V. COURSE INFORMATION: Testing - Quizzes will be random in nature and very frequent to insure that the student is held accountable for the assignments given during the course. Tests will be comprehensive in nature and will occur at the end of each chapter or unit. Points will be assigned per test and/or quiz depending on the thoroughness of the examination. Assignments - Assigned every section. Homework Policy - Up to the students to do and ask questions. Make-Up - If a student misses the day before the test, the student will be expected to take the test during scheduled time. Also if the student misses the day of the test, the student will be expected to take the test by the next class period. No exceptions unless prior arrangements have been made. Extra Credit/Enrichment - To be determined by the instructor. However I am not a big fan of EC. Unique Aspects of Course - AP Supplement Materials will be given to those whose choose to take the Advance Placement Statistics Test. VI. ACROSS THE CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES: A. Organization/Study Skills Requirements - All students are required to have a textbook, math notebook, student handbook, graphing calculator, and pencil on their desks each day when class begins. The teacher will check to see that these requirements are met. B. Writing - Students will put into practice writing techniques which they have developed in their English classes. The teacher will include writing assignments and essay questions on exams, which will be part of the exam grade. Penmanship will be graded. C. Learning Strategies note taking strategies will be used extensively. D. Technology - (1) Calculator Students are advised to purchase their own calculator for use at home and class. A graphing calculator is required for this course. The calculator required for this course is the TI-84 Plus CE.
(2) Computer Usage - Students will be encouraged to utilize the computer as a problem solving tool. (3) Equipment Usage - All students will adhere to the equipment usage rules located in their PAWSPORT. E. Problem-solving Strategies - This course uses the four step problem solving model outlined in the TEXT. VII. EVALUATION: A. Criteria for Arriving at Student Grades: Quizzes will consist of AP Free Response and Multiple Choice questions and/or questions related to the textbook. The questions are graded for correctness of response/precision. Grading is by percentage correct and detailed in section B below. Tests will consist of multiple choice questions and include an AP Free Response section. All questions will be graded on a percentage basis (see below Section B). QUARTER GRADES: Quarter grades will be weighted as follows: TBD Labs will make it possible for students to experience statistics in a peer group setting. Needless to say, attendance during these class periods is vital to the course. If you are absent for a lab, you will lose the experience of working with your peers and will have to complete an alternative individual assignment to make up the content lost. Semester Grade: TBD B. Explanation of Student Grades: A 90-100% Excellent B 80-89% Above Average C 70-79% Average D 60-69% Below Average F 0-59% Failing MI Missing NG No Grade Method of Evaluation Assignments (Classwork, Homework, Participation, Projects) Formative and Summative Assessments (Test/Quizzes) Weight 20% 35% GRADES WILL NOT BE ROUNDED: 89.9% is a B+ Mid-terms and Finals 45% C. Grade Reports: (1) Students will be notified on their current progress after every TEST is graded. Students are responsible to check your grade posted on POWER TEACHER and know their progress at all times. Grades will be linked to POWER TEACHER in accordance with the districts grading schedule. (2) Progress reports will be issued at mid-term. These progress reports will serve as notice of unsatisfactory progress for those students earning a grade of D of F. (See student handbook for dates.) (3) Report cards will be issued at the end of each quarter and each semester. (See student handbook for dates.) D. Make-up Work: It is your responsibility to get the missed work from the assignment calendar following an absence (teachers PAWSPORT in the front of the class). Missed assignments, notes, quizzes and tests are your responsibility. If you are absent one day, you have three school days to make up that assignment and you must write absent at the top of the paper. For each additional day absent, add another day that you have to make up your assignment (example: absent 3 days, you have 5 school days to turn in all missed assignments). Any missed quizzes or tests must be made up within three days of that absence and will be made up on the student s time, (i.e. after school). If you know ahead of time you are going to miss a test or quiz, please see me and we can make prior arrangements. If truant, the test or quiz is a zero. If you do not make up the test or quiz in the time specified, the grade for that test or quiz goes into the grade book as a zero. You, therefore, need to make sure you make up your tests on time. I do not accept late work. Any plagiarized work will automatically receive a zero.
VIII. BEHAVIOR: A. Citizenship 1. O - Outstanding 2. S - Satisfactory 3. N - Needs Improvement 4. U - Unsatisfactory An Outstanding grade will be given to those students who show leadership, dedication and enthusiasm for learning; who arrive on time, show respect for staff and fellow students, who obey all class and school rules and who demonstrate academic effort. Lapses in the above behaviors will result in a satisfactory citizenship grade. A very serious infraction and/or cumulative misbehavior may result in an unsatisfactory grade. Tardies are considered as a classroom disruption and will be dealt with at the teachers discretion. B. Behavior - Students are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves and others at all times. Good manners will be practiced in our room. Any item restricted on this campus (see your handbook) will be confiscated. This included all cell phones, I-pods and other electronic devices, unless authorized by me for academic purposes. No food or drink (plastic containers with screw on lids are permitted, no glass is allowed) is ever allowed in class at any time. Gum chewing is not allowed. Students, you have seven minutes between classes, please use this time wisely to take care of personal needs. If a student chooses to disregard the class or school rules, progressive discipline will be used: 1. Detention 2. Student conference/time out/detention 3. Call to parent, Citizenship of U (unsatisfactory will be issued) 1 day suspension 4. Two day suspension 5. Vice principal referral. Serious offenses will be referred immediately to the vice principal (see your handbook for a list). C. Tardy Policy - There is a procedure to deal with tardiness defined in your handbook. That procedure will be followed in this classroom. When the bell rings students will be seated at your desk or they will be tardy. Result detention. VII. HOURS OF AVAILABILITY: By appointment, PAWs, passing period and in class. Please feel free to come in and see me whenever you have a question or need help. Don t wait until it s too late and you are in over your head!! Please come see me whenever you have a question and don t wait until the day before the test! (It makes me grumpy.) This can be a difficult course because it covers topics most of you will be unfamiliar with and will not be review of previously taken courses. In order to succeed in this course, you must read the textbook, pay attention in class, take good notes, and study. VIII. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The Folsom High School program is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals. Activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability or any other unlawful consideration. IX. TEACHING GOES BOTH WAYS: With this said, you are now at a point in your education where you are responsible for your own learning. You are old enough to know what you need to do when you are having difficulty. Wait, are you? Pop quiz. When you are feeling lost in class, you should: it. (a) wait until the next class and hope that it will all begin to make sense. (b) not do anything it s only one concept and you know you ll be tested on a bunch, so it won t be a big deal to not learn (c) ask someone else for help whether it be Mr. R, UTUBE, your desk partner, or a friend. Skype? (d)watch America s Next Top Model and hope that the concept will be explained during a photo shoot. You are in this class to learn statistics and even though we are in this journey together (remember: I am always on your side), that does not absolve you of responsibility. For this class to operate smoothly, for us to have a good time, to get all we need to get accomplished in mere months, you need to come to class prepared every day spend quality time working on your homework daily not be afraid to ask questions about concepts or homework problems you are struggling with be an engaged participant in every class be kind and respectful to the other members of the class
If you keep your end of the bargain, I guarantee you that your mind with be brimming with intellectual riches at the end of the school year. You will have learned a lot. Just as I expect only the best from you, I want you to expect the best from me. I promise to come to each class well-prepared, ready to embark on our daily adventures. I promise to try my best to make my presentations clear and interesting. I promise to respect you. X. CHEATING: The crux of this is don t. And for all the discussions that we have at Folsom around what constitutes cheating, I believe you know what it is. So don t exchange answers on an exam or quiz, tell a student in another section of the class anything about an exams, or do other morally bankrupt things. But seriously, my fundamental assumption is that you, my intrepid mathematical explorers, are good people. So don t prove me wrong. If you ever have a question about if something is cheating, just ask me. If you do cheat, and I find out, not only have you destroyed my seemingly unflagging faith in humanity, but you will get a 0 on the assignment and your parents, teachers, vice principal, coach, dog catcher and the local hobo will be notified immediately. An important note, however, is that I encourage you to talk with other students about concepts, homework problems, etc. You can talk with others about the homework problems, but when you write them up, you must write them up separately. You cannot copy homework from others. Again, if you have questions, just ask me. All students at Folsom High School are held accountable to the school wide Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the PAWSPORT (p. ). Please consult the policy for a detailed list of what constitutes cheating and consequences for each step. A single instance of cheating counts as a Step 1 Offense and follows a student throughout their entire class schedule and through all of their years at Folsom High. The next instance (even if in a different class or years later) counts as Step 2 and or 3. I must also state that depending on how things unfold this year, I reserve the right to change things. If things are changed, I promise to be very explicit about the changes.
AP Statistics/Rivera Period I have read and understand the Course Expectations for AP Statistics. I accept responsibility for the information contained therein. I understand that these expectations are in addition to any Folsom High or FCUSD policies. Student Printed Name Student Signature Parent/Guardian Printed Name Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Phone Number (Day) Parent/Guardian E-Mail Address