Pre Calculus Syllabus

Instructor: Cassie Bustamante

Room: A114
Contact information: 480-344-9898; cbustamante@alaschools.org
Website: http://mrsbustamanteala.weebly.com

Course Description: The Pre-Calculus course is a fourth year course in the High School Math sequence.
Students will master algebraic methods and properties. Students will analyze and interpret the behavior
and nature of functions. The types of functions will include: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic,
absolute value, and piecewise. Other topics may include: systems of equations, matrices, combinations,
permutations, sequences, series, conics, and data analysis with a focus on modeling and solving real world
problems.

Rules and Expectations: Be Proactive!

1. Be here and be ready to participate.
2. Be considerate and kind: keep objects, including hands and feet, to yourself. Treat others kindly.
3. Food and electronics are NOT permitted in class. Remember, a phone cannot be used in class even
as a calculator.

All school policies concerning dress code, attendance and tardiness will be followed. See the student handbook
or the school website for more details.

Consequences:
Standard consequences will apply: warning, move seat, contact parent, refer to administration. Small
infractions may receive a yellow card. Any serious offense will have a severe consequence. I have
confidence that we can work together to resolve any issues before they become serious.

Grading Policy (for all high school math courses):

Homework (10%)
Classwork (20%)
Assessments (Quizzes, Tests, Midterms, Final Exams) (70% total)
 Quizzes and Tests 50%
 Midterm and Final Exams 20%

Materials: Students who are successful bring their materials EVERY DAY
(Stock up now, while prices are LOW, for 2nd semester items)
We’ll use the items in the standard school supply list. Additional supplies needed for this class:
1. Notebook for this class only.
2. TI-84 Graphing Calculator! (Other graphing calculators are acceptable but you will need to learn
how to use them)
3. White board marker for personal use (Ultra fine tip is ideal)
4. Pens and Pencils (erasers)
5. Paper for homework
6. Folder or Binder for keeping papers and assignments for the class
Class Structure:
The text is PreCalculus Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (Demana, Waits, Foley, Kennedy). A textbook will
be provided during class time. Students will need internet access to view their textbook at home. If you do
not have access to the internet, you can check out a book from Charai Allen.

Preparation for class every day:

Students should participate fully in class including taking notes, working examples with the class, doing
homework and classwork, and studying for test. Students should complete homework consistently, check their
homework, and ask questions daily. Students should bring their calculator and notebook to class daily.

Attendance:
The expectation is for all students to attend class as much as possible. When missing class in unavoidable, it is
essential to have the absence properly excused. As per school policy, assignments that are missing as a result of an
unexcused absence may not necessarily be re-given for makeup and may result in receiving a zero for the assignment.

Homework and Classwork: Put First Things First!

Homework is an essential part of a math class. Expect homework every day, to help with learning. Homework in
upper level math courses is based mostly upon completion. It is your responsibility to check your answers for
correctness. All homework should be completed the day it is assigned, unless otherwise specified.

Late work: Late work will only be accepted if it is turned in within 3 days of the due date. For this course, because
you are an upper level class, all assignments are due on the Monday after it is assigned, even though it is in your best
interest NOT to wait until the end of the week to do all the work. You are still held accountable for the material on
weekly quizzes and/or tests, and therefore waiting to do the assignments will affect your assessment grades. The 3
day penalty will apply after the Monday deadline. If you have an unexcused absence, you will not be given extra
time. Missed quizzes and tests must be made up the day you return to school. Missing assignments from unexcused
absences will be subject to the late work policy.

Quizzes: Every week you will have an assessment. Most weeks you will have a quiz on Friday that covers the work for
that week as well as skills from previous weeks. It is important to be prepared for your quizzes each week by
completing all homework and classwork in a timely manner. Quizzes are used to assess your progress within a unit.

Tests: Tests are used to assess your mastery of a topic. You may take each test only once, however, you may do test
corrections to earn back partial credit on the problems you missed. Opportunities to make corrections will happen
on a case by case basis. Please see me if you would like to discuss test corrections.

Communication: The easiest way to contact me is through email.

Grades: All grades are updated at least once a week. Students and parents should check grades often using
infinite campus. I am available before and after school each day by appointment, both for tutoring and for a
discussion about grades. The best way for parents to reach me quickly is by email. If you have questions or
concerns about your student, please let me know.

No matter what career field you choose, from doctor to car mechanic to full-time parent, you will benefit from the
ability to think things through, use procedures, and solve problems. Those are the skills that you will learn in a
challenging math course like this.

Disclaimer: This syllabus and class schedule may be altered at the discretion of the instructor. Any changes will be
reviewed in class.
Parent/Guardian and student signature:

Pre Calculus: I have read and understand the syllabus and grading procedure. I will also adhere to all of the
agreements to make this a safe learning environment.

Student Print name: ___________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________

Parent Phone #: _______________________________

Email Address: ________________________________

Any Additional comments you’d like to provide:

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