Precalculus The essence of mathematics is not to make

Dr. Liz McClain - Room 1010 simple things complicated but to make
ekmcclain@olatheschools.org complicated things simple.
913-780-7160 -Stanley Gudder
Class Website: http://lizmcclain.weebly.com
Remind code: @ LMPC19

Course Description
This course is designed to strengthen and build upon previously learned algebra skills to prepare students
for Calculus and to enhance students’ mathematical thinking and ability to communicate their thinking. At
the end of this course, students should have a strong foundation of functions presented graphically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally and their use in various applications. Topics to be covered include
linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, linear systems of
equations, matrices, sequences and series, and conics. Triangular and rotational trigonometry will be
explored in greater depth. Vectors, polar equations, and limits will be introduced. Students taking this
course may obtain college credits through the College Now program through JCCC.
• Prerequisite: ACT Math portion score of at least a 22 OR appropriate score on the JCCC math
placement test. For more information about the Placement Exam, visit
https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/early-college/high-school-concurrent-enrollment/high-school-
testing.html
• Registration deadline is Friday, September 13th, with a cost of $94/credit hour ($470). Students
must first apply to JCCC before they can enroll in classes. You may follow this link to complete
enrollment: https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/early-college/high-school-concurrent-enrollment/high-
school-how-to-enroll.html
• The College Now Precalculus Exam is a common exam written by JCCC and will be administered as
the 2nd semester final exam.

Class Materials
Text: Precalculus with Limits: A Graphing Approach, 7th Edition, Larson, 2016.
It is vital to the learning experience that students have their supplies each day which include:
•Pencil
•Notebook/Binder
•Notes
•Student planner
•Graphing Calculator (TI-84 recommended)
A textbook will be loaned to each student for the school year as well as access to an e-text.
Graphing calculators are available starting at about $100 at various retailers. They can also be rented from
Olathe South for $20/year.
Classroom Expectations
• Be in your seat prepared to learn when the bell rings.
• Show respect for others through your communication and behavior.
• Be actively engaged in classroom experiences.
• Use electronic devices at the discretion of the instructor.
• Only water in containers with lids will be allowed in the classroom – no other food and drink.
Attendance Policy
Absences and tardies will be handled according to the policies in the student handbook.
Extra Assistance
At Olathe South we want all students to have every opportunity to be successful. Students are welcome to
come in for extra assistance during the following times:
• Daily during Falcon 50: Session A
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 7:30-7:55 am
• Monday – Friday: 3:00 – 3:30 pm
• Seminar: Thursday (block days-must get permission)
It is recommended that students check with their instructor if they plan on coming in before or after school
to ensure availability. Students should not hesitate to ask for extra help if they are having difficulty.
Student Evaluation
Grades in this course will be comprised of in-class individual and group work, daily homework assignments,
writing assignments, quizzes, unit exams, and a comprehensive semester final exam.
Quarter grades are calculated as a running total and comprised of the following categories and
their corresponding weights:
Homework 5%
In Class Practice 5%
Out of Class Practice 5%
Quizzes 30 %
Exams 55 %
Semester grades will be weighted as follows:
2nd or 4th Quarter Grades 90%
Final Exam 10%
Daily Homework: Homework will be assigned most class periods and will be due the following class
meeting, unless notified otherwise. Homework will be completed in pencil, showing all work, and turned in
on time. Homework will be graded on overall completion. Students are expected to show work- a list of
answers will not be accepted. Students are also expected to check their work and make any corrections in
another color using the posted key. Homework turned in late will be considered for reduced credit based
on reason.
In-class and out of class practice: Students are expected to actively participate in individual and group
activities to complete a variety of tasks and exercises both in class and out of class as additional practice.
Quizzes: Announced and unannounced quizzes will vary in length and be given in different formats such as
with or without notes and completed individually, in pairs, or in groups.
Make-up Quizzes: Upon instructor’s approval, arrangements should be made to complete a missed
quiz at the earliest possible time – during Falcon 50, before or after school, or during seminar.
* ALL missing assignments and quizzes must be completed and turned in before the corresponding unit
exam to be considered for any credit.
Exams: All exams will be announced well in advance and given at the end of a unit. These will be an
opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills they have learned and are the truest test of what a
student has learned. For that reason, they are the most heavily weighted part of the student’s grade.
Retake Exams: Students will be allowed to retake one exam each semester. In order to be eligible for
a retake, the student must complete an extra review activity (determined by instructor). The higher
 score between the retake test and the original will be recorded. *Some tests are not available to
retake due to calendar limitations.
Students have two options:
1) Students may complete the retake within two weeks of receiving the test back.
2) Students may complete the retake during The “Retake” week which will be shortly before
Finals and will be announced well in advance.
Make-up Exams: Arrangements should be made to complete the exam as soon as possible either
during Falcon 50, after school, or during seminar.
Miscellaneous
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the schedule and procedure of the course if
necessary. Students will be informed of any changes made to this syllabus.