Precalculus 1H Syllabus Valhalla High School Mr. Andersen 593 ...

Precalculus 1H Syllabus Valhalla High School
Mr. Andersen 593-5457
Room R3
This course meets all the requirements dictated by the California State Mathematics Framework,
ESLRs 1abc, 2a, 3ab, 4ab, 5ab and EDLRs I, II, III, IV
TEXTBOOK
Precalculus with Limits, Larson, 2005
REQUIRED MATERIALS
• Notebook (for daily notes and assignments)
• Lined writing paper and graph paper
• Pencil (only work done in pencil is accepted)
CALCULATOR POLICY
This course requires extensive use of a graphing calculator, as do most subsequent math courses here
and in college. All students are highly encouraged to get a Texas Instruments TI-83+ or TI-84+ series
graphing calculator. A loaner calculator will be available to students who are unable to obtain one.
ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments are an integral part of each math lesson. They must be done on a daily basis if maximum
learning is to take place. When time is given in class to work on assignments, you must be working on
those assignments. Assignments are given on a daily basis and checked on a daily basis. A complete
assignment will receive 10 points. Incomplete assignments will receive either 0 or 5 points at my
discretion. If you do not show all the steps leading to your answer, you will not receive any credit for the
assignment. Additionally, students failing to do their assignments may have consequences such as
letters/phone calls home, detentions, or referrals. No late work will be accepted.*
TESTS
Tests will be worth approximately 100 points each. There will be 1 test per chapter. Additionally there
will be a comprehensive final exam. It is your responsibility to make up any missed tests when you
return from an absence.
CLASSROOM READINESS
In this class you will be ready to work when the bell rings. By being ready to work I mean that you will
have on your desk your notebook, pencil and all other supplies needed for the days work. Nothing else
should be on your desk. Backpacks should be under your desk and out of the way.
EXPECTED BEHAVIORS
1. Respect is the number one priority in this classroom. We will all respect ourselves and each other
2. Be on time and prepared when the bell rings. Always bring your materials to class. You will not
be allowed to leave class to get them.
3. If you were not present in class the day before, you must be cleared by either a phone call to the
school by your parent or an admit slip.
4. Your attention is required during lectures and instructions. When I’m talking you should not be.
5. NEVER bring food or drinks to class. Water is OK in a closed container.
6. No primping; this means no make-up or hair brushing allowed in class.

CLASS ATTENDANCE / ABSENCES
It is important to be in class each and every day. The presentations that take place during the period are
difficult to repeat on an individual basis. Any student with more than 10 absences during a semester can
be failed regardless of their earned grade in the class.
Absences do not excuse you from any assignment or test. Regardless of the reason for the absence you
are expected to make up the material that was covered during your absence. It would be advisable on
your part to get a couple of phone numbers from other students in the class, so that you can call on them
to find out what you have missed. You will be allowed one day more than the number of days you were
absent (excused absences only) to complete missed tests and assignments. For example, if your absence
lasts two days, you have three days to complete the assignment or take a test. Failure to make up tests,
quizzes or assignments according to this schedule will result in 0 points being scored on any missed
items.
TRUANCIES
All truancies will result in a score of 0 for any assignment or test that occurred during your truancy.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA HELP
Every student has the opportunity to come in for additional help. I will be happy to help you if you need
my help. Please contact me so that we may arrange for a time that both of us can get together for extra
help. I am usually available during lunch.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods and CD players are not allowed in class. Turn them off and
put them away when you arrive. It they are seen or go off in class they may be confiscated.
GRADING POLICIES
Grades will be posted online every Friday afternoon. Grades will be given based on the points you have
earned on each assignment and test. Standard rounding will be applied to all grades (89.5 rounds to 90)
A = 90 - 100%,
B = 80 - 89%,
C = 70 - 79%,
D = 60 - 69%,
F = 59% and below.
Your overall grade will be based on the following categories:
Tests & Quizzes = 55 %
Homework /Assignments = 20%
Final Exam = 20%
Problem Sets = 5%
CHEATING
Cheating is not tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will be dealt with according to Valhalla’s academic
dishonesty policy as defined in the student handbook.
TEACHER / PARENT / STUDENT COMMUNICATION
Communication between students, parents and teachers is vital for student success. The easiest method
of communication between us may be through email at bandersen@guhsd.net. Phone calls are also
welcome.