Course Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

CLASS:  Math 2

PERIODS:  I (8:15 a.m. – 9:44 a.m.)

INSTRUCTOR:  Coach Atkins

DESCRIPTION:  Math 2 is an application-based second-level math course that integrates Geometry, Functions, Trigonometry, and Probability.  The course allows the student to apply math to practical, real-life problem-solving using modern technology.  Math 2 units include transformations, similarity and congruence, quadratics, square root and inverse variation functions, solving right triangles, and probability.  Prerequisites for this course include basic math skills as well as a working knowledge of the Math 1 topics including functions and solving.

GRADING:  Weighted Average System

A student’s grade comes from three categories, which are averaged separately, and weighted differently.  For the final course grade, each six-week period counts as 25% and the cumulative North Carolina Final Exam counts as the last 25%.

REQUIREMENTS: 

Tests (40%):  Tests are given after every unit as a common assessment.  These tests are graded for accuracy, but partial credit is given if proper work is shown.  Retests are not given, and students must take each test when it is assigned.

Quizzes (30%):  Quizzes are given approximately once per week.  These quizzes are also graded for accuracy, with partial credit being given when earned.  Students are expected to take the quiz when assigned, but quizzes may also be retaken on a limited basis.

Practice/Activities (30%):  Practice work and activities are collected periodically and graded for completion, effort, and following directions.  Students may have points deducted for being off-task, not following directions, not being prepared, or not participating.  Math practice is VITAL!  Therefore, students must complete all assigned take-home practice!  This practice is graded for effort and completeness (this includes showing all work).  All homework should be written neatly, and should include the student’s first and last name and written work.  Credit is NOT given for undone, partial, or sloppy work.  Late work receives half of the earned credit, but will not be accepted after that unit’s quiz/test has been given!

Extra Credit:  Many opportunities for extra credit are available.  The POD (Problem Of the Day) that is given most days at the beginning of the class period is the main way to receive extra credit.  Although all students must attempt the POD, correct answers (with shown work) count as extra credit (there is no penalty for a wrong answer).  There is absolutely no communication or collaboration during the POD time!  Extra credit is also given for properly correcting the instructor, and other ways that are TBA. 

MATERIALS:

• at least 2 standard, no. 2 pencils (may use mechanical) with erasers
• red pen (for in-class, peer grading)
• 3-ring binder with loose-leaf paper (no spiral-bound themebooks)
• TI-83 (or better) graphing calculator is recommended but not required. This calculator can be downloaded freely by Android smartphone users through the app “wabbitemu.”

EXPECTATIONS:  Students are expected to follow directions, give effort, and have respect.  They should act responsibly and use “common” sense.  Students must be ready for class each day when the bell rings, and will be expected to do their best on all assignments. All students must focus attention during the instruction, take notes when directed, participate in discussions/activities, answer questions when called upon, and ask questions when necessary.  Completing assignments, participating in class, and briefly reviewing daily are the best methods of ensuring success. All classroom interruptions must be reserved for true emergencies only!  Each student should be considerate of others.  On the 2^nd week of class, each student is given a 9-use bathroom pass for them to manage over the entire semester.

If absent from class, it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to contact the instructor, find out what was missed, and arrange to make up any missed work.  Attendance and punctuality are vital to the student’s success in school.  Students may only miss 15 minutes of the class period to avoid being counted absent. Students should keep track of their own grades.  Students are expected to follow NC, UCPS, PWHS, and classroom rules and policies, including dress code.

COMMUNICATION:  It is vital that students contact the instructor whenever any difficulty arises.  A class website is available at coachedge.weebly.com.  The best methods of personal contact include seeing the instructor before/after class or via e-mail (eduel.atkins@ucps.k12.nc.us).

DISCIPLINE:  Should students fail to conduct themselves in a reasonable manner, consequences will be administered to correct the problem.  These consequences, based on the severity and frequency of the problem, may consist of student conferences, parent contacts, or parent conferences and may result in administrative write-ups.

MISCELLANEOUS:  Students should refer to the 2019-2020 Parkwood High School Student Handbook for any questions regarding school rules, dress code, etc.  Math 2 Standards are available online through NCDPI or on my webpage at coachedge.weebly.com.  Tutoring is available according to the schedule given in class.