Geometry Course Syllabus
2014-2015

• You will not be able master the course's curriculum without spending time working problems from the homework in between classes. Homework is usually assigned from the textbook, though it may also include a worksheet. The name "homework" may be misleading, since we occasionally do certain assignments in class.
• Homework is due each class, usually from the topic(s) covered from the previous class. Any difficulties you have with the previous section should be addressed, since I will grade your homework the following class (For example, on class 7, you will have done the work from class 6, dealing with any difficulties you may have had during class 7, and I will grade the homework from class 5)
• Late homework will only be accepted if there was an excused absence or other extenuating circumstances.
• Grading of homework is based on the following:
  Each sheet must have:
  1. the student's name and seat location in the upper right corner of EACH sheet
  2. class period & date
  3. the assignment's chapter and section number,
  4. each question & diagram (if appropriate) needs to written out.
  5. an honest attempt at an answer (showing appropriate work).
  6. a legible appearance (No scratch work in the margins).
  7. 4 points is the maximum score each homework check, according to the following rubric:

     4	3	2	1	0
     Complete, accurate and neat	Name not on every page, or incorrect answer on one or more problems or necessary work (to arrive at the answer shown) is missing (for one or more problems)	Questions not written out (for one or more problems) or One or more problems not attempted	Most problems were not attempted	No work brought to class

• Homework assignments are posted on the internet at:
  http://hw.mathorama.com
• Another easy way to link there is through www.edline.net

• See also my video podcast Precalc problems Explained
  and the homework solutions, worksheets, powerpoint presentations, java applets, and old tests at www.mathorama.com

Quizzes

• Quizzes are administered every week that does not have a chapter test. In general, weekly quizzes are based based on combining ideas from the homework assignments and examples done in class (including review problems). You usually have 10-20 minutes to complete a quiz. Keep in mind that all quizzes and tests may also include some question from a previous chapter (or previous course). I hope that this would encourage you to spend more time going over topics that you find elusive (rather than just "writing off" a chapter and never learning a skill which you will actually need next year).

  Homework Quizzes

  Due to the importance of retaining skills from previous chapters, we periodically have 5 to 10 minute quizzes from past and present textbook problems on days without tests or weekly quizzes. Webwork assignments are also scored in this category.

Chapter Tests

Projects

Classwork

An example of not being prepared is not having the previous homework, notes, pencil or textbook out at the start of the lecture, or failing to bring your book, paper, pencil and calculator to class. Please turn off your phone and/or wireless device(s) and put them in your book bag in the back of the classroom.

If you were absent, you must bring your yellow re-admit slip to the next class, since an unexcused abscence counts fot 0% for that day.

Semester Exams

Extra Credit

Classroom Discipline

1. DO NOT DISRUPT CLASS Mobile communication devices must be in your backpack stored in the designated area. For the sake of the majority of the class, those who disrupt a class lesson by talking, disturbing someone, or throwing any object will not be tolerated. Disciplinary measures may include written assignments or cleaning of the classroom. Chronic or severe disruptions warrant a phone call home and/or a detention.

2. DO NOT ABUSE SCHOOL PROPERTY You are responsible for your work place and will be held accountable to keep your desk and its environs clean. Feet should remain on the floor, never on the desk. All four feet of the desk must also remain on the floor. Be gentle when using a school computer. If you are banned from the use of the computer, all computer based assignments are replaced with extensive written assignments.

3. DO NOT ABUSE YOUR TIME Take advantage of the group work sessions. This is the time to do your talking---so long as you get the work done. Abuse of this privilege will result in individual loss of the privilege as well as the disciplinary measures mentioned above. Consult the student handbook for the consequences of talking without permission during quizzes or tests. As per the student handbook, students are responsible for work missed due to absence the day they return. If you are present and a quiz or test is scheduled, you must take it. It is a good idea to have the contact information of several classmates to see what material and assignments were covered during your absence. If you miss a quiz you cannot gain any points for it. If you know you will be absent for a test, you may schedule to take it before the actual test date if prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. In the case of an extended illness special arrangements should be made with the Academic Vice Principal, Mr. Trujillo.

4. LIVE UP TO YOUR GOOD NAME You are expected to exhibit the attributes of a St. Francis Golden Knight: courteous attention, gracious cooperation, and dedicated study. Each can readily be seen in the thoroughness and orderliness of your work, as well as how you offer, ask and accept help from others.

Grading

It reminds me of how the Presidential election works, using the electoral college instead of popular vote. If all the candidate's supporters are in the same state, it isn't as effective as having supporters in different states, since to with the election, you have to win over a lot of big states. Similarly, it would be best for a student to do well in as many categories as possible, especially the categories that are worth more.

Edline automatically does the following calculation:

(While plusses and minuses are indicated on the grade report, they are ignored and not used in computing the student's grade point average (GPA).