1. Back to school night 2017
Welcome!

2. Pre-calculus goals Develop exceptional algebra skills
Recognize and use the text book as a resource
Understand notation commonly used in this and all future math and science classes
Develop excellent calculator skills
Become good problem solvers
Learn to enjoy and appreciate math in it’s own right
Recognize that math and math skills is a key feature or valuable asset in a wide variety of post-high school careers

3. PC-Grades Assessment/Preparation 90/10 split
IN addition to traditional tests and quizzes, occasional in-class projects, team reviews, and take-home tests will be included in the assessment category
Prepartion includes homework and most in-class assignments

4. PC-Test retakes Students may retake any test one-time.
Students may earn back up to the ½ the points they lost on the original test
Ex: original 30/50
Retake: up to a 40/50
Students will only retake the problems they missed originally.
Students must attempt all the problems they missed.

5. PC-Help! Form a study team that meets outside of class
Bring your study team with you during flex times
Read the book
Do the examples and class exercises from the book
Look at you notes, and the power points from class
Look at help resources linked to my blog
Do a google search by topic, or specific question
How do I solve cubic equations by grouping and factoring?
How do I solve x^3 +2x^2-1=0?
Ask me during class, during flex, and after school

6. PC-Graphing calculators
Students may not use phones during assessments, including PSAT’s, SAT’s, and ACT’s
Purchase if you can
Resell on –line when finished
Buy used to start with.
Ti-84 or inspire is very nice
Ti-83 will work
Check one out from the library- they are in limited supply
For the AP Calculus exams the Ti-Nspire-CAS, and Ti-89’s are still considered to be an advantage.
The Casio and HP brands are just fine, and probably cheaper. (I am less skilled at using them, but together we can figure it out)

7. Geometry Goals
Accurately construct and measure various lines, angles, and shapes
Perform and recognize transformations
Become good problem solvers
Become comfortable, confident and skilled at explaining your thinking out loud, and in writing.
Learn, and then use the properties of parallel lines, similar triangles, right triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, and circles to solve real world problems
Understand enough probability to design both a fair and an un-fair game
Exit geometry with fantastic Algebra 1/2 skills

8. Geometry help From me: flex time, and after school, both in C-30
If absent: check my blog for the days plan and hand-outs (updated at least weekly
Form a study team that meets outside of class.
Ask lots of questions during class
On-line: Khan academy is a good source
Google the topic: ex: how do I rotate a shape 90 degrees counter clockwise about the origin?

9. Geometry Grades Tests: 55% Quizzes: 30% Essential skills: 15%
This category includes homework and in-class assignments
Test retakes: yes, each test once, for up to 100%
Test notes: yes 1 page on tests, open note on quizzes

10. GEO/PC math department needs
If you have the means and the time, the math department would greatly appreciate a donation of one of the following items from any student who can:
Tissues
Dry-erase markers
AAA-batteries