Syllabus
AP Statistics 2009 – 2010
Mrs. Miller milleral@fultonschools.org
school phone: 770-650-4230
Centennial High School
http://millerstats.org check website daily for updates and answer keys!
Parents: Please email for most effective communication
Text Book: Yates, Moore and Starnes. (2008). The Practice of Statistics, Third Edition. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company. $85.00
Office / Help / Make-Up Sessions Room I – 40 Mondays and Tuesdays 8 – 8:30 am, Thursdays 4 – 4:30 pm, or by appointment.
Course Curriculum:Visit www.fultonschools.org/dept/curriculum for greater detail.The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
Grading System:
Centennial progress reports will be sent home every 6 weeks. Students should calculate grades regularly using the information listed below. In addition, student grades are available via ParentConnect.
Free Response 10%
Assignments/Homework 5%
Quizzes 25%
Tests 40%
Final Exam 20%
Evaluation Students are expected to show their work and explain answers at ALL times. Partial credit can and will be given PROVIDED work is shown and answers are explained. The correct answer without showing work will not receive a passing grade for the problem. This rule is applied to all assignments, projects, quizzes and tests. Homework checks will be unannounced and graded on a scale of 10 points. (10 points if all work is shown and all problems are attempted, 5 points if at least half is attempted and 0 if less than half of the assignment is complete and/or no work is shown.)
Participation includes completion of assignments and activities given during class time. Also graded on a scale of 10 points.
Quizzes may or may not be announced and cover all lecture materials AND reading (if it’s in the book, you are responsible for the information even if it is not in the notes unless otherwise specified).
Tests and quizzes will be graded on a scale of 100 points. Tests will be announced at least 3 days in advance. ALL tests will be cumulative and will cover all notes and readings unless otherwise specified. A day of review will be given before any test and therefore any student absent the day before a test is NOT exempt from taking the test.
Since the AP test is a cumulative exam the student is expected to demonstrate proficiency on all topics once they are covered in class. A “practice” AP exam will be given to all students in the spring during class over the course of 3 days. The dates of this exam will be announced very soon. This grade will count as the spring semester final exam.
Make-up Work Policy (see Student Agenda page 8)
Attendance is very important. Excessive absences will likely prevent students from successfully completing this course. It is solely the student’s responsibility to make contact with the teacher to initiate all make-up work. I encourage you to obtain at least two phone numbers of other classmates who can be contacted for make-up work or assistance with assignments. Please review the policy stated in your student agenda on page 8.
Student Materials: Textbook, pencils, 3-ring binder and calculator. The TI-83+ will be the calculator we will use in this class. It has extensive statistical programs on which we will rely heavily. A classroom set is available for use at school.
The following text is strongly recommended for study and practice:
AMSCO’s AP Statistics: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination, James S. Bohan, Amsco School Publications, Inc. New York, NY
Classroom Expectations
All policies outlined in the Fulton County Student Discipline Manual and in the Centennial High School Student Handbook (Agenda) are in effect in this classroom at all times.
1. Bring all proper materials to class daily. Proper materials include your textbook, notebook (with paper) and pencil/pen. Graphing calculators are allowed but will be checked periodically for stored data.
2. Always be respectful of others and their property. Never make fun of another’s questions or speak louder than necessary. Comments are important and worthy of being heard so never talk when others are asking questions or when the teacher is instructing. Do not “borrow” from the teacher or another student without permission. School property must also be respected—if you write on a desk you plan on staying after school to clean the entire classroom.
3. Be punctual. (See Agenda page 12)
4. Participate appropriately. This includes activities, discussions and lectures. Inappropriate behavior (including inappropriate humor) and homework from other classes are not allowed in this classroom.
5. Raise your hand and wait to be called upon before speaking. See #2 and #4
6. Be sure to take care of personal business such as going to the restroom, seeing other teachers, or making appointments between classes, at lunch, or before and after school. Only in the case of an emergency will you be permitted to leave the classroom.
7. No food or drink or gum. Just water that is obviously water.
8. NO CHEATING! Cheating is not tolerated at Centennial and will result in a 0 on the assignment, quiz or test in question AND an honor code violation. And yes, copying someone else’s assignment IS cheating! Graphing calculators will also be checked for stored data.
9. No cell phones, i-pods or games of any kind. If I see one for ANY reason, it’s mine. I love ebay.
10. No excuses. You are in high school. It is your responsibility to follow these rules, complete assignments and make up any missed work.
Consequences: 1st offense – Verbal reprimand and warning; 2nd offense – Sent out of room/detention (30 minutes) and phone call to parents; 3rd offense – Referral to administrator. All severe offenses will be sent directly to appropriate administrator.
