Spring Street

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Louis Prussack
Head of School, Mathematics

Pre-Calculus Syllabus 2016-17

Pre-Calculus is offered to tenth through twelfth graders who have successfully completed an intermediate
algebra course. Pre-Calculus emphasizes extending the concepts of algebra, learning trigonometry, and
applying these to real-world problems. Special emphasis is placed on examining the images of functions
geometrically. Additionally, students are encouraged to help each other master a topic and not depend solely
on help from the instructor. While graphing calculators are used extensively in this study, students are limited
to the use of only paper and pencil on half of tests and exams.

Topics covered include:

Transformations of functions
Exponential and logarithmic functions
Trigonometric functions
Spherical trigonometry
Matrices
Proving trigonometric identities
Probability
Arithmetic, geometric, and infinite sequences and series

Assessment
Because of mathematics sequential nature and its complexity, students should focus on consistently
completing their daily work. This includes class work and especially homework. An ounce of prevention is
worth much more than a pound of cure in terms of daily work. Students are strongly encouraged to make good
use of flex time and other opportunities to work with peers in mastering concepts/techniques. Waiting to see if
you eventually get it is problematic.
Grades are calculated in the following weighted categories:

Classwork & Homework (25%)

Tests (50%-25%)
Final (50%-25%)

Homework, assigned daily, is to be completed nightly. Expect a homework quiz at least one per week. They are
unannounced and provide me with a temperature reading of our class current understanding of concepts and
techniques. If a student is doing his/her homework consistently, these quizzes should confirm their hard-won
understanding.
Tests are paper & pencil in-class assessments, half with a calculator and half without. Expect one test per
chapter.

505 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

p: 360 378-6393 ext. 3 f: 360 378-4220 lprussack@springstreet.org

Schoology
All assignments/due dates/grades are updated via Schoology, so always look there first if you have questions.

What to bring to class

Students are expected to have all appropriate materials/tools every day. This includes your graphing calculator
unless otherwise noted, and textbook. We will make extensive use of the graphing/computational capabilities
of the graphing calculator.

Contacting me
The most efficient way to contact me is by email: loprussack@springstreet.org, or by text ( cell: 540-3723).
Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, inquiries and/or suggestions as they arise. None of us like
surprises so feel free to communicate early and often as I will with you. The best way to get help from me in
the evenings is to send me a text with a photo of the problem and your work. I will work it out on paper and
send you a photo back.

Goals
My goal for you in this course is to find inspiration and mastery in the beginning of your journey into what I call
higher mathematics. Yes, there are still skills to master and formulas to memorize. But now, your mathematics
education takes a sharp turn into developing an understanding. It requires thinking not just during class but
also after class. It requires studying at night before a test with goal of understandingnot simply memorizing.
In pre-calculus, you hopefully begin to see the beauty of math and not just the rigor. Study every day, use your
time in class wisely, ask questions, and by all means do your homework every day/night! Help each other on
homework and in classbut when it comes to quizzes and tests, those are times to show me what you know
and dont know. If you are struggling, ask for help.
Late and Make-Up Work
If you miss a chapter test for any reason, plan on taking it the first day back in school. You may take only one
chapter test late for the year if you arrange this with me ahead of time.

Class Rules and Guidelines

Arrive to class on time and prepared to work. Textbooks, pencils or pens, graphing calculator, and your
notebook are required every day.

The use of cell phones for texting or talking is not permitted in class.

Clean up after yourselves.

Remember SLANT: Sit up; Lean forward; Ask questions; Nod; Track

Treat your peers respectfully

Materials Needed, Daily

Textbook

Graphing Calculator

Pen or Pencil

Notebook
Homework

Expect homework daily, except after a test.

Posted daily on board and on Schoology. Write it down in your planner each day.