Mr.
Romero’s
Course and Classroom Policies
I.
TEACHER INFORMATION
Instructor: Chris Romero
Webpage: http://cromero.com
Email: chrisromero@johnpauliihs.org
School Phone Number: 972-867-0005 ext 5172
Cell Phone Number: 979-574-5750
Classroom: 2122
II.
BACKGROUND
My name is Chris
Romero and this is my fourth year teaching high school students. Prior to my
high school teaching, I taught a variety of undergraduate courses as a graduate
assistant at
In general, my
approach to teaching can be described as modern, progressive, and
student-centered in accordance with the approach now employed by the majority
of major universities. Unlike traditional math curricula in which
answer-focused algorithmic mechanisms are emphasized, I choose to follow the
College Board model. This course model is designed to provide a conceptually
deep understanding of the included concepts, in addition to the traditional
algorithmic proficiencies. As a result, answers per se are deemphasized; the
cognitive approach used to achieve those answers is emphasized. I provide my
students with a rich presentation in which each major theme is approached
numerically, graphically, analytically, and verbally.
My course will
provide your student not only with the generic algorithms used for mathematics,
but also empower them to communicate mathematics both orally and in
well-written sentences. Students will be able to explain solutions to problems,
model physical situations, use technology to help solve problems, experiment,
interpret results, verify conclusions, and determine the reasonableness of
solutions including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement.
III.
PERFORMANCE AND
EVALUATION
A. Standards
a. CP
i.
60%
Summative – Class Tests , Major Projects
ii.
40%
Formative – Quizzes, Homework, Minor Projects,
b. PAP/AP
i.
80%
Summative – Class Tests , Major Projects
ii.
20%
Formative – Quizzes, Homework, Minor Projects,
B. Tests – All tests
will be modeled after appropriate large scale assessments (e.g. ACT/SAT/AP).
Therefore tests in my class will consist mainly of multiple choice and free response questions. Multiple Choice tests may or may
not include a guessing penalty. Not all tests will contain both types of
questions. One test might include only multiple choice items while another
might contain only free response items. Students will be notified in advance as
to the exact format of a particular assessment.
C. Quizzes – Quizzes should be expected daily in all
courses. Students must recognize that tardiness or dysfunctional laptops may
result in lost of quiz points. Quizzes are generally not made-up (due to
excused absences); these neither help nor hurt a student’s grade.
D. Homework – Daily Homework is an essential component of
learning mathematics. Homework will be collected daily and graded. Homework
should always include a student’s name, class period, and homework number on
the top of each page. Students should redraw all corresponding figures for
problems and should include as much of the question as necessary to make the
solution meaningful. An answer with no context is subject to an 80% penalty.
Homework which is not turned in on time is subject to a 10% penalty per day
(not class period). After 10 class days, a late homework is worth no points.
E. Projects – In
recent decades the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has emphatically
declared that the essence of mathematics learning is the development of
meta-cognitive problem solving faculties, not the development of algorithmic
proficiencies. As such each quarter students will be required to complete a
problem solving exercise. Students will have to employ the concepts they have
learned, integrate them into a new context towards the development of a
solution attaining strategy, find a solution, and then justify that solution.
IV.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
A. Expectations
·
Students
are expected to be at class each day promptly.
Tardiness may result in the loss of time on a daily quiz and the distraction of
classmates.
·
Students
are expected to come each day to class prepared
with all supplies. Students cannot learn effectively with any supplies.
·
Students
are expected to be engaged in
class by taking notes, listening to the lecture, participating in all
activities. Students are expected to be a good classmate to fellow students
through both mutual respect and helpful actions.
·
Geometry
students are expected to make flashcards
for every postulate, theorem, property, and definition covered in the textbook.
Flashcards are the most effective way to memorize geometry basics.
·
Calculus
and Advanced Algebra students are expected to make flashcards for
certain important results noted during class. Flashcards are the most effective
way to memorize certain intricacies which underlie profound mathematical
theorems.
·
Students
are expected to do their homework each night and check answers to
all odd-numbered items which are provided in the back of the book.
·
Students
are expected to prepare insightful questions
based on their homework. Students are expected to ask their questions either
during class or while seeking help during tutorials.
·
Students
are expected to fully document all their solutions, particularly
in problem solving exercises or projects. Unjustified answers are subject to an
80% penalty. The proper learning of the two-column proofs and the
development successful problem solving skills go hand in hand. It is necessary
to describe and document each step leading to an answer.
·
Students
are expected to struggle with challenging material and persevere
through their difficulties. Due to its abstract nature, mathematics is difficult
for most students.
·
Students
are expected to be respectful
at all times to his or her classmates and instructor. This means that students
must only speak with he or she is recognized.
B. Consequences –
Failure to comply with classroom expectations may result in consequences such
as: consequential writing assignments, after-school detentions, or office
referrals
V.
GENERIC CLASSROOM
POLICIES
A. Communications
— the ability to
communicate mechanisms of mathematical reasoning efficiently via writing is the
most important skill students will develop in this course. Written problem
solutions must be written up neatly and completely in pencil. Students will be
required to argue theoretically from the evidence which they have been given.
Failure to communicate mathematics neatly and in pencil will result in point
reductions.
B.
Deadlines — students
will be given a minimum of one night to complete assignments. Students are
expected to turn in completed assignments promptly. Failure
to turn in assignments on time will result in a penalty of 10% per day (not
class period) late. Rules for makeup
tests shall be governed by school policy. Students who miss class due to
extra-curricular activities are expected to turn in assignments prior to the
activity.
C.
Supplies — each
student was given a supply list specific to his or her course. Students are
expected to be prepared to participate fully (with the applicable supplies)
each day. Any missing supplies resulting in the inability of a student to
compete an in-class assignment will result in the appropriate late penalties.
D.
Laptops — This
year, we have two new math software products, Maple and Geometry Expressions which have been installed on the students’ computers.
We will use these products on a daily basis as a medium for exploration,
investigation, discovery, and communication. As such students are expected to
have a laptop in working order with them during each class period. Inoperable
laptops may result in appropriate late penalties. Because laptops are not
allowed on the AP or SAT tests, it will be a policy of this class that laptops
will not be allowed for tests. Laptops will generally not be allowed for
quizzes. Students are encouraged to use their laptops to complete their
homework.
E.
Academic Integrity — students are
encouraged to help each other learn; often the best way to learn a concept is
to attempt to teach it. Generally collaboration on homework and projects will
be encouraged. Collaboration on quizzes and tests (including take-home
assessments) are strictly forbidden. Students found to be cheating on an
individual assignment will receive a 0 for that assignment and be subject to
school discipline for the infraction.
F.
Uniforms — In order to participate
efficiently in class, student must be prepared each day to participate
fully. This means that not only must
they have all necessary supplies available, but they must also be outfitted in
the proper school uniform. Failure to have appropriate supplies or be in
accordance with school uniform policy may result in a detention.
VI.
TUTORIALS
My tutorial times
are posted on my webpage at http://cromero.com. If a student is
having difficulties it is imperative that he or she ask questions in a patient
and persistent manner. In addition to my posted tutorial times I am generally
available at numerous other times (in my classroom and outside via various
means of electronic communication). I invite students to ask as many questions
as they need to understand the concepts.
VII.
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit will be available in
all courses. A student may earn extra points in a variety of ways. Please note,
according to JP2 policy a student who is failing may not be brought to passing
via extra credit. There shall be three types of extra credit:
A. Limited
Extra Credit – students are invited to earn up to 20 points (applicable to
test grades) of each credit each quarter. These opportunities are effort based
and available to anyone. Students are invited to inquire about the availability
of these points and are encouraged to not wait until last minute to do so.
B. Unlimited
Extra Credit – students are invited to try out to represent in a variety
of contests which will be facilitated by the John Paul II Math Club. These
contests include: National Math Tests, Local Math Tournaments, and Science
Fairs. Individual students will earn points by placing in these contests. Contests
which are not specifically math related (e.g. Academic Decathlon) do not
qualify under this category.
C. Shared
Extra Credit Bonus– a student who performs well as a JP2
representative in a math contest will undoubtedly be aided by his classmates
whose cooperation has indirectly led to his or her achievement. As such, all
unlimited extra credit earned by a specific class period will be averaged over
the number of students in that class each semester. Each student in that class
period will earn a bonus in that amount to be applied on that semester’s final
exam.
Mr.
Romero’s Class Syllabus available at: http://cromero.com/docs/syllabus.htm
Please
read, sign, and return the form below by next class.
I
have read Mr. Romero’s Class Syllabus. I understand my responsibilities in this
course and the requirements to be successful. I know that there will be more
work than in a typical class. I will do my best to abide by class expectations.
______________________________________ _______________
Student
Date
I/we
have read Mr. Romero’s Class Syllabus. I/we support my/our student’s enrollment
in this course. I/we have also read the class rules and will do my/our best to
have our student abide by class expectations.
_____________________________________ _______________
Parent/Guardian
Date
_____________________________________ _______________
Parent/Guardian
Date
Parent Phone
Number: ____________________________________
Parent Email: _________________________________________
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