Course Syllabus

💻  Staying Connected 📞

 ● Canvas

●  Talking Points

●  Remind: @pbcalc23

●  Email: apbruner@wcpss.net

●  Outlook: Check student email frequently

●  PowerSchool: Check grades/progress frequently

✏️ Supplies 📓

●        Laptop/Chromebook

●        3 Ring Binder or Folder

●        Notebook/Paper

●        Pencils/Highlighters/Pens

●        Fine Point Expo Markers

●        Graphing Calculator*

📈Grade Calculations📉

Quarter

Major Assessments: 60%

Minor Assessments: 40%

Semester

1st Quarter: 40%

2nd Quarter: 40%

Final Exam: 20%

*Graphing Calculator: 

• If you are purchasing a calculator, I recommend a TI-84 Plus. This will be used throughout all high school math courses, including AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, and into college. The calculator is also used on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. We have a set of 27 available for in class use only.
• The AP exam requires a graphing calculator but does not allow Desmos or computers. Please see Ms. Bruner if you already own a different calculator.

Course Overview

AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.

*taken from the AP Calculus course description

Respect

• Come prepared to learn. Put your phone away.  Participate and contribute positively to individual and group work.  Complete all work to the best of your ability.
• Do not use foul language or make other offensive and/or insensitive comments.  Encourage others.  Be supportive as we will all make mistakes and say incorrect ideas in class, and that is part of the process!
• This class will be a safe and inclusive community for all students.

Assignments

• You are expected to complete Delta Math assignments weekly. These will be counted late if completed after the retake deadline. Ten points will be deducted each day after that deadline.
• Problem sets are due on unit test day. Ten points will be deducted each day after that deadline.
• If you are absent you are expected to watch any posted video(s) in Canvas and complete as much of the work as possible before returning. 
• You are responsible for your own success in this class.  You will achieve success by completing assignments in a timely manner, asking for help, accepting help, checking your work, viewing feedback, revising your work, collaborating with your peers, and staying focused during class!
• If you struggle to complete your assignments during class, you should complete them at home or BOLT lunch.

BOLT LUNCH

Due to the number of calculus students, BOLT lunch will be available on certain days for certain classes. This will be well advertised.

The mandatory days will be assigned to students in need. Students may also sign up to attend.

Grading Information

• Minor Assessments (40%): Students will be given verbal and/or written feedback on classwork, warmups and exit tickets.  The feedback is intended to inform students of their progress towards mastering the standards.  Mastery Checks and Delta Math will be included in the gradebook.
• Major Assessments (60%): Students will be given unit tests, which demonstrate mastery of multiple standards learned within each unit.  Tests will be included in the gradebook. Problem sets are a compilation of AP level questions geared towards the content of the unit and are designed to prepare students for the AP exam. These will also be in the gradebook and will count as half of a major grade.
• Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of content.  Retakes will be available for all graded assignments except for problem sets. Students can get help on problem sets.
• A student whose grade falls below a 60% at the start of second quarter will be given the opportunity to participate in an academic recovery plan.

AP EXAM

• The AP exam is on Monday, May 13^th at 8am.
• Students taking both AB and BC will take ONE exam, the BC exam.
• Students taking only AB will take the AB exam.
• Students taking only AB will have over 3 months between the end of the class and the AP exam. You are expected to review and stay current in the material on your own.
• Review resources will be provided but review books can be purchased individually.
• Students must earn a 3 or higher to earn college credit.
• Students taking the BC exam will earn two scores: one for AB and one for BC.

Modern Classroom

Each unit contains traditional instruction as well as collaborative practice and individualized learning.  You are expected to practice and master the material for a given unit by the time the unit assessment is given.  You will receive verbal and written feedback on a regular basis.  You will use classwork, homework, small groups, class discussion, individualized instruction, and videos to support your learning.  Formative assignments in this course will not be graded.  However, you are expected to complete them, as this is your opportunity to engage with the material.  Your grade will demonstrate your mastery of the content and will be determined by your scores on mastery checks, Delta Math, tests, and problem sets. You are allowed to retake everything except problem sets. You can get help on the problem sets. The weekly Delta Math sets can be completed at your own pace.