Honors Geometry Course Information 2012 - 2013
Course Expectations/Policies
Course Description: Welcome to Honors Geometry! In this course you will develop reasoning skills and a logical system of thought.Honors Geometry focuses on plane geometry with integration of transformational, solid, space, and coordinate geometry.This course develops geometric concepts using formal proofs, algebraic applications, and activities.Algebra is used extensively for areas, volumes, lengths, angle measures, and graphing.Introductory trigonometry is also covered.The depth and scope exceeds the regular geometry course and includes a greater emphasis on problem-solving.
Required Materials:You are expected to bring the following materials to class each day:
- Pencil and eraser (All work must originally be done in pencil!)
- Lined paper
- Ruler, protractor, and compass
- Scientific calculator; a graphing calculator is optional
- A three ring binder with separate sections for notes, assignments, tests and quizzes
Textbook:The textbook for this class is Geometry, published by Prentice Hall.It is your responsibility to check this book out at the library!You may leave this book at home.
Daily Assignments:There will be assignments just about every day. All of your daily assignments will be in a unit assignment packet.Unless otherwise stated, you are expected to complete each assignment to the best of your ability by the next class period.I will allow some time at the beginning of most class periods (as time permits) to take homework questions.Your assignment packets will be due on the day of the unit exam. Each assignment will be scored based on the set of criteria stated below.
Homework Scoring Criteria: A homework assignment that earns a perfect score of 10/10 points meets the following criteria:
All problems have been attempted.
Work is shown step-by-step for every problem.
A thorough explanation is provided for all problems requiring an explanation.
All work and explanations are legible.
All applicable graphs, drawings, and proofs are completed.
The assignment has been visibly corrected in pen.
The assignment is turned in on time.
Homework assignments that do not meet all of the above criteria will have points deducted accordingly.
Tests and Quizzes:You will typically have at least one quiz per unit as well as a unit test. All of your tests and quizzes will be announced ahead of time and will be noted on your assignment packets given at the beginning of each unit. At the end of each semester, there will be a comprehensive final exam.
Grading:Semester grades are based on the following three weighted categories:
Assignment Packets15%
Tests and Quizzes75%
Semester Final10%
The semester grade will be converted to a letter grade as follows. All grade percentages are rounded to the tenth’s place.
A= 93 – 100%B+ = 87 – 89.9%C+ = 77 – 79.9%D= 60 – 69.9%
A- = 90 – 92.9%B = 83 – 86.9%C = 73 – 76.9%F = 0 – 59.9%
B- = 80 – 82.9%C- = 70 – 72.9%
Extra Help:An important part of my job is to be available outside of class to students who need extra help. If you are having difficulty understanding the material presented, you are strongly encouraged to seek extra help. I am typically available for help after school from 3:00 – 4:00 in room 403 (pending any required meetings). I’m always happy to assist you as needed, but you should make arrangements ahead of time to ensure my availability. Please do not wait until you are completely frustrated and confused to seek help. Staying current makes it much easier to do well in the course!
Attendance: The school’s attendance policy will be enforced. A student will be counted tardy if not in his or her seat and ready for class when the classroom clock shows class is beginning. Be responsible—be on time!
Absences and Make-up Work: It is your responsibility to ask me for any notes/assignments you missed while you were absent. Please remember to do this before or after class on the day you return or check the class website.
Excused Absences:If you have an excused absence on the day of a quiz or test, you must schedule a time to make-up the exam on the day you return from the absence. Failure to do so may result in a 0 for that exam. Note: you will only have 1 day to make-up a missed quiz. The make-up window for tests will vary on an individual basis.
Unexcused Absences: If you have an unexcused absence on the day of a quiz or test, you will earn a 0 for that exam.
Class Rules: There are three class rules and they are not negotiable:
1. Respect yourself.
2. Respect others.
3. Respect the classroom.
When everyone follows these three simple rules, the classroom environment is a happy one and learning will take place.
Please detach and return this page after reading the course information packet by Friday, August 31. Keep the course information sheet in your binder for future reference.
I have read and understand the course expectations, procedures, and rules for Honors Geometry. I agree that the guidelines set before me are clear and fair. I will do my best to be a productive member of this class.
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