Feb. 2008

Dear Principles of Math 12 student,

Welcome to FLEX PRINCIPLES OF MATH 12.  The Flexible Studies ~ Leadership in Learning Program at Reynolds follows the Principles of Math 12 Ministry format. 

I have designed the FLEX MATH 12 program as a steadily paced program.  Greater flexibility is achieved by working ahead while still achieving good grades.  Increased flexibility and freedoms are granted if and only if a student shows personal responsibility and initiative towards achieving to the best of his/her ability in a timely fashion.  This student will then gain the opportunity to personalize his/her learning and take more control over time management for the course.

I would like for you to get your work done in class as much as possible and not have homework as I know you are involved in so many other things outside of school—that means, staying on task!!  Success is met through perseverance and steady effort over time.

For this course you will be assessed in the following manner:

The class mark will make up 100% of your mark unless you choose to write the provincial exam, at which point your class mark will make up 60% and your exam 40% of your overall grade.  Your choice to write the provincial or not will likely depend on your post secondary educational choices that you make.  Research this thoroughly so that you make the right choice for you.  http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/ is a good link for exam information.

Class mark

10% Homework Checks

30 %  5 Comprehensive Unit Assignments

60 % 3 Cumulative Tests

With each cumulative test you will be given a practice test to help you prepare and review.  You will have a second chance to take the "real" test if you so choose which will give you the opportunity to improve your score and learn from your mistakes.  The tests are cumulative and will contain course content from the beginning, thus the last cumulative test is like a final exam.

In Flex Math you may also “Challenge” tests that you feel you already know and avoid all the homework, however it is strongly recommended that you still try the practice test first.  In order to successfully challenge a test you must get 80% or better on the test or else you must go back and do the assigned homework.  Also, if a challenge is unsuccessful you will not be eligible to challenge again.  Remember the goal is for you to do the work necessary for you to understand and learn the course material well.

For this course you will need the following:

Ø       Regular scientific calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30Xa is recommended)

Ø      Graphing calculator (these will be available for use in class or you may purchase your own).  There are online ones available for use at home.

Ø      Loose leaf paper in a binder for notes and assignment work

Ø      Pencils, eraser, ruler

Ø      Graph paper

Ø      Addison-Wesley Mathematics 12 text book (loan from library)

Ø      Principles of Math 12 Workbook (these will be available on loan for the semester or you have the option to purchase for $16 so that you may write directly into the workbook— which I personally believe is worth the cost of the paper it is printed on).

Lessons and class schedules as well as good Math Links are posted on my website regularly ( http://hcoey.tripod.com )

I’m looking forward to a positive semester with you all, and hope you are too!

Sincerely,

Heather Coey