Mr. Jon Harley's Math Class Information            Last updated: February 1, 2012
Advanced Math  (Sets 1, 2, 8)
The Advanced Math class has begun Chapter 6.  This Chapter uses Analytic Geometry to investigate Conic Sections.  Circles, Ellipses, Hyperbolas and Parabolas are studied in this format.  We will be writing equations for each shape from written descriptions and from pictures.  Students will be asked to derive readable forms for each equation from the generic conic equation.  Each shape has properties and translations that make them unique.  All of this will be done on a coordinate system.
 
    Click here to see the Unit plan for Chapter 6
    Click here to see a description of the course.
    Click here to see a description of course grading policy.
    Click here to see a copy of the pre-reading and notetaking guide.



Geometry (Set 3 & 4)
   Geometry students are now in Chapter 7, working with ratios and proportions as they relate to triangles.  Triangle similarity theorems and postulates will be used.  AA, SSS and SAS 

    Click here to view the Chapter 7Unit plan
    Click here to get a copy of Pre-Reading and Note-taking guide.
    Click here to see a description of the course.
    Click here to see a description of the course grading policy.

AP Calculus Level BC   
    This couse is the second year of the Advance Placement series in Calculus. Chapter 6 is abouth the anti-derivative.  We will be reviewing the procedures for evaluating anti-derivatives, connect the anti-derivative to integration applications, calculate areas using Riemann sums and definite integrals.

    Click here for the Chapter 7 unit plan.
    Click here for the course description.
    Click here to see a description of the course grading policy.



Academic Concerns

When problems occur: When students get behind on work due to absences, I will try to work with them at a reasonable pace to get them caught up. I do not have a concrete policy because every student’s situation is different. I would like the student to stay current with that day’s work and gradually catch up with work missed. I try to inform students of their grade and of missing assignments on a weekly basis. Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s grade on-line also.

    I try to notify students quickly when they fail to do assigned work or get behind for some reason. If that is not successful, a homework note is sent home or I send an email to parents or I telephone them personally. In extreme cases, I will set up a parent-student-teacher conference.

    My home phone number is 651-450-4457. I do not mind students or parents contacting me at home. I have had students telephone me in the evening with a question on a homework assignment. You may email me at school. Use the address on this web page. You may leave voice mails or emails at school during the day any time you have concerns. Again, use the phone number and extension listed on this web page. I will try very hard to get back to you as soon as possible. I am usually at school until 4:30 each day. Students can come and see me for help during my free periods and after school. I do have other duties and responsibilities and will leave my class room to attend to these duties unless a student has set up a time to work with me.

Retaking of Tests - Extra Credit

Retaking of tests: I do have a limited RETAKE policy for failed tests. Students can do corrections and retake the test but the score on the retake cannot exceed 70% (D-). I do give a few points(in the extra credit column) for doing the corrections also. I do not let students retake tests that they passed the first time just to improve their grade. Retakes must be done in a timely manner following the original test.

Extra Credit:  I do provide a few extra credit opportunities during the course of the semester. These extra credit opportunities involve doing problems that are above and beyond the normal expectations of the course. There are ‘C’ level problems in our text that can be done for extra credit. Other times I will point out specific problems that challenge students and can also be done for extra credit. I do give points for doing ‘Extra Review’ prior to a unit test. Extra credit cannot exceed 3% of the student’s grade and cannot be used to move a student’s grade from an A to an A+.