Course Objectives

The topics for AP Statistics are divided into four major themes: exploratory analysis, planning a study, probability, and statistical inference.

1. Exploratory analysis of data makes use of graphical and numerical techniques to study patterns and departures from patterns. In examining distributions of data, students should be able to detect important characteristics, such as shape, location, variability and unusual values. From careful observations of patterns in data, students can generate conjectures about relationships among variables. The notion of how one variable may be associated with another permeates almost all of statistics, from simple comparisons of proportions through linear regression. The difference between association and causation must accompany this conceptual development throughout.
   
2.  Data must be collected according to a well-developed plan if valid information is to be obtained. If data are to be collected to provide an answer to a question of interest, a careful plan must be developed. Both the type of analysis that is appropriate and the nature of conclusions that can be drawn from that analysis depend in a critical way on how the data was collected. Collecting data in a reasonable way, through either sampling or experimentation, is an essential step in the data analysis process.
   
3. Probability is the tool used for anticipating what the distribution of data should look like under a given model. Random phenomena are not haphazard: they display an order that emerges only in the long run and is described by a distribution. The mathematical description of variation is central to statistics. The probability required for statistical inference is not primarily axiomatic or combinatorial but is oriented toward using probability distributions to describe data.
   
4. Statistical inference guides the selection of appropriate models. Models and data interact in statistical work: models are used to draw conclusions from data, while the data are allowed to criticize and even falsify the model through inferential and diagnostic methods. Inference from data can be thought of as the process of selecting a reasonable model, including a statement in probability language, of how confident one can be about the selection.

Student Supplies

Students must bring the following with them daily:

• their logon ID and password provided by the school for network access
• pencils &/or pens
• a graphing calculator that can do statistics is highly recommended. (I use a TI-Nspire or a TI-84+ and can guide students in it’s use. I am not as familiar with other brands or models.)
• paper for homework
• their textbook
• a computer and MINITAB 15 software will be available for use in the class. (A trial version can be downloaded from the Internet if they wish to use it at home.)

Syllabus

The syllabus for this course is available online at:

http://www.NOHSteachers.info/PCaso/AP_Statistics/index.htm

(**Many of the interactive materials linked to our syllabus are JAVA applets. JAVA must be enabled in the browser in order to use these web sites.)

(Please note that the syllabus is subject to change and students are expected to check it daily.)

Grading Policy

Grading Scale for this course
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F	96.5%  -   100% 92.5% - < 96.5% 89.5% - < 92.5% 86.5% - < 89.5% 82.5% - < 86.5% 79.5% - < 82.5% 76.5% - < 79.5% 72.5% - < 76.5% 69.5% - < 72.5% 66.5% - < 69.5% 62.5% - < 66.5% 59.5% - < 62.5%      0% - < 59.5%
Weights and Categories
15%	Activities and homework assignments
15%	MINITAB Labs
20%	Special projects
50%	Chapter tests
3.5%	Extra Credit

Current grade progress may be obtained at any time over the Internet via a secure server. Simply go to http://www.rredware.com/smreports.asp and enter the student’s secret ID code and password. This is not the PASS system that many other teachers use. It is provided by the gradebook software I use. See the "School Maestro II Internet FAQs" for details about security. If parents do not wish to have their student’s grades accessible over the Internet, that should be stated on the syllabus tear-off sheet that is signed and returned to the teacher at the beginning of the year. (Student ID codes and passwords will be mailed home sometime within the first few weeks of the school year.)

Test, Quiz, and Homework Policy

Class participation is a necessity for learning in this course. Much of the work will be hands-on, but discussion time will be needed to clarify the material. Class discussions will be based on the textbook sections assigned for that day. Students are expected to have completed the reading and homework assignments in advance.

Homework assignments will accompany each section in the textbook that we cover. They will be collected and graded on a random basis. Since this is an AP level course, students should understand the importance of doing homework. When homework is graded, sectional homework will be worth 10 points and supplementary (chapter review) homework will be worth 20 points.

Activities to better clarify certain concepts will accompany many of the sections in the textbook. They will be collected and graded upon completion. Some of the activities will take more than one day, but most will be done in class and not as homework. The point values will vary depending on the length and complexity of the activity.

Since this is a technology based course, many of the assignments will be activities which will be done with the aid of a computer. In addition to the computer, students may want to acquire a graphing calculator capable of statistical analyses. Most graphing calculators are allowed to be used on the AP exam in May, so familiarity with one is recommended. Personally, I use a TI-84+ due to its extensive built-in statistics capabilities.

MINITAB Labs will accompany most sections that we cover in the text. It gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in that section using the MINITAB program. Each lab has step-by-step directions on how to complete one (or two) problems followed by several problems on which to practice the techniques. The labs will vary in points from 5 to 20 on average.

Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. They may vary in length but, I will assign point values to each problem so that students will know which ones carry more weight. These tests will be announced in advance on the appropriate chapter web page. Students will be expected to prepare themselves ahead of time. In addition, we will do a review in class to help with each test preparation.

Special Projects will vary in frequency, difficulty, and point value. I will provide directions and a rubric for each so that students will know what I am looking for and how it will be graded.

Extra Credit will be offered on rare occasions and all extra credits offered must be completed correctly in order to raise a grade by as much as 3.5%. Failure to complete extra credits correctly lowers the percentage of extra credit to be added to a grade. (Ex: 100 points of extra credit offered and 75 points earned by a student = 75/100 times 3.5% = 2.625% added to regular grade.)

The mid-term and final exams for this class will be written comprehensive exams much like the chapter tests.

If students are to be or have been absent, it is their responsibility to see me to arrange make up work. I will not keep after them or repeatedly remind them. Also, the number of days allowed to make up missed work will equal the number of days missed + 1. (ex.: if students miss 3 days, then they have 4 days including the day they return to make up the work.) (Under most circumstances, I do not accept late work.)

It is also the students’ responsibility to record the week’s assignments and any tests or projects in their student planner. I will remind them to look on the web site, but checking the web site should be part of their daily routine.

If students feel a need for extra help or clarification, they can ask any time in class or make arrangements to meet with me during a study hall or after school.

Classroom Rules and Consequences

Students:

You are expected to follow the general rules of the school and common courtesy. (That means, give respect and you'll get it back.)

1. Make sure that you are in the room when the bell rings. (Consequence: One 30-minute detention from 3:15 to 3:45)

2. You will be expected to sit in your assigned seat and to have all necessary materials with you when you arrive--NO EXCUSES. (Consequence: not allowed to go to locker and removal to office if refusal to sit where assigned.)

3. Nothing is to be thrown or tossed across the room (including "shooting" stuff into the trash basket). (Consequence: 1 or more detentions, or more severe depending on exact situation)

4. Class ends at the bell. You will be expected to work and remain seated until the bell rings. (Consequence: One 30-minute detention from 3:15 to 3:45)

5. The book that you are issued is the one that you will return at the end of the year. The book is to be returned in the same condition as when it was issued. (Consequence: see student handbook)

6. Do not bring candy, food, games, toys, CD/MP3 players, magazines, newspapers, novels, photographs, or any other form of distraction to class. That includes items that you are selling for fund-raisers. (Consequence: If I see them, I take them and you may retrieve them from the office at a later time.)

7. Make up tests may be taken during study halls or after school--NOT DURING CLASS TIME! (Consequence: loss of grade unless extenuating circumstances can be proven)

8. I do not give many restroom passes. Unless it is a bonafide emergency, don’t ask for one. All restroom privileges are at my discretion. There will be no passes given to lockers, etc....don’t bother to ask for one. (The clinic is the only exception.)

9. Cheating on quizzes or tests will not be tolerated. I will not say anything to you if I see you, but I will document what I saw and will give a zero score for the work. Then I will warn you that I will be calling your home to discuss the matter. (Consequence: self-explanatory)

10. Most importantly: do not talk while I'm talking or while another student is talking to me. Verbal disruptions/ distractions are rude and unacceptable. (Consequence: reprimands, detentions, referrals, removal or whatever is warranted by the severity or frequency of the situation.)

Disclaimer

This classroom management plan is not meant to be all encompassing. As the year progresses, there may be a need for additional assignments or modifications to expectations. If such should occur, I will provide an addendum to add to this plan.

How Parents Can Reach the Teacher

Please note that I believe very strongly in student responsibility. I am not likely to call home if students fail to do homework once or twice. Please read this entire classroom management plan so that all will be aware of the usual schedule of homework and tests for the course. I rely on the parents’ Internet access to student grades to keep parents aware of the academic progress of their son/daughter. If this is not enough, parents should feel free to contact me.

I may be reached in the following ways:

Phone: 779-8799 or 779-8785 or 779-3631 (teacher’s workroom)
Fax: 777-2216 (cover letter attention to Mrs. Caso)
Email: paula.caso@nocseagles.org (checked at least daily)