Algebra II/Trigonometry
(Mr. Mark St. John)
Cupertino High School, 2010-2011
Overview
This course expands the mathematical content and concepts of Algebra I and provides students with their
first in-depth study of trigonometry. Students entering this class should have completed Geometry Enriched with a
score of 85% or higher. Upon completion of this class, students will be qualified to enroll in Pre-Calculus (H) or
Math Analysis.
In addition to acquiring specific mathematical content knowledge, students will enhance their ability to
solve problems logically and to communicate their mathematical thinking. The knowledge and skills acquired in
this class are especially important for students intending to study calculus, physics and other sciences, or
engineering in college.
Content
This course comprises the following units: 1) Sequences and Series; 2) Quadratic Functions; 3) Functions;
4) Graphing; 5) Systems of Equations; 6) Rational Exponents and Complex Numbers; 7) Polynomials; 8) Rational
Expressions, Rational Equations; 9) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; 10) Introduction to Trigonometry; 11)
Trigonometric Identities and Equations; 12) Trigonometric Graphs and Applications.
Grades
Tests, Quizzes and Final Exams will account for about 80% of the Semester Grade. Homework, homework
quizzes and class work will account for the other 20%. Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A B C D F
100% - 90% 89% - 80% 79 % - 70% 69% - 60% <60%
Homework
Homework will be assigned daily and will be designed to enable the students to build their skills and
knowledge by practicing concepts covered in class. All assigned homework is due on the next school day.
Homework will be collected and graded based on completeness. Late homework will not receive full credit.
Students must show appropriate calculations, explanations and diagrams to support their homework answers.
Homework quizzes, comprised of homework problems, may be given. It is essential that students complete their
homework on time and seek help on problems that they are unable to complete. Students may collaborate on
homework, but each student must present his or her own work. If a student is discovered presenting work that has
been copied from, or done by, another person and is unable to complete the same work independently, he or she
will receive no credit for that homework.
Tests and Quizzes
Tests and quizzes will be given roughly each week. Although the tests will be known as Unit or Chapter
Tests, the scope of the test will not be limited to just the most recently completed chapter. Tests will include
questions that assess the students' knowledge of other previously completed units.
Students who are absent from a chapter test or an announced quiz will receive a zero for those missed tests
and quizzes, unless the absence is properly excused. Any student whose absence was properly excused must take a
make-up test within a week of returning from the absence in order to receive credit for the make-up test. Each
student’s lowest Chapter Test or Quiz score will be dropped before calculating the student’s semester grade. In
addition to the Chapter Tests and Quizzes, there will be a Semester Final Exam each semester.
Algebra 2 / Trigonometry
2010 – 2011 School Year
Graphing Calculator
The class will be conducted on the assumption that students are using a TI-83 /TI-84 or equivalent
calculator. On certain tests and quizzes, the use of calculators will be prohibited. Students will be
required to provide their own calculators.
Cheating
Students are expected to work independently during tests and quizzes unless given specific permission to
collaborate or to refer to notes or other sources for assistance. Please read the Academic Integrity Policy on the
Cupertino High School website.
Student Resources
The textbook for this course is ALGEBRA 2 and Trigonometry by Benson, Dodge and Dodge (published by
McDougal, Little & Company).
Supplies
Students must bring a graphing calculator, a 3-ring binder, binder paper, pen, pencil, textbook, ruler and
eraser to each class. The binder should be used for filing homework, class notes, handouts, and returned
tests/quizzes.
Need for regular attendance
This will be a fast paced class and each class will build on material studied in earlier classes. Consequently, it is
important for students to attend class regularly and to be on time for class. Students who are absent from classes are
expected to take responsibility for understanding the lessons that were covered during their absence. They may do
so in several ways, including, but not limited to: attending tutorials, making arrangements to meet with me after
school or by consulting with other classmates. Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their seats with
note-books ready at the start of the class.
Classroom Rules
The classroom is a learning environment and students should behave accordingly. In general, this means that
students should not do anything that actually or potentially disrupts learning, and should not make derogatory
comments or in any other way discourage other students from asking questions or expressing their views in the
classroom.
Students may not eat or drink anything other than bottled water in the classroom, nor should they use cell
phones or any form of electronic entertainment in class.
Contact Information
I can be contacted by cell-phone at (408) 421 4457 or by e-mail at mark_stjohn@fuhsd.org.
Class information and grades can be accessed online at http://www.cupertino.schoolloop.com .
PLEASE, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE SECTION BELOW
----------------------------------------------------CUT HERE---------------------------------------------------------------
ALGEBRA II / TRIGONOMETRY
We have read and understood the information on this Green Sheet.
Student’s Name ___________________________ Parent’s Name ___________________________
Student’s Signature ________________________ Parent’s Signature _______________________
Date ________________