Mr. Miller’s Math Classes
Mr. Miller teaches mathematics courses at Gulf High School in New Port
Richey, Florida. He attended Duke University and the University of
South Florida, where he received a B. S. degree in Mathematics
Education. He has previously taught at River Ridge High School in New
Port Richey. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Miller worked in radio
broadcasting in several capacities. He also served in the U. S. Air
Force.
Policies in Mr. Miller's classesHow your quarter average is calculated. There will normally be four or more tests each quarter. Each student will have a test average and a daily average. The overall average is determined by combining the test and daily averages with a 60/40 weighting. For example, a student whose test scores are 80, 80, 90, and 90 has a test average of 85. If that student received the maximum 10 points on every daily assignment, his or her daily average is 100. The overall average for that student would be (0.6 x 85) + (0.4 x 100), or 91. Averages are posted frequently in the classroom by student number and are available on line. Daily work will be scored on the basis of completion and honest effort, but students should correct errors in problems that were requested. Points will be deducted if the assignment is turned in late or if only answers are shown when the problems cannot be solved mentally. (Please note that because a student can earn 100 points on a test but only 10 points on a daily assignment, it might appear that daily assignments are insignificant. But the weighting procedure results in daily work counting almost as much as tests.) Precalculus will have a final examination at the end of each semester; it will count 15% of the semester grade. For other classes, the semester average is the average of the two quarter averages. (Note: Although I prefer not to factor in participation in the students’ grades, I reserve the right to do so by either assigning participation points within the daily work category on certain days or by deducting points from a daily assignment for students who do not have their textbook or calculator or who are not paying attention.) Class procedure. A typical class begins with the teacher doing requested homework problems on the white board. The homework assignment is then collected and new material is presented. Students are expected to copy notes from the board and do the sample problems along with the teacher. I do not normally collect the notes and sample problems. Normally a textbook assignment will follow the lesson and it usually can be finished as homework. Students in all classes should own a scientific (or graphing) calculator and bring it to class every day. However, I have a small number of calculators which can be checked out for the school year for those who do not own them. Rules of classroom behavior. I expect students not to be disruptive while I am presenting material to the class; my usual consequence for talking during those times is a 30-minute detention after school, after one warning. Food and playing cards are not permitted in the classroom. Students caught using cellphones or music players in class will be required to deposit the device in the “cellphone box” for the remainder of the period. A detention will be assigned on the second offense. Students should bring the textbook, paper, calculator, and pencil or pen to class every day. The use of calculators is permitted on tests (except on some tests in Precalculus). Students will need to purchase graph paper within two weeks of the beginning of school. If a student is absent the day of a test only, the test will be made up the day the student returns. In case of longer absences, a deadline date will be worked out. It is the responsibility of the student to ask for information on missing assignments. Daily work can be turned in until one week before the quarter ends. This deadline is not extended for absences. If the work is late because of an excused absence, there is no penalty; otherwise, points are deducted. My e-mail address is jefmille@pasco.k12.fl.us. I am available after school most days for help if you want it. I hope you learn lots of mathematics and enjoy the class! Mr. Miller maintains these web pages: History of Mathematical Terminology History of American Broadcasting Remembering WDBS at Duke University |