About
AP Statistics
Mr. Gorsuch sgorsuch@pleasanton.k12.ca.us–-
Room D-23
Mr.
Shackelford bshackelford@pleasanton.k12.ca.us
– Room D-26
COURSE EXPECTATIONS and COMMENTS
·
Like all AP classes this is a college level course with high
expectations for the quality (and in certain instances the quantity) of work
that you will produce on a daily, weekly and semester basis.
·
The curriculum is challenging at times and often you will be
expected to apply the content to the next level independently (this includes
tests). While the formal
prerequisite for the course is a C or better in Intermediate Algebra, students
who maintain grades of B or better in all previous math classes are the most
successful in AP Stat.
·
It is important to note that many types of students enroll
in AP Statistics. Some students are
taking
·
AP Statistics is like no other math class that you have
taken to date. The curriculum is writing
and reading intensive. You need to be
able to read a paragraph long problem and 1) extract the necessary information,
2) analyze, 3) interpret and 4) draw conclusions from your results in order to
be successful. Think of it as a course
full of word problems.
·
Since very strong reading and communication skills (both
verbal and written) are a must, English Language Learning Students are
discouraged from enrolling.
·
In general, the curriculum is
presented in a lecture style format that would be comparable to a college
course. While every effort is made to
make the material both accessible and entertaining, students who have learning
styles that require a more activity based approach should be forewarned.
·
BE SMART – Know your limit and register for an appropriate
number of AP classes to fit your ability/interest level as well as your other
time commitments such as work, church, band, choir, music, DECA, sports or the
like.
·
If you have any doubt whatsoever about your chance for
success in this course please talk to one of us sooner, not later.
PROJECTS – There are
two very intensive projects during the course of the year (one each per
semester). The resulting products will
be 15-25 page reports which will demonstrate your ability to apply the course
curriculum to new situations.
GRAPHING CALCULATOR - A graphing calculator for the
class is a must. The
calculators of choice for the class are the TI-83/84 or TI-83/84 plus,
but the TI-89 is also acceptable. Please
note the TI-86 requires you to download the statistical package from the HP web
site and is not recommended.
STUDY GUIDE – An AP Statistics exam preparation
guide will be used as a supplemental text.
The cost of this is about $30. Exact
title and availability information will be released in late may.
SUMMER PROJECT: There will be a summer project. The project may require an additional
book purchase of $9.50. The expected
time commitment for this project would be approximately 10 hours. Details of this project will be released in
late may.
REQUIREMENTS
ON AP NIGHT
1)
Familiarize yourself with the textbook by spending a few moments scanning the
pages. Note there are not very many
numerical examples and that it is generally written in a liberal arts fashion.
2)
Look over sample projects from previous years to get an idea of the commitment.
3)
Read this form and sign below.
I
have read this entire page and understand the comments and expectations. I also understand that a teacher
recommendation from my current year teacher may also be required for
enrollment. Signing this form only acknowledges
that I attended AP NIGHT (or an information session) and does not guarantee me
enrollment in the course.
STUDENT
NAME (print please)_____________________________
STUDENT
SIGNATURE ________________________________