Bellaire High School Open House 2005

Course: IB Math HL Teacher: Edward Mazzoni

Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

Q: How can I contact you?

A: E-mail address: emazzoni@houstonisd.org

Web address: www.bellaire.org/mazzoni

Phone: 713-667-2064 (please leave a message with a school secretary or volunteer)

Room #: 214

Conference Period: 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. (please make an appointment / other times available)

IB Math HL exam: Paper 1 – Wednesday, May 3, 2006 (afternoon – 2 hours)

Paper 2 – Thursday, May 4, 2006 (morning – 2 hours)

Paper 3 – Monday, May 15, 2006 (afternoon – 1 hour)

Q: What is IB Math HL?

A: The syllabus outline for this course is the IB (International Baccalaureate) Mathematics Higher Level curriculum. One component of the IB curriculum is Calculus, which is covered in the AP Calculus BC course. With successful completion of this course and its prerequisites, students are prepared for the IB Math HL exam and the AP Calculus BC exam. The content of this course is extremely challenging and the speed at which students must learn the material will be demanding. IB Math HL covers the following major topics: Algebra, functions and equations, Circular functions and trigonometry, Matrices, Vectors, Statistics and probability, Calculus, and Sets, relations, and groups. A link to a course outline can be found at my website. Taking this course presents students with the opportunity to study topics that are normally found in college-level courses and to engage in mathematical thinking, reasoning, proof, and both verbal and written communication.

Q: What materials are needed for this course?

A: Loose leaf paper or a spiral notebook and pencils with erasers. Binders are not required, but students will receive handouts on a regular basis and will want a place to keep everything organized.

Q: How are grades determined for this course?

A: Six-weeks grades are calculated by dividing total points earned by the total possible points. Semester grades will be the average of three six-week grades and a cumulative final exam. Students will take only one exam every six-weeks. This will help prepare students for the actual IB Math HL exam, which will not only cover all of the material from this course, but from Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus. Students must complete a portfolio which I will assess and send to the IB Organization for review. This portfolio will be 20% of each students IB Math score. The written exams taken in May will be the remaining 80% of the score.

Q: What is the “IB Diploma?”

A: “The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years” (Mathematics Higher Level February 1998). Students who take certain PreIB/IB courses can take IB exams in different subject areas during their Junior and Senior years. With a high enough combined score, students will receive the IB diploma. Over 600 U.S. Colleges and Universities offer advanced standing or course credit for strong IB exam results. Students must take 3 or 4 higher level exams and 2 or 3 standard level exams (for a total of 6). Please visit www.ibo.org for more information.

Q: I would like to be kept informed of my child’s progress in this course. What should I do?

A: All of my students receive progress reports approximately every three weeks by printing them from my web site. These reports list all grades with a current average. Students are required to get a parent signature on each progress report and will earn two extra credit points for returning signed reports the next day. The first progress reports should be available on Tuesday, September 6. Report cards are issued approximately every six weeks. FYI: assignment calendars are also available from my web site.

Q: What days of the week are reserved for math tests and tutorial sessions?

A: The testing day for math is Thursday. Only under unusual circumstances will I give a test on any other day. Students will be notified in advance if this must occur and will have the option of taking the test during lunch on Thursday. Math tutorials are held in our classroom (room 214) from 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students are encouraged to work together and/or e-mail each other questions/answers outside of class time.

Q: I am concerned about my child’s performance in this course. What should I do?

A: Please feel free to contact me (e-mail or phone) to discuss any issues regarding your child’s progress in this course. Due to the limited number of phones on campus, you will probably receive a faster response if you e-mail me. Make sure that all assignments are being completed and look for organized class notes. Students are always welcome to ask me questions in class and during tutorial sessions.

Q: How difficult will this course be for my child?

A: Of course, the answer to this question varies. The strength of a student’s mathematical background is one of the greatest factors in determining difficulty and overall success in this course. Students should expect homework every night and one major exam every six-weeks. Students will be expected to engage in higher-level problem solving activities that require critical thinking, exploration, experimentation, and discovery. At times, students may become frustrated or confused with the material in this course. Please encourage them to “hang in there” and seek out help.

Q: My child is interested in purchasing a “graphing calculator.” What do you suggest?

A: All high school level and many college level math, science, engineering, and business courses now include the use of technology, such as graphing calculators and computers. At no time during the year will your child be required to purchase a calculator. However, a graphing calculator can be very useful for individual studies. A powerful, yet moderately priced option is the Texas Instruments TI-83+ (usually available for $85-95). TI has recently released a new calculator series, the TI-84. These calculators have essentially the same functionality as the TI-83 models, but have increased memory and speed. Please note that calculators with CAS, such as the TI-89, are not allowed on class tests or on the IB exam.

Q: Do you have e-mail?

A: Yes! Please feel free to contact me at emazzoni@houstonisd.org. This is usually a faster way to communicate since we can avoid playing “phone-tag.” Please make sure you include your name and your child’s name in the message.

Q: My child must be absent from school due to illness or another reason. What should I do?

A: If your child is absent, please provide a signed excuse for your child to bring to the attendance office upon return. Without a note, absences will be recorded as unexcused. Please try to avoid scheduling appointments, college visits, and vacations during school. On most days, we cover major concepts and large quantities of information. If you are aware of an unavoidable absence ahead of time, please send a note with your child before the absence to obtain the assignments that will be missed