Precalculus

Precalculus 

This course is for teachers preparing to teach AP Precalculus. A discussion regarding the course purpose and philosophy will help guide our week’s work. We will fully explore the current Course and Exam Description (CED) to gain an in-depth understanding of the vision of the course. A detailed analysis of the Essential Knowledge statements will provide a cohesive view of function analysis, rate of change work, and modeling implementation. A variety of effective activities to support student learning will help increase student access to content. We will discuss common student misconceptions, AP exam question approaches and scoring, and classroom strategies to maximize learning. Discussions will focus on enhancing teacher understanding and development of topics as well as sharing ideas and activities.

Course Goals

The topics listed below will be incorporated throughout the week. The emphasis, order, and inclusion of these and other topics will be driven by participant needs and goals.

  • Introductions and Goals for the Week
  • Diversity & Inclusion and Equity & Access Discussions
  • AP Precalculus Course and Exam Description Deep-Dive
  • AP Classroom Resources and Implementation
  • Course Pacing Plan Development
  • Strategies for Using Data to Assess, Reflect, and Adjust
  • Unpacking and Implementing the Three Mathematical Practices
  • Limit Notation as a Descriptive Thread in the Course
  • Modeling Analysis Along with Interpretation of Residuals and Assumptions/Limitations
  • Development and Planning of Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions
  • Incorporating Multiple Representations
  • How Topics Appearing in Prerequisite Courses Manifest Differently
  • Key Components of Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  • Key Components of Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
  • Key Components of Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices
  • Analysis of CED Topic Notes and Learning Notes
  • Creating a Classroom Community and Culture of Success
  • Instructional Strategies and Effective Activity Design
  • Exam Style Questions and Task Verbs
  • A Deep-Dive with Practice Questions in the CED
  • AP Exam Structure Discussion
  • Expectations for Student Use of Justifications
  • Graphing Calculator Discussions

What to bring:

  • A laptop computer/ tablet
  • A favorite lesson, activity, or practice to share
  • A copy of your school’s academic calendar
  • Access to the curriculum you will be using next year (if you have chosen one)
  • A graphing calculator (I will be using a TI-84)