Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapters 13 & 14

Course Description
AP Statistics consists of the topics covered in a first semester college-level statistics course. These include interpreting data, exploring bivariate data, methods of data collection, planning and conducting surveys and experiments, random variables, the normal distribution, other sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and tests of significance. Problem solving and interpretation of results will be stressed in the course, as both skills are an important component of the AP Statistics Exam. There will be several projects assigned over the course of the school year. While not a requirement, students who enroll in this course should be prepared to take the Advanced Placement College Board examination in statistics at the beginning of May.

Students at this level are typically able to think critically, analyze complex situations, and are comfortable with abstract concepts. Students are expected to be independently self-critical, metacognitive, provide strong insight into algebraic thinking and visual relationships, miss a class and keep up, learn independently and at a fast pace, execute skills reliably, demonstrate proficiency of previous topics and skills, make use of available resources, form study groups, seek out others, complete homework in a reasonable amount of time, support answers appropriately, complete tests in the allotted time, and read the text to preview the lesson.

AP Statistics is different from any math class your student has taken in the past. Much of the course revolves around problem solving skills and the ability to clearly communicate the reasons for pursuing a particular solution strategy. Most students quickly adapt to this change from what is normally expected in a math class, but some students do require addtional assistance. A combination of support from home and support in school can help to make a significant difference in student achievement.

Some suggestions to help support your student at home :

• Read over the expectations sheet with your student. If your student can't find it, you can view a copy here.
• Read over the Tips for Success sheet with your student. If your student can't find it, you can view a copy here. There are many pieces of good advice for your student here.
• Read the material about Problems of the Week with your student. I have not posted that information on the web site, as it contains material copyrighted by the College Board. Each week, I will assign a free response question from a previous AP Statistics exam. These problems will be graded to the same standards used when the question was used on an exam. Some students struggle initially with the level of detail required in their answers, but most agree that doing these problems throughout the school year significantly helped them to prepare for the exam in May.
  
• All students now have school-based email accounts. I have established a conference for this class, where I will post class notes from the Activboard, as well as test and quiz dates are they are announced. Please understand that I don't consider this to be a substitute for students taking their own notes!! I believe that for most students, taking good notes is an important part of the learning process, but I understand that a student may miss writing something down, or they may want to check the accuracy of their notes. I also hope it will be helpful to students who have to miss class. Please do be sure to encourage your student to take advantage of these posted notes!
• If your student is saying that he/she does not know what the homework is, or when tests are, please know that assignment sheets are handed out at the beginning of each chapter, and posted on my course home page. Dates of tests and quizzes can be found on the calendar in the class conference. Tests and quizzes are always announced several days in advance, so that students may have ample time to find me for extra help.
• The best way for your student to prepare for a test or quiz is to review and redo lots of the homework problems. This is especially true about AP Statistics, as many students are not accustomed to explaining their reasoning when solving a problem. There is more advice about studying for tests in the Tips for Success document.
• Encourage your student to come to see me if he/she is struggling or has concerns about his/her grade. I am at school almost every morning by 7:00 and most afternoons (except Wednesdays). I also try to be available during the school day whenever possible. Most students only need one or two help sessions to get on the right track. I have also found that once a student comes to see me even once, they are more likely to ask questions in class or to come by with "quick" questions or for more substantial help. As a result, not only does the grade improve, but also the student's feelings about making the effort. Please know that if you or your student sends me an email after school hours, I may not receive it until the next day.
• Extra help is also available in the Math Resource Center (MARC). The MARC is staffed every period of the day (except D Block) by a math teacher whose reason for being there is to assist students. So, if your student has a free block when I am teaching another class, please encourage him/her to take advantage of the MARC.
• If your student is feeling overwhelmed, or having difficulty earning a satisfactory grade, please schedule an appointment for us to sit down. The most productive meetings do include the student. This may seem intimidating to the student, byt he/she will walk away with a better understanding of the concerns and what he/she can do to improve.

Students who attend class, study, remain organized, and turn assignments in on time will not only learn master the material in the course, but will also become better problem solvers. Many students entering this course have been successful in previous math classes without having had to expend much effort. They easily mastered the concepts, and had no reason to develop good math study skills. I do appreciate this, and I am happy to assist students with developing these skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know how my student is doing in your class?
There is of course, a report card issued at the end of each quarter. In addition, I will also email a progress report at the middle of each quarter, regardless of how your student is doing. In addition, I try to post course grades every week or two. At the beginning of each year I will send you information on how to access these grades. Once you have the information, the link for grades is here. If I have any particular concerns, I will do my best to let you know as soon as possible.

How can my student improve his/her grade in your class?
See above, especially the Tips for Success document. Doing independent work every day is the best way to improve. Many students rush through the homework just to "get it done." When they spend more time doing the problems thoughtfully and completely, they usually see better results. In addition, taking the time to get one-on-one instruction, either to go over old tests and/or to get additional help on problem solving and study skills will generally boost a student's confidence and help him/her to improve his/her performance in the class.

Should my student take the AP Statistics exam?
Yes. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, all students should be well prepared for the exam. Students who are also planning to take the AP Spanish exam (which is given on the same day) may wish to take the AP Statistics exam on the alternate test date (at an additional cost) because the Spanish exam almost always runs significantly over the time allotted for it.

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