This class focuses on basic concepts of statistics that are intended to give you a solid foundation in the study of statistical methods and practices. The class is developed around the Texas Essential knowledge of skills (TEKS) for statistics.

There are four broad units of statistics that this course will cover:

• Data Analysis
• Experimental Design
• Probability
• Inferential Statistics

Helpful Statistics Resources

Topics by Semester

1st Semester

Graphical Methods for Analyzing Data

How do we gather and organize data? Once the data is organized how do we display the data. Topics include graphical displays for quantitative and qualitative data.

Numerical Methods for Analyzing Data

What summaries are available to us from the data we have collected? Which summaries accurately represent what we want the data to inform? Topics include mean, median, shape, spread, variation, and positional measures of data.

Least Squares Regression

How do we model and graph data involving 2 variables? How does using a line help up to make predictions about unknown data? Topics include linear regression, correlation, and influential points.

The Normal Model

Why do so many data patterns follow the phenomenon of the Normal distribution? Topics include standard scores, The Empirical Rule, and normal probabilities from the normal curve.

Sampling and Simulations

What are the techniques used to gather data and study their patterns? How do we responsibly ensure that are data is representative of the population of interest? Topics include sampling techniques, types of bias occurring during sampling, and ways to simulate or model real world experiments.

Experimental Design

How do we collect and gather our data in way that ensures we are studying the variables of interest. Topics include, types of experiments, the factors of an experiments, and extraneous variables than can influence the design of our experiment.

Probability

The study of classic probability is needed to understand how randomness differs from bias. These topics include conditional probability, independence, and Bayes's Theorem.

Assignments and Grading Policy

Test 60%

A minimum of three tests will be given every 9-week grading period. Students are expected to master the material taught within each unit that is covered over on the test. The test will generally be multiple-choice with one or two open-ended arching questions to tie all concepts learned in the unit together.

Students that do not master content (score below 70) will have the opportunity to retest. Please refer to the retest portion of the syllabus for guidelines and procedures on retesting.

Quizzes 20%

Quizzes, unlike tests will be topic specific rather than unity summary. Like test they will generally be multiple choice and may have open-ended questions on them. They generally will be shorter and more frequent then test.

Quizzes may OR may not be announced ahead of time and may happen any time during class. Quizzes are like test in that they must be completed by the allotted time

Homework and Daily Grades 20%

Homework/Daily Grades are due by announced dates in class. Homework due dates will be announced in advanced and communicated to students on a regular basis. Homework is graded on a combination of effort, completeness, and accuracy. You will be held accountable for all material in the homework the following day it is assigned, even though the homework itself may not be due till a later date. Late homework may or may not be accepted at my discretion (for a reduced grade). No homework should be turned in for a section after the test for that section is taken.

Rules and Procedures

Turning in Assignments

All homework is due by due dates that will be announced in class. The homework will be placed in the appropriate period tray that is labeled on my dest. Please be cognizant that once homework goes in the tray, it will not be removed. Homework must be turned in by the end of a period, unless otherwise noted, at which point it will be late.

Calculator Usage

Each student will be assigned a calculator to use in this class. It is your responsibility to ensure that before each class starts your calculator is present in the calculator caddy. Generally speaking, calculators cannot be checked out from me. You may want to purchase a TI-36X Pro for usage outside of the class.

If your calculator is missing at any point, please notify me IMMEDIATELY.  This way we can try to locate the calculator and you are not responsible for its loss.

Technology

iPad

With the new year comes new advancements. We will use the iPad extensively in this class. You must remember that your iPad is not only technology, but it is a great tool that will help you tremendously over the course of the year. Here are a couple of norms for technology in this class:

1) Bring your iPad to class fully charged.

2) Respect those around you while using your iPad. Keep headphones with you just in case a lesson involves a video or sound at some point.

3) Be responsible for what you do and your iPad's upkeep. Keep track of it and stay on task.

4) Most importantly do not forget that having these in class are a privilege. Just like any privilege it can be lost at any time.

Cell Phones

Cell phones will not suffice for having your iPad. Please be sure to use them responsibility and only when designated to do so. If a cell phone becomes a disruption it will be picked up, and school code of conduct rules and procedures will be enforced.

Retesting Policy

If a student receives below a 70 on a test, that student will be allowed to take one retest to improve their score. They are only allowed one retest on each test given in a marking period. The highest grade that can be made on a retest is a 70.

Procedures

1) Inform me that you would like to take a retest, by contacting me through email or after class.

2) Schedule the retest within one week of getting you original test back There will be no retest scheduled after the week has passed.

3) Students must take the retest before the next test in a marking period.

4) Retest will be put in at the end of a 3-week cycle.

5) There are no retest on quizzes.

Make-up Work Policy

You are responsible for asking and receiving any and all assignments and if possible notes from EVERY day that you missed on your first day back to class. This generally should take place before school, and not during class.

Make-Up work Procedures

If you miss a day when assignments are due, they are due upon the first day you return. Your missed work will be kept in a folder in the back of the room.

Missing a review day does not excuse you from a test. If the only day missed is a review, you will be expected to take the test when you return.

Depending on the length of your absence, you will have a maximum of 5 days to complete all missing assignments.

I've been teaching math for 12 years all at Deer Park High School. I have a BS in Math Education from McNeese State University, an MS in Statistics from the University of Houston Clear Lake, and an M. Ed in Instructional Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.