AP Statistics A is an Advanced Placement course in Statistics that parallels most university Statistics courses. Algebra 1 and Geometry, or its equivalent (Math I and II) is expected. In it you will learn to collect, organize and interpret data. Topics include Describing Data, the Normal Distribution, Bivariate Data, Planning a Study and Probability.
Make sure to read and familiarize yourself with the Apex Pearson Online Classroom User Guide, as the course is built and managed by Apex Learning. Note, the unit numbers in the gradebook will not coincide with those in the Apex Pearson Online Classroom. |
What is an AP Course?
AP courses (Advanced Placement) are high school courses in which you may also earn college credit. To earn college credit, an AP test is taken near the end of the school year, usually mid-May. Taking the test is not required in order to get high school credit for the class, but is required if college credit is desired. The test is scored out of 5 points possible, with 5 being the highest, and 0 the lowest. Most colleges award credit for a score of 4. Some award credit for a score of 3. For this reason, preparing for the AP test is one of the main areas of focus in this course.
Since the test is mid-May, and includes learning objectives found anywhere in the year-long course, we do operate on a somewhat accelerated schedule. Even though our semester ends January 14, we really need to finish the first semester of the course before Christmas break, mid-December. This is two weeks early. The second semester, then, needs to be completed by early May, giving some time to take practice tests and prepare for the AP exam.
Since the test is mid-May, and includes learning objectives found anywhere in the year-long course, we do operate on a somewhat accelerated schedule. Even though our semester ends January 14, we really need to finish the first semester of the course before Christmas break, mid-December. This is two weeks early. The second semester, then, needs to be completed by early May, giving some time to take practice tests and prepare for the AP exam.
Assessments
Your grade in this course is determined by Tests (35% of the total grade), Sample Work (25%), Quizzes (20%), Final Exam (15%).
TestsUnit 1 is an introduction to the course. So the first unit with a summative test is Unit 2, Each Unit thereafter has a summative unit test, through Unit 6. The final exam is at the end of Unit 6, after the Unit 6 Test. Each exam is designed to mirror the two types of questions on the AP test, multiple choice and essay.
The way in which you answer the essay questions is important. Make sure to use proper mathematical notation and vocabulary. Make sure to explain or demonstrate each step. Remember, this is a math course, and not a language arts course. So a book is not expected or desired, but concise, thorough, mathematical notation is. As the primary purpose of this course is preparation for the AP test, it is important to not consider any test fully complete until each missed question is understood. For this reason, I'd like to meet you in LiveLesson after you submit each unit test to go over each missed question, ensuring the solution for each is fully understood. Submitting your notes for these sessions will also earn back half the missed points. Sample WorkSample work are portfolio assignments done over several days. As you advance through the curriculum, you will be asked to complete extended, multiple-day assignments. These are then submitted in a Sample Work drop-box. Make sure to follow all instructions in the course, and use proper mathematical notation, showing all relevant steps and details.
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QuizzesThere are no quick checks in this course, only Quizzes and Tests. Often a lesson has multiple quizzes. These are completed in the Apex software embedded in your Pearson lesson. Note that you will be unable to view your completed quiz in your gradebook but must re-open the lesson and access it through the Apex software in the course itself. There, you will be able to see your answers, the correct answers and you score.
As with the tests, the questions are designed to mirror AP test questions and will be both multiple choice and essay. As with the tests, make sure to use concise, thorough, mathematical notation when answering essay questions. As with the tests, I would like to meet you in LiveLesson to go over all missed questions. And, as with tests, you may submit your notes from these sessions for half the missed points back. Final ExamThe final exam for this course is cumulative, meaning it covers objectives from the entire semester. Question types include multiple choice and essay, and, as with the unit tests, are modelled after AP exam questions. Again, make sure to use concise, thorough mathematical notation when answering essay questions. As with unit tests, if there is time, I would like to meet you in LiveLesson to review all missed questions. Again, notes from this session may be submitted for half the missed points back.
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The College Board has very specific requirements about what calculators are allowed when taking the AP Exam. Computers and devices with computer-like keyboards, tablets, smart phones, and such, are not allowed on the AP Exam. Only graphing, scientific, or four function calculators are allowed. I highly recommend procuring a graphing calculator. Many of the instructions in the course are geared particularly toward the TI-84. A TI-83, Casio, HP or other calculator will work well, but the steps and instructions will be different.
I highly recommend you take this entire course using the calculator you plan to use on the AP Exam. You really don't want to be learning or figuring out a new calculator while taking the AP Exam. Speed and efficiency are critical, as the exam is timed.
I highly recommend you take this entire course using the calculator you plan to use on the AP Exam. You really don't want to be learning or figuring out a new calculator while taking the AP Exam. Speed and efficiency are critical, as the exam is timed.
The AP Test
The AP Exam consists of two sections, I and II. Each section is 50% of the total score. Section II has a Part A and Part B. Section I is multiple choice. Section I is multiple choice, and consists of 40 questions timed at 1 hour 30 minutes, or 2 1/4 minutes per question. Section II is Free Response (essay), and is timed at 1 hour 30 minutes. Part A has 5 questions and Part B has one investigative task
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-statistics/exam
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-statistics/exam
College Board Account
Taking the AP Exam requires a College Board account. The College Board is the same organization that produces and manages the PSAT and SAT exams. Registration for these exams, as well as for any AP course may be done online at collegeboard.org.
Please, please, please, visit the College Board and create an account with them if you have not done so already. Additionally, make sure to register with APCentral on the College Board Website. Indicate you are taking AP Statistics and that I am your teacher. This gives you access to their online AP course, helps, test questions, and enables me to see any activity you are doing in the AP Calculus AB course there.
Please, please, please, visit the College Board and create an account with them if you have not done so already. Additionally, make sure to register with APCentral on the College Board Website. Indicate you are taking AP Statistics and that I am your teacher. This gives you access to their online AP course, helps, test questions, and enables me to see any activity you are doing in the AP Calculus AB course there.