AP Statistics

Required Text

Readable Statistics, Maychrowitz & Murphy (Download Here)
Inummeracy, John Allen Paulos 2001 Edition
Enrollment in AP Classroom

Course Description

The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus- based college course in statistics. This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.

Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:

• Exploring data: describing patterns and departures from patterns
• Sampling and Experimentation: planning and conducting a study
• Anticipating Patterns: exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
• Statistical Inference: estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.

Screencasts

Screencasts are designed to introduce topics outside of class in order to allow more efficient use of class time. Please note that they are not intended to take the place of in class discussion of new content but rather to offer a pre-class introduction to what will be discussed. Some screencasts will include online quizzes that will be part of the unit homework assignment.

Screencast solutions are designed to walk you through the problem solving process on specific problems in order to help you further develop your own problem solving skills.

Class Expectations

Struggle is a feature of education, not a bug.

The moment the unbelievable happens, it becomes ordinary

Don't let the fear of looking stupid hold you back

Pay attention to what you are learning today. The grade will take care of itself.

• Problem solving in class is like piloting a flight simulator. You can learn from mistakes without consequences.
• Failure does not have to be a permanent condition.
• If you don't know or remember something, look it up (except on an assessment of course). Use the resources you have such as iPads, books, notes, classmates, etc. This includes questions about the syllabus.
• Self-Advocate - Do not be afraid to ask questions! You might be surprised how many of your classmates might also be struggling with the same content.
• Be cooperative with not only the teacher but with each other. A positive learning environment depends upon everyone. This means respect each other's feelings, physical space, and property.
• When working in groups, maintain your "table voices".
• The question "Will this be on the test?" will only be answered during the last five minutes of any class period.
• Bring to class everyday (in addition to your iPad or laptop):
  1. A 3-Ring Binder, notebook, or iPad writing app
  2. Pencil and Paper (we will often be working with devices put away)
  3. Graphing Calculator.
• Work Expectations:
  • Plan to work on this class while in this class
  • Students must be able to complete assignments on their own, and there will be times when the student is expected to read and understand material independently.
  • While this class will have assigned homework, it will usually involve finishing assignments started in class.
  • Written homework must show work and be legible.
  • Online work includes assigned screencasts (10 minutes or less) followed by formative quizzes both from class and AP Classroom.
  • Students will be given access to AP Classroom once the College Board makes it available.
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• Calculators: We will be using a TI-84 (or TI-83) calculator throughout the year. Other College Board approved calculators are ok as well but if it's not one I'm familiar with, you will be on your own with usage issues. The Desmos app for your iPad would be helpful to have though not required. You need to have access to at least one of these technologies in class every day.
• Preparation: Students must be prepared for class. This means that all required materials are on hand, homework is thoroughly completed, and the student is prepared to present his or her work as well as ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate his or her understanding of the material.
• Participation: Students are expected to participate in class in a positive manner on a daily basis by answering classmates’ questions sensitively and constructively, by volunteering their own relevant questions, by skillfully presenting solutions to the class, and by using assignments to sharpen written presentation skills.
• iPad Usage: Distraction resulting from mobile devices happens to all ages (not just teenagers). This does not mean that distraction must be considered inevitable. All iPads are to be set to Do Not Disturb at the beginning of class and are to be on your desk only when permitted. Non-academic use of iPads is not allowed. On first offense, the iPad will be confiscated for the duration of the period. Repeated offenses on this policy will be referred to the Dean's Office.
• Apple Classroom: At times, it will be necessary for class efficiency for everyone to navigate to the same page or to be using the same app for a particular unit of study. In order to accomplish this, students are expected to sign into Apple Classroom at the beginning of the year. If technical issues cause your device to sign out or not be able to join, see me outside of class to discuss next steps.
• AirPods: Airpods are not to be used during class time without express permission from the teacher
• Cell phones: You are all familiar with and expected to follow the school cell phone and watch (we have a clock in the room and so does your iPad 🙂) policy. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in phone confiscation for the duration of the school day.

• Food: Eating in class is allowed within reason.  Students may not use class time to obtain or heat food.  Students must clean up after themselves.  Failure to comply by the food allowances may result in food being prohibited for the offending student(s) and/or the entire class.

• AI Usage Policy: Use of AI tools in this course is encouraged (keep reading) as a starting point for further exploration and analysis, engaging in discussions with peers and teachers to deepen understanding. More specific limits per assignment will be given by the teacher. It’s imperative that all work submitted should be your own. The information derived from these tools is based on previously published materials. Therefore, using these tools without proper citation constitutes plagiarism. Any assignment for which the solutions are found to have been plagiarized or to have used unauthorized AI tools may be reported for academic misconduct. If you are not sure whether your use of AI with an assignment exceeds the limits outlined here, ask the instructor. As you discern your AI usage, keep in mind the following:
  
  
  • Because AI uses large language models merely to summarize (however eloquently) data that can be found on the internet, information derived from these tools, like any information found on the internet, is often inaccurate or incomplete.
  • While apps like Photomath and websites like Wolfram Alpha are very useful in helping you with problems, you should not use them to do work for you - using them to help you understand a problem is appropriate, having them solve problems on tests or quizzes is cheating.
  • In addition, many AI models are inconsistent as a math tutor and will often give incorrect or incomplete responses having been known to even "double down" on mistakes it has made and insist that it is correct when it isn't.
• Cheating is a betrayal of the student-teacher relationship and will be dealt with harshly. I expect and encourage you to collaborate (to collaborate is not to copy!) on problem sets, projects and investigations unless I tell you otherwise, but ANY sharing of information either about or during quizzes or tests will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to using a graphing calculator to store inappropriate information or discussing the contents of a quiz with students in another class. Honor and integrity are expected. See Pages 14-15 of student handbook Academic Integrity and the Pursuit of Academic Excellence
• Student Absences: Students should be prepared to make up missed quizzes or tests on the day of return to school. Make-up exams are given normally during office hours or at a resource period. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all make-up work is completed in a timely manner.  The number of days allowed for make-up work will equal the number of days missed. Students must submit all missed work/tests due to being on retreat within one week of their return to class. If you know you are going to miss a class meeting (retreat, athletic event, field trip, etc.), please make arrangements to take any quizzes or tests before you miss class.

Homework Policy:

• Most homework assignments are worth 10 points. Unit homework is 8 points work, 2 points checkpoint quiz. Assignments that differ in point total and distribution will be defined in Canvas
• Assignments done on handouts should be scanned and submitted via Canvas.
• Homework is due on the date listed in Canvas. Late work is worth half credit. If Canvas gives you a hard time, email the work directly to me. Submitting by email is as good as submitting through Canvas.
• Once the Canvas assignment is closed, the assignment will no longer be accepted.

How is this course is different than prior math courses?

• This course has a heavy focus on critical reading. Most problems are word problems.
• There is an even greater focus on explaining your reasoning. This includes computational reasoning and written (verbal and often oral) explanation.
• Engaging in this course requires a commitment to learning—reading, writing, and analyzing
• While mathematics is involved, English, science, and social science (history, economics, politics, sociology) are significantly incorporated.
• Algebra and computation are minimized (although an understanding of linear equations and some knowledge of logarithms is expected). Thinking and analysis are maximized.
• This is a college course. It is rigorous and expectations are high.
• While true of many senior courses, students are not exempt from the Spring Final Exam because of an A grade.
• AP Exam: Thursday May 7, 2026 12 pm