[BHS etree] ADMIN: Honors Math, more.

[bhs at idiom.com]

Contact: jhuseby at pacbell.net

In April Berkeley High is offering a series of exams for students who want
to take Honors Math classes next year.  Many people have, as requested have
sent emails to Math Department chair Mike Weitz in order to sign their child
up for the exam. Many are concerned because they have NOT received an email
in return. Not to worry.  Mr. Weitz does not send a confirmation email. You
may assume your child is signed up for the exam. Details on where do go and
what to bring for the exam are below in the original email:

1. The Berkeley High School math department will conduct Honors testing for
the 08/09 school year in April.  The tentative dates for the testing are Mon
4/7, Thurs 4/10, Mon 4/14, Tues 4/15, and Thurs 4/17.  Students take an exam
to test into either Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra 2 or Honors Math
Analysis.

2. The exams will be given at 3:45 pm on the day of the testing in room
H306. All exams consist of a 45-problem multiple-choice test to be completed
in 45 minutes.  Students need to bring a pencil and a scientific
(non-graphing) calculator.  Students new to the district also need to supply
the e-mail address of their current math teachers.

3. Who needs to take the test:
a.  No test necessary if the student is currently in a BHS Honors class and
earning an A or a B. If the student is in a non honors class and wishes  to
take an honors class the BHS student must take the test. There is a Sign-up
sheet outside of H113.  You may only take the test on the day you sign up
for.  Some slots may fill up fast.

b. 8th graders attending King, Willard or Longfellow	do not take a test
if they are in Honors Algebra and earning an A. If they are in a regular
Algebra (or Honors earning less than an A) and wish to take Honors Geometry
they must take a test. They should sign up by emailing Mr. Weitz
(see directions below)

c. Current 8th grader entering BHS from out of district (i.e. private
school) interested in Honors Geometry must test in. No exemptions.
e-mail Mr. Weitz (see directions below)

d. current 9th-11th grader entering BHS from out of district interested in
Honors Algebra 2 Honors Math Analysis must test in. No exemptions.
e-mail Mr. Weitz (see directions below)

e. In some rare circumstances, incoming 9th graders that are new to BUSD
want to take the course Honors Algebra 2.   These students first need to
pass the Honors Geometry placement test in the spring; then these students
need to pass an Honors Geometry final exam, to be taken in late August.
Contact Mr. Weitz about Honors Algebra 2.

4. Directions for e-mail sign ups:
To sign up for an honors test, e-mail Mr. Weitz at
mweitz at berkeley.k12.ca.us. Type in the subject line of the e-mail the name
of the student, the current grade, the type of test desired and the desired
date.  Mr. Weitz will only be reading the subject line.  If he sends you no
response you may assume you have the requested date.  On the day of the
test, be sure to send the student with their current math teacher's e-mail
address if they are new to the district.

EXAMPLE:	Subject:  Benjamin Carson, 8th grade, hnrs geo, 4/7

5. Frequently asked questions:
What should my child study to prepare for the honors exam?
To prepare for the exams, students should practice with SAT II test prep
books.  Students testing into Honors Geometry should study Algebra 1
material.  Students testing into Honors Algebra 2 should study Algebra 1 and
Geometry material.  Students testing into Honors Math Analysis should study
Algebra 2 material and some Geometry material as well, including Right
Triangle Trigonometry.

My child took the honors exam in April and didn't pass.  Some of the topics
on the exam weren't covered in his/her current math class until after the
test.  Is this fair?
All students taking the exam in April will have some deficiencies because
they haven't completed an entire course yet.  Which topics they miss depends
on what book they are currently working out of.  So, in a sense, all
students have a similar handicap.  Students who are "close to passing" are
invited to retake the exam in August to account for differences in math
curricula.

How should I know whether my child should take and honors math class?
Honors math classes are extremely rigorous with extra emphasis on logic and
problem solving skills.  Success in an honors class requires a greater time
commitment than a regular class.  A student should only in honors if they
are willing to put in the time and enjoys doing challenging math problems.

How much work do students have in honors math?
On average, a student can expect at least an hour of math homework a night.
It can be more, depending on how fast a student works on math.  Also problem
sets may be assigned that require extra time outside of regular homework.
Honors students must also fulfill a community service requirement.

How do honors math classes affect my child's GPA?
For the UC and Cal State systems, Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 are
not given any special weighting.  So, for instance, a B in Honors Algebra 2
counts as a B for calculating GPA.  Honors Math Analysis does get special
weighting.  In calculating GPA, Honors Math Analysis counts as one letter
grade higher.  So a B in Honors Math Analysis counts as an A in calculating
GPA.

If my child doesn't take an honors math class, can they take advance
placement (AP) classes later on?
The only requirement to take AP Calculus is to pass Math Analysis or IMP 4
with a C or better.  Non-honors students are definitely prepared to take AP
and they routinely score high marks on AP math tests in their senior year.

Other questions may be directed to the math department chair:
Mr. Weitz    mweitz at berkeley.k12.ca.us