Statistics is not an algebra class.

Algebra skill is required once in the entire year to solve for a sample size. There are formulas and numbers to substitute to simplify expressions, but no solving equations.

Most students who take statistics describe it as an English class with a calculator. There is a lot of writing; answers must be written in complete sentences. A calculator is required.

Algebra 2

95% of the material in both classes are the same. The items not covered in Introduction to Statistics that AP covers are collecting samples using clusters and stratification, blocking experimental design, and non-linear regressions.

The speed of material covered is very different.

AP classes cover all the curriculum in the first 3 quarters. We will learn 8 chapters in the first semester and 4 more will be covered in the 3^rd quarter. Our 4^th quarter will only focus on taking a timed practice test (Mocks). Our final exam will be the final mock taken. Mock grades are based on the AP curve, where a raw score of 70 equals 90% in our grade book.                

Intro classes cover the material over a year. The first semester will cover 6 chapters and the second semester will cover 5 chapters, plus a short unit on inference for linear regression that is not in our textbook but is required for dual credit.

Both classes are offered the same course credit through Chandler Gilbert Community College. Dual credit is offered if teachers teaching the course are dual credit certified.

At ACP, both AP and Intro are taught by the same instructor who is dual credit certified.

To enroll in either class for dual credit, students must meet CGCC pre-requisites:

~ C or higher in MAT 141, or 80+ on the EdReady College Algebra Placement.

~ 24+ on Math ACT, or 560+ on Math SAT, or A/B in Algebra 2, College Algebra, or Pre-calculus

~ 

Dual Credit:     

Transcript grade is the average for semesters 1 & 2.

The cost is higher, more than $300.

Accepted at all in-state universities. For out-of-state universities, you need to check with the university.

AP:

Credit is earned if a student scores 3 or higher on the AP Exam via College Board.  Please check with individual universities for the minimum AP score required to receive credit.                                  

The cost is lower; less than $100.

Accepted nationally at all universities. 

Ti-84 is recommended. Ti-Inspire can also be used.  

If a student needs to purchase a calculator, then I highly recommend Ti-84.

We do not recommend that students take both. This could be a bad decision if a student is required to take courses like Calculus in college.  Not having any algebra for 2 years in a row will make college math classes more difficult. In addition, both classes cover the same curriculum. It would be a waste of a year to take both, since there really is not much growth in learning. ACP offers both classes for dual credit, so it is in the best interest of the student to take one or the other.

Yes, some students take statistics concurrently with other math classes.