Cheri Dartnell
Data based on 3 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of 2022
Exams are worth 100% of your grade in Calculus BC, so it is imperative that you take every test seriously. Although homework is optional, for most students it is really effective at drilling in the recent topics, so I'd highly recommend doing it (as well as studying with friends). Although the tests typically reflect what we've reviewed in class, sometimes there are surprises, so I wouldn't rely just on the content that Ms. Dartnell reviews in class. Also, it is helpful to complete any desmos assignments, google slide presentations, or College Board practice tests that she offers! Although it is impossible for Dartnell to know if people are cheating during tests (while online), I would advise that you memorize all of the volume formulas (disks, washers, square cross sections, etc. ), integral formulas (integral of sec^2x = tanx + C) and derivative formulas (d/dx(tanx)=sec^2x). Getting an A in Calculus BC is a pretty tough feat, but I'm pretty confident that anyone can pass with a B or C if they stay engaged during class, take extensive notes, use outside resources (khan academy, you've videos), and study with friends!
Additional Comments
Class of 2027
Although Ms. Dartnell does WANT YOU TO SUCCEED, she does not do very well in preparing you, and if you do bad in the class, she will not check up on you in any way, and will attempt to ignore you. Ms. Dartnell posts the answer keys online around 3/4ths of the time. You NEED outside studying. Even if you focus as hard as you can in her class, it will NOT prepare you. You need to study on your own, by yourself, and teach yourself. If you don't look up guides, you will not do well.
Class of 2022
Ms. Dartnell is a really experienced teacher, and overall has a relatively organized teaching regimen. Although she doesn't always respond to emails, and sometimes rushes through lessons without fully elaborating on certain aspects of the lessons, she is a reliable teacher for the most part. I would highly recommend that before signing up for Calculus BC, you talk to her and other Calculus BC students about the pace and difficulty of the class, because it is very easy to get lost and confused during lessons. I don't blame this on Dartnell or even the curriculum, but there is a lot of content to digest in a short amount of time, so it is a pretty intense course overall. People taking Calc BC instead of Calc AB should be passionate about math, want to pursue a career in mathematics, engineering, or the like, and have an effective studying routine. The most important thing to keep in mind is that tests are worth 100% of your grade, and there are no make-up problems or extra credit, so it is crucial that you start studying way in advance to score highly on the tests! Also, ask questions while you can, because there are lots of resources, but ultimately Ms. Dartnell is the best resource!