WHS Biology 2008-2009

Class Policy and Expectations

Biology Teachers and Contact Information

Ms. Amanda Hargrove: : 632-6500 ext. 6669: Room E-13

Ms. Rachel Kanowsky: : (916) 632-6500 ext. 6656: Room E-14

Ms. Carissa Kuehn: : (916) 632-6500 ext. 6666: Room E-9

Mr. Erich Means: : (916) 632-6500 ext. 6622: Room E-8
Mr. Nic Russo (Student Teacher, Fall 2008): email TBA

Required Equipment

Binder, paper, writing utensils, colored pencils, colored markers, glue stick and scissors. Suggested Equipment: calculator, portable computer memory/travel drive, 3x5 index cards

Grading Policy

Students earn their grades - I do not give grades. Students’ grades are based on completion and accuracy of homework, notes, quizzes, labs and tests. Weighting for each assignment varies depending on importance and difficulty (EX: Worksheet = 5 pts., Test = 100 pts.). Semester grades are determined using the following scale:

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%

C = 70 – 79%

NC= 69 – 0%

NC = No credit and class must be repeated for a grade.

**Students must earn a minimum of 70% of points offered in the class and demonstrate mastery/clear all Essential Skills in order to receive a passing grade.

*Essential Skills(5% of grade – all must be passed)

Essential Skills = 3 or 4 standards based concepts that are most important for a given unit.

Essential Skills are initially tested in short answer format as a portion of the overall unit test.

All students must demonstrate mastery of the California State Content Standards for Biology by passing or “clearing” each unit’s Essential Skills. All Essential Skills must be “cleared” by the end of each semester in order to earn credit for the class.

Students will be offered unlimited opportunities and methods to demonstrate mastery of Essential Skills. However, essential skills will only be offered for “points” on the first attempt (10 points towards each unit test).

Essential skills are always known to the students, emphasized throughout the unit and clearly written on each unit’s study guide.

CaliforniaState Standards for Biology

All students enrolled in this class will be required to take the Biology/Life Science CST in April as part of the STAR testing program. Standards tested and covered in this class can be viewed by visiting

*Tests & Quizzes(55% of grade)

Multiple Choice Tests will be given for each unit and Cumulative Final Exams will be given at the end of each semester.

Multiple Choice Tests, Final Exam and Essential SkillsTests constitute approximately 60% of the overall grade in the class.

Re-take exams are optional for students that scored below passing on a unit exam. The Maximum score that can be earned on a re-take exam is a 70%. Re-take exams can also be offered in short answer format. Re-takes will only be offered within 3 weeks of the original test date!

Quizzeswill be given periodically throughout each unit. Any quiz missed due to an absence must be made up with in 1 week from the absence. Failure to make up a quiz with in 1 week will result in 0 points for the quiz.

*Homework Packets/Unit Portfolio(40% of grade)

All assignments for the current unit (homework, labs, quizzes, etc.) are to be kept by the student in a portfolio. Portfolios are intended to organize student work and help as a study aid for unit tests.

Students will receive an assignment sheet that serves as a table of contents for the portfolio, so they can verify completeness of their portfolio prior to turning it in.

Students will turn in homework packets on the day of a unit test, so all contents can be officially graded and recorded in the grade book.

Portfolio grades constitute approximately 40% of the overall grade in the class. Therefore it is important that they are organized, complete and on time.

Portfolio grades should always be an A! This is truly a measure of a student’s effort in the class.

Late Homework Packets will only be accepted within 3 weeks of the original due date.

Absence: Make-up Work, Tests, etc.

It is your responsibility to get all missed assignments from the teacher, another student or the biology web site. It is also your responsibility to have completed make-up work checked off by the teacher before the portfolio is due.

Make-up tests will be given by appointment only, not during class. A make-up test must be taken prior to the offering of the next unit’s exam.

Late vs. On Time = “Homework Stamp”

Most homework assignments are due at the beginning of the next class. All homework that appears to be complete will receive a stamp from the teacher. The stamp indicates that the work is eligible for full credit. In order to receive full credit the student must correct their homework and complete all missed questions.

Work that is not stamped will only be eligible to receive ½ credit. In order to receive ½ credit the assignment must be completed and corrected.

Extra Credit

Extra-credit assignments are periodically offered to the entire class. Extra-credit will never be offered to individuals. Extra credit will never exceed 5% of the overall class grade.

Interventions

The 4 teacher’s of Biology are committed to helping all students pass Biology. In an effort to ensure that all students will pass, the following are some interventions that we offer:

Tutoring: Additional help from the teacher is always available. Please seek additional helpwhenever you feel confused about the current subject matter.

Teacher’s Office Hours: ______

Test Re-takes: see above

Essential Skill Re-takes: see above

Late Homework accepted: see above

Other interventions available on an individualized basis.

Intervention Stamp Requirements: Daily completion of homework, passing all essential skills, and currently passing the class with a 70%.

Biology Web Site and Online Grades:

Students and Parents are encouraged to use each teacher’s Web Site to view the daily agendas, download assignments, check for corrected answers, e-mail teachers with questions or concerns, and to check current grades!!!.

Biology is a graduation requirement and must be passed before you can earn your High School Diploma!!!

Failure in Biology is not an option!!!

10 Steps to Passing Biology:

  1. Write down all daily agendas and warm-up questions.
  2. Attempt all class assignments and homework.
  3. Correct all class assignments and homework when reviewed in class.
  4. Make sure your homework packet is complete before you turn it in.
  5. Know your essential skills concepts before you take the test.
  6. Review your notes and textbook before a test (study for a test).
  7. Do your best on a test –take your time!
  8. Clear essential skills immediately after finding out test results.
  9. Re-take tests if you know you can do better.
  10. ASK QUESTIONS AND GET HELP AS SOON AS YOU HAVE TROUBLE!!!!

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Biology Materials

The following is a list of materials that are commonly used throughout the year in biology. We greatly appreciate any donations.

  • Glue sticks
  • Colored pencils
  • Whiteboard/Dry erase markers
  • Scissors
  • Tape (all types)
  • Food coloring
  • Plastic utensils
  • Clothes pins
  • Straws
  • String

We hope to see you on BACK to SCHOOL NIGHT on AUGUST 25th!!!!!!!!!

BIOLOGY CLASS CONTRACT

As a student in this class, I understand that:

Student Parent

initial initial

______I must earn at least 70% in the class AND be passing Essential Skills in order to

pass the class.

______Tests are 60% of my grade, while classwork and homework make up the remaining

40%. If I do not participate in class or do my homework, I will not pass the class.

______I have three weeks to retake a test for up to a 70% if I do not pass it the first time.

______Missed exams must be taken the next class period.

______It is my responsibility to use my time wisely and to adequately prepare for tests.

______I need a 90% or above on my Essential Skill tests in order to pass my Essentials. I

can retake Essentials as many times as necessary in order to pass.

______It is my responsibility to clear my Essential Skills in a timely manner, and that I may

fail the class if I do not do this!

______Homework and lab assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class on the assigned

due date.

______It is my responsibility to be on time and be present in class.

______If I am absent, it is my responsibility to get all missed notes and assignments and

make up any missed work in a timely manner.

______In order to receive a stamp for extended lunch, I must complete my homework on

time, be passing my essentials, and be passing the class with a 70% or above.

______Cheating and plagiarism are dishonest and unethical, and are taken very seriously in

this class. District policy will be followed for all infractions.

______I am in charge of my education. No one can force me to learn. Mybehavior andmy

decisions will dramatically influence what I get out of this class.

______It is always okay to ask questions, especially if I don't understand or am confused.

Asking questions in class is expected of me.

I have read and understand the class policy and expectations for this Biology class at WhitneyHigh School for the 2008-2009 school year.

Student Name: ______Signature:______

Parent/Guardian Name: ______Signature: ______

Parent e-mail: ______Parent Phone #: ______