Class Policy and Expectations

Marine Biology 2009-2010 Class Policy and Expectations

Mr. Erich Means: emeans @rocklin.k12.ca.us (916)632-6500 ext 6622

Required Equipment Binder, paper, writing utensils

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 (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” before 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.

 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 units study guide.

Homework Packets (45% of grade)  All assignments for the current unit (homework, labs, quizzes, etc.) are to be kept by the student as a packet in a binder. Binders are intended to organize student work and help as a study aid for unit tests. Students will turn in their packets on the day of a unit test, so all contents can be officially graded and recorded in the grade book.

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

 Packet grades constitute approximately 45% of the overall grade in the class. Therefore it is important that they are organized, complete and on time.

 Packet grades should always be an A!

 Late Homework Packets will only be accepted within 2 weeks of the original due date. Tests (55% of grade)  Tests will be given for each unit and final exams will be given at the end of each semester. Test grades constitute approximately 55% of the overall grade in the class.

 There will be lab practical exams given as part of your Final Test at the end of each semester.

 No re-take exams will be offered to students.

Absence: Make-up Work, Tests, etc.  It is your responsibility to get all missed assignments from the teacher, another student or the marine biology web site.

 If you are absent the class before a test, please complete the study guide from the website and be prepared to take the test on the assigned day.

 Make-up tests will be given by appointment only. A make-up test must be taken prior to the offering of the next unit’s exam.

Late vs. On Time = “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 can often be confused with “instead of” credit which does not exist in this class. Extra-credit means extra work.

Interventions: I am committed to helping all students pass Marine Biology. In an effort to ensure that all students will pass, the following are some interventions that I offer: Tutoring: Additional help from the teacher is always available. Please seek additional help whenever you feel confused about the current subject matter. 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% or higher. Remember that your teacher is here to help you learn!

Expectations - You are here to learn! * Treat all people in the class the way you wish to be treated. * Come to class on time and prepared to work. * You must work in class and pay attention. * Always follow directions and ask questions whenever appropriate. * No food, drinks or gum in the classroom. * Stay in the classroom throughout the entire class period.

Marine Biology Web Site: http://www.rocklin.k12.ca.us/staff/emeans/Marinebiology/index.htm Students and Parents are encouraged to use my Marine Biology Web Site to view the daily agendas, download assignments, check for corrected answers, e-mail me with questions or concerns, and to view upcoming test dates. Ten Hints to Pass Marine Biology

1. Take CAREFUL notes. 2. Go over all of your notes for clarity the evening after the lecture. Ask yourself what point was being made in each part of the lecture. 3. Visit the website to review any portions of the notes that you did not understand and to look at any pictures or drawings that you did not finish. 4. Read and understand any and all handouts. 5. Read all assigned bookwork and then answer all of the required questions. 6. Talk to Mr. Means early and often if you have questions about the material. 7. Spend the time in the labs actually looking at structures and key features mentioned in the lectures. 8. Find out what you got wrong on each test and why it is wrong. Learn the correct answer (this class is cumulative) 9. Try to UNDERSTAND the material, not just memorize it. 10. Ask questions and get help as soon as you have trouble

------cut line ------Marine Biology Class Policy and Expectations

Teacher:______Class Period:______

I have read and understand the class policy and expectations for the Marine Biology Class at Whitney High School for the 2009-2010 school year.

Student Name: ______

Student Signature: ______

Parent/Guardian Name:______

Signature:______

Parent E-mail:______

Parent Phone #:______Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the class policy. th I hope to see you on BACK to SCHOOL NIGHT on AUGUST 24 !!!!!!!!!