Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What is the difference between Pre-AP Geography and Academic Geography?
- Is late work accepted in both of these courses?
- When absent how long does the student have to make-up the test?
- Can a student re-take a test?
- Can a student receive extra credit?
- When does the teacher have tutoring?
- What is the grading policy Pre-AP Geography?
- What is the grading policy in Acadmic Geography?
- Should students keep up with current events?
- Will Pre-AP Geography and Academic geography have projects assigned?
- Why do we take so many notes?
What is the difference between Pre-AP Geography and Academic Geography?
Pre-AP Geography is an advanced course, teaching students strategies and
techniques that will make them successful at the AP and College level.
Numerous writing and reading assignments, research projects, and independent
projects are required of the Pre-AP student.
Is late work accepted in both of these courses?
In Pre-AP Geography work is not accepted late. If a student turns in work
after the teacher has picked it up during the period, then the student will
receive a 10 point deduction on that assignment. If they should bring in the
assignment later in the day (not the next day) then they will also receive a
10 point deduction.
In academic geography, work will be accepted one day late with a 20 point
deduction, two days late - 40 point deduction. After two days it is not
accepted and is recorded as a zero.
Projects or assignments that are long term are NOT accepted late.
Also, papers that have no name on them are not accepted for a grade. It is
the student's responsiblity to see that they have the proper heading for the
class before they turn in their work.
When absent how long does the student have to make-up the test?
If no new information was presented during the absence, you are required to
take the test you miss the next day that you return to school. Arrangements
must be made with the instructor to make up the test before or after school
as make-up tests will not be administered during class time.
Can a student re-take a test?
In the Pre-AP course the student may not retake a test.
In the regular geography course in order for students to be successful in
retesting the following criteria is required:
Have no zeros.
Attend two tutorial sessions before retesting, and
Take the re-test within four days of the original test.
The highest grade that a student can make on a retest is a 70. If the
retest grade is lower then the higher grade between the two tests is
recorded.
Can a student receive extra credit?
I do not believe in extra credit because students tend to not do their
regular work because extra credit will "help them out." I encourage
consistent habits as opposed to last minute efforts. There will be
opportunities for all students to earn extra credit on selected tests and
projects.
When does the teacher have tutoring?
Tutoring will be Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 - 4:30; Other
times by appointment.
What is the grading policy Pre-AP Geography?
Tests/Essays/Projects are 60% of the grade.
Daily work/Quizzes are 40% of the grade.
When a project is assigned it will count 30% of the grade, with tests and
essays counting 30%. The project grade of 30% has two components - a written
and visual. Each component will count 15% to total 30%.
What is the grading policy in Acadmic Geography?
Tests/Essays/Projects will count 60% of the grade.
Daily work/Quizzes/Homework will count 40% of the grade.
When there is a project assigned it will count 30% of the grade with tests,
essays, etc. counting 30%. The project grade of 30% has two components - a
written and visual. Each component will count 15% to total 30%.
Should students keep up with current events?
Most certainly yes. Students should make a serious effort to keep up with
what is going on in their world and how it relates to the subject/area we
are studying. Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, New York Times,and
the Washington Post are all good weekly and daily news sources to
read. "National Public Radio" in the morning and evening provides in-depth
radio news. And as far as TV, PBS, and/or one of the national news shows at
least twice a week will help the student to stay abreast of breaking news
stories.
Will Pre-AP Geography and Academic geography have projects assigned?
Pre-AP Geography will have two projects in the fall semester, and two
assigned in the spring semester. Pre-AP will also have supplemental
reading. The reading list will be passed out on the first day of school
with all the other requirements for the class.
Academic Geography will have one project in the fall and one in the spring
semester.
See Projects/Products for more information.
Why do we take so many notes?
There are two reasons. First of all, repetition = retention. This
means that the more you study or practice something, the better
you will learn it. So if you read the sections in the book, do your
homework, and take class notes, then you will be more prepared when
taking the quizzes and tests. Secondly, once you get into AP and college
courses, you must take notes for your survival. After my class, you will
be more prepared for your future social studies classes and beyond.
