This page outlines normal class policies and procedures for science class. Policies are subject to change as circumstances may require.
- Class Participation
- Grading
- Homework - Grading Policy
- Homework - Illness or Absence Policy
- Planned Absences
- Homework - Late Policy
- Projects and Graded Assignments - Late Policy
Class Participation
Class participation counts for up to 15% of each term grade. It is graded
using a rubric which is available in the handouts section. The handout is
titled "Class Policies". In general, class participation is not included in
mid-term grades.
Grading
Grades are calculated on a point basis with the points earned on all
assigmnets divided by the total possible points to determine a final grade.
Point values are listed on all assignments so that a student may keep a
record of their grades as work is returned to them.
Homework - Grading Policy
Homework counts for up to 15% of each term grade. It is graded based on a
running record of homework completed over the course of the term. Most
homework is checked in class for completion and is worth 1 point, while
random assignments are colected and scored on a four point scale. The total
number of homework points you earn during a term is used to compute your
homework grade.
The "class Policies" handout explains homework grading policies and the 4
point scoring rubric in more detail.
Homework - Illness or Absence Policy
Work that is late due to an absence from school may be made up during
a "grace period" equal to the number of days absent plus one without any
penalty. Additional time may be negotiated for extraordinary
circumstances. It is the student's responsibility to contact me to discuss
extended due dates in advance.
The student also bears the responsibility for determining what work was
missed during an absence and turning it in to me by the end of the grace
period. Assignments are posted on my web page daily.
Planned Absences
Experience has shown that extended absences have a negative effect on
student learning. All too often, material missed during a week long absence
creates a ripple effect through subsequent units that depend upon a full
understanding of the missed material. For this reason, planned absences,
such as vacations taken while school is in session, are strongly discouraged.
According to school policy, parents must notify the school in writing of
plans to excuse their students from school for absences of this nature.
Requests to prepare work and assignments in advance of the absence will be
honored where possible, but frequently time and other constraints make this
impractical, and parents are encouraged to consider the likelihood that most
or all of the work missed will only be available after the student returns
to class.
Work missed due to planned absences is due in a time period equal
to the absence plus a one day grace period. The student bears the
responsibility for gathering all materials and getting any outside
assistance needed to understand and compelete the missed assignments. For
this reason, students are stongly encouraged to arrange for another student
to act as a "homework buddy" who can collect handouts and assignments, as
well as make copies of notes and aid in explaining the missed material.
In general, extra help will not be offered for material missed due to
vacations or other "voluntary" absences that occur while school is in
session.
Homework - Late Policy
Daily homework that is checked in class is not acepted late. Students are
expected to complete work on time on a regular basis.
Daily homework that is collected for grading will be accepted at the
beginning of the next class with a loss of half credit for tardiness.
Extraordinary circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis with
a parent note that is presented on the due date for the assignment.
Projects and Graded Assignments - Late Policy
Projects and graded assignments are accepted late with a 10% per day
reduction in grade.