Grading Policy and Course Information
Because we meet only one day each week, it is easy to fall behind!  You MUST manage your time so that you are working on Human Biology several times a week.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE EVENING BEFORE CLASS TO TRY TO COMPLETE THE WEEK'S WORK.  It will make you very tired AND you won't learn anything!!!  I will except late work, but for half credit.  You will have 2 weeks to hand in late work, or it is a zero.   If you have a circumstance that you feel warrants a change in this policy please come and speak with me, or please e-mail me. Computer hardware, software, printer problems, etc. is NOT an accepted circumstance.  Use a friend's or the library's computer or printer.  You are expected to complete and submit assignments BEFORE the due date and time to earn an "outstanding" for your effort grade. 
   

Course Expectations:  Because you can earn 4 units of college credit for Human Biology, the requirements are similar to what you can expect to find in college courses.

You are responsible for your own learning.  Being responsible means that you will be actively engaged in the class, study outside of class, and be prepared and on time for class.  Ask questions if you need clarification and stay current with assignments. Good reading and study skills are important to your success.  No late work is accepted, and no extra credit is available.

               

Absences:  Although attendance is not part of your grade, when absent you miss a classroom dynamic and learning experience that cannot be gained through someone else’s notes.  My recommendation:  do not miss class unless absolutely necessary!  Excused absences require arrangement for makeup within 3 days of return.  Lab makeups require the equivalent of at least 2 hours work and may be a computer lab simulation or essay.  Exams and quizzes cannot be made up (Exam score will be dropped, see below).  For a second exam missed, an alternate version of the missed exam will be given upon return.

 

Office hours:  I am available at lunch and tutorial time and usually after school.  I am happy to assist you with concept clarification, study skills, reading strategies, test preparation, etc.

Grading:  Grades will follow a 10% scale (A=100%-90%; B=89%-80%; C=79%-70%; D=69%-60%; F=59%-0%).  Grades are weighted into three categories:

Exams and Quizzes:  50% of final grade.

Ø      Exams = 40%.   You can choose to drop the lowest exam/ quiz score at the end of each semester. 

Ø      Weekly quizzes = 10%. Sixteen quizzes are worth ½ % each.  Some are take-home quizzes. 

Homework:  25% of final grade.

Ø     Homework includes:  Class work, Homework and Webquests

Labs:  25% of final grade.

Ø      Formal lab write-ups.

Grades are posted every 2-3 weeks on LearningPoint.

 Notebook:  You are required to keep a notebook and bring it to class every day.  Dividers are recommended.

Lab Book:  The lab book is required and is available for purchase.

Textbook:  Bring your textbook to class every day unless previously announced.  You are expected to read the assigned chapters.

Supplies:  Pencil, highlighter, pen, and paper required; scissors, colored pencils and/or markers recommended.

  
   
   

If your grade falls below 70% -OR- ONE weekly assignment is incomplete, you will lose your off-campus privileges for the following week. 
Grades will be updated and posted on LearningPoint bi-weekly.  Keep backup copies of all assignments until you have received your final grade.