Course Syllabus

Biology Course Syllabus

Willard High School 

TUTORING: Tutoring is available before and after school.  We almost always have a Biology teacher here by 6:30am and one available until 4:00pm.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year.  We have many challenges and opportunities ahead of us this year, and I am looking forward to getting to know each of you.  The classroom policies are fairly simple: the WHS handbook will be followed in this class at all times.  In addition to the rules in the handbook, the following is expected from all students:

1. Be prepared for class, both mentally and physically.  Always bring your materials with you.
2. Show respect for your classmates.
3. Show respect for me, the substitute, or anyone else in charge.
4. Show respect for yourself.  Give yourself the opportunity to succeed.

GRADING: The following system must be used for grading:

 96-100 A                    74-76 C

 90-95   A-                  70-73 C-

 89-87   B+                  67-69 D+

 84-86   B                    64-66 D

 80-83   B-                   60-63 D-

 77-79   C+                  59-Below F

The student grades are based on tests, quizzes, labs, projects, homework, and class participation.  There will be weekly quizzes on the last day of the week based on the material presented during the week.  There will be a comprehensive test approximately every 4 weeks.  There will also be points derived from labs, activities, discussions, and homework.

The following are only approximate percentages and your grade is based on the total points earned out of the total points possible for the semester.

Comprehensive tests                         40%

Weekly quizzes                                  40%

Labs and other Assignments             20%

The Missouri End of Course Exam (EOC) will be given during the second semester.  It will be worth ~10% of the semester grade and the point distribution will be adjusted accordingly.

Bonus points are rewarded on pretests and on the EOC exam

EOC bonus will be added to the overall final grade of the second semester based on the following:           

• If the student scores advanced, then the student will receive a 5% bonus.
• If the student scores proficient, then the student will receive a 3% bonus.

MATERIALS:

• a calculator: minimum, one that can do square roots, basic scientific calculator preferred
• paper
• #2 (HB) lead pencils
• colored pencils

TEXTBOOK: Textbooks will be for classroom use.  Information to access the online version of the textbook can be found in the resources section of the Science Department’s School page.  Textbooks may be checked out to take home as needed.

COMPREHENSIVE TESTS: Approximately every four weeks there will be a comprehensive test.  These tests cannot be retaken, but if you score higher on test 4 (final), that percent will be applied to a previous lower scored test.  For example, if you scored 50/125 (40%) on your first test and then you score 180/200 (90%) on test 4 (final), your first test score will become 113/125 (90%).

 

Test #	Points possible	Approximate breakdown of content
1 (Mid Quarter)	125	100% new
2 (Mid Term)	150	75 % unit 2, 25% unit 1
3 (Mid Quarter)	175	60% unit 3, 40% units 1 and 2
4 (Semester Final)	200	45% unit 4, 55% units 1, 2, and 3

 

WEEKLY QUIZZES: There will be weekly quizzes on the last day of the week based on the material presented during the week.  These quizzes will represent approximately 40% of your grade.  You are allowed to retake a quiz within 5 days of taking the original quiz.  The higher score will be recorded in the grade book.  Arrangements can be made to retake the quiz before school, after school, or during TNT.  There will be no retakes after 5 days from taking the original quiz. Students who consistently make arrangements to retake a quiz, but fail to follow up, will lose the retake option.

Students are REQUIRED to come in for tutoring before they retake a quiz.

ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments are due at the beginning of class.  All late assignments will be penalized according to the individual teacher’s discretion.

ABSENCES: Each student is responsible for making arrangements with the teacher for any material missed during your absences within the rules explained in the WHS handbook.  All test and quizzes will be made up before or after school.  Labs can be made up at the teacher’s discretion after school.  No additional time will be given for tests, quizzes, and assignments missed because of school related absences (fieldtrips, competitions, activities, etc.).  The material is due the day you return to class, unless other arrangements are made before the absences.

TARDIES: Refer to your student handbook for disciplinary action.  A student will be considered tardy if she/he is not in the classroom and moving towards their assigned desk in an orderly manner by the time the tardy bell rings.

DRINKS/FOOD: Absolutely no food in the classroom.  Students may have water bottles, unless instructed otherwise due to safety concerns.  Having water bottles in class is a privilege and can be revoked.  This classroom is also a laboratory.

BACKPACKS, BAGS, etc.: All backpacks, bags, etc. are to be kept in the front of the room next to the student’s desk.  No backpacks, bags, etc. are to be taken into the lab area or left on the surface of the desk during the class period.

TECHNOLOGY USE: School policy concerning electronic devices will be followed at all times.  During quiet individual work, a student may listen to music using ear buds from a school approved device.  This is a privilege that can be revoked at the teacher’s discretion.

DISCIPLINE            

1) Student receives verbal warning in class.

2) Contact with student's parent(s).

3) Student is referred to administration.

Any student committing a serious disruption to class (fighting, disrespect of authority, damaging property, inappropriate language, etc.); will be sent immediately to the principal.

Printable copy of Biology Syllabus