Cindy Peterson, Science Teacher Extraordinaire
MEd w/Technology Emphasis
BS Biology Education w/Zoology Emphasis
Email:
Voicemail: 520-424-2790
Class Wiki/Info: www.IPCBiology.wikispaces.com
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to inform you of how I govern my life, and therefore, how I will lead this class. Some of you may think the purpose of this document is to torture you with endless rules and regulations, which you will have to memorize and be quizzed on tomorrow. Well, the torture part is just not true (tempting, though). However, the quiz part is true!! Don’t freak out, just read on.
I have two major philosophies, which I follow in my teaching. The first is:
The true order of learning should be:
1- what is necessary
2- what is useful
3- what is ornamental
To reverse this arrangement is like beginning to build at the top of the edifice.
LH Sigourney
The second philosophy I hold sacred is an old Chinese proverb:
I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
In this class, you will not only hear, but also see and do science in order to gain knowledge and understanding.
The One and Only Class Principle—salmon attachment
I have but one class principle. It is an all-encompassing principle that, when upheld and respected, lends itself very nicely to a safe, caring environment in which all students can learn and succeed. My one principle is simply this: Feel free to do anything that does not cause a problem for anyone else. That’s it! The principle is uncomplicated, yet profound. It’s flexible, yet not limitless. This principle allows for structure (something I want) and freedom (something you want).
Most students have no trouble accepting or understanding the first part of the principle, “Feel free to do anything.” The second part seems to be misunderstood or purposely forgotten. Not causing a problem for anyone else includes many behaviors (too many to name here)—and includes many people—other students, me and other teachers, the people who clean the room at night, your parents, etc. While you are free to choose from a wide range of behaviors to display in the classroom during school, there are behaviors which conflict with this principle and, therefore, must be saved for another place or time.
You will all be expected to commit to memory the one and only principle of the class. Feel free to proceed with reading as soon as you have memorized it. Do you feel the dews of heaven distilling upon you? On the next pages you will find more information to help you endure this class AND to endure it well.
School Rules & Policies
All school rules and policies will be enforced because, let’s face it, each school rule was created with the “One and Only Class Principle” in mind, even though the rule-creators didn’t know it. (Aren’t they smart?)
*For example, no food, candy, gum or drinks (except water) will be allowed in the halls or classroom. Inevitably, a few thoughtless students ruin it for everyone. This has become a huge problem for the janitors and others who value a clean school environment.
*For example, the uniform dress code was created for those of us who do not desire to see ham hocks hanging out of a way-too-short skirt or saggin’ and baggin’ pants showing off your Star Wars boxers!
Again, all school rules and policies will be enforced in our classroom.
Attitude
Mutual respect, cooperation and personal responsibility are expected.
RESPECT: I will treat you with respect so that you will know how to treat me. Reciprocity is not a luxury–it’s a necessity (fightin’ words or thinkin’ words?)!
COOPERATION: You will be working in groups often and need to know how to interact with other students to produce quality work.
RESPONSIBILITY: I am the facilitator in this class. I decide what is taught and how it is taught. You decide whether or not to do the assignments, etc. and how well to do them. Once I give an assignment it is your responsibility to complete it and complete it well. I don’t give grades—you earn them.
Grading Stuff
I utilize a percentage approach where a certain percent translates into a specified letter grade. The percentage listed next to the grade is the lowest percentage possible for achieving that letter grade.
A 90%
B 80% Each semester, grades will be calculated as follows:
C 70% 50% Term 1 (or 3)
D 60% 50% Term 2 (or 4)
F 0 – 59%
Each term, individual grades will be determined as follows:
· 60% Daily Work: This category may include classwork, homework, quizzes, labs/activities and participation.
· 40% Assessments: This category may include unit or chapter exams, lab reports, lab exams, and major projects, such as the Science Portfolio.
· Some assignments may be graded for credit only. You either earn credit or you don’t.
· Most assignments and projects will be based on the Evaluation Scale (green attachment).
Table of Contents (T of C)—white attachment #1
The T of C is an important sheet on which you will keep track of assignments, labs, projects, test and quiz dates, etc. There will be a new T of C each week. Feel free to help yourself to a copy each Monday or as needed. Blank copies are located in the front file folder in the crate on the counter in the classroom.
Each week I will write the items to be done for each day and the respective due date for each item. You are expected to keep your T of C current and available at all times. Each weekly T of C will be placed in the Science Portfolio (see yellow attachment) and assist you in making it organized chronologically.
NOTE TO PARENTS: If your student needs help learning to take responsibility for their education, and therefore their grade, I suggest you require your student to bring home their Science Portfolio once a week (or more often, if needed). Your student can show you the current Table of Contents (TofC), their current work and you can discuss and motivate him/her in his/her progress towards success in the class. NO ONE wants to make up biology in the summer!! J
Late Work
In general, work will NOT be accepted late.
Assignments due at the end of class will not be accepted late (except in the case of an absence; see section on Make-Up Work).
Assignments due at the beginning of class must be turned in during the first FIVE minutes to be on time. Assignments turned in after five minutes are late and will be considered for half credit. After ONE day, late work will not be accepted. For example, on Monday you left your homework on the counter by the door and, therefore, could not turn it in during the first five minutes of class or anytime during the school day. You may turn it in at the beginning of class the NEXT day, Tuesday, for half credit.
Projects are due on the due date by 3:00 pm. Because you will be given plenty of time to work on projects, acceptable reasons for late projects include severe illness, death in the family, and other true emergencies directly involving you or your family.
· If absence is planned, the project is due the day BEFORE the absence(s).
· If the absence is NOT planned (illness, for example), the project will be due the next day by 3:00 pm with a signed note from a responsible adult (parent or doctor, for example). If you worked with a partner who is not absent, s/he is expected to turn it in on time for the both of you.
· Other situations will be handled on an individual basis.
Again, in general, work will NOT be accepted late.
Make-Up Work
Assignments must be made up within ONE day following the absence and are due the next day in class.
*For example, if the absence takes place on Monday, you have Tuesday to complete the assignment and it is due Wednesday at the beginning of class.
Quizzes must be made up within TWO DAYS following the absence.
*For example, if you are absent on Monday, you have Tuesday & Wednesday to make up the quiz.
Tests must be made up within FIVE SCHOOL DAYS following the absence.
*For example, if you are absent on Monday, you have until the next Monday to make up the test.
C.P. (Cindy Peterson) Points—purple attachment
These are “extra credit” points given to all students to “spend” on various privileges. So, the fewer points you spend, more points count towards your grade as extra credit. Each student is awarded 25 C.P. Points at the beginning of each term. The following privileges have a non-negotiable point value:
5 points – Hall pass: drink, restroom, nurse, or any other voluntary reason for leaving the classroom
5 points – Late assignment: turn in ONE late assignment up to ONE week late with no penalty
5 points – Make-Up Day: ONE extra day to make up test or quiz
10 points – Project Day: turn in project ONE day late with no penalty
There may be other privileges you desire during the semester that will be arranged for on an individual basis. For example, suppose you want a privilege that is not on the above list. Propose your desired privilege to me and, if approved, we can decide on a fair, reasonable point value.
To spend your points, simply fill out a C.P. Point Card (CPPC) (see purple attachment). Present your completed CPPC to C.P. herself for approval to receive the privilege. Initially, you will be provided a page of CPPCs. Feel free to help yourself to additional CPPCs as needed. Blank copies are located in a file folder in the crate on the counter in the classroom. You may continue to spend your points until there are none left. After your balance has reached zero, privileges will no longer be granted and additional points will not be awarded.
Points are non-transferable from student to student and if, at any time, C.P. Points or the C.P. Point system is being abused, all points will be taken away and all privileges associated with C.P. Points will be revoked.
I also reserve the right to deduct CP points for students who choose to break The One and Only Class Principle.
Electronic Gadgets
Feel free to keep ALL electronic gadgets (whether used intentionally during class or not) in your backpack at all times or leave them at home. This includes music players, cell phones, hand-held video game devices, etc. In this, remember the One and Only Class Principle?? Please be considerate of others.
Tardy Policy
I expect you to be on time—in the room when the bell rings. Remember the “One and Only Class Principle?” Well, being tardy causes a problem for me. I view tardiness as robbing time from important people for important things. In the case of being late to class, you are robbing time from me and time from the lesson that I have so diligently labored to prepare. When tardy, you will not receive credit that week for the Daily Reflection. However, you may still earn points towards the portfolio by writing the reflection. Habitually tardy students will be prosecuted on an individual basis.
Cheating
No teacher’s disclosure would be considered complete without a lecture on cheating, right? Well, you know the lecture and here are some examples of what I consider to be cheating:
· copying another student’s work, even a minor worksheet or assignment (except class notes)
· direct downloads from the internet without modifications or giving credit to the original author
· telling others information on and/or answers to quizzes and tests
These are the three major forms of cheating and will result in a zero on the assignment, project or test in question. Keep in mind that cheating is defined as presenting ideas that are NOT your own AS your own to the teacher for a grade whether in spoken or written form.
Bring Everyday
· Your own brain (hopefully this will be a no-brainer)
· Science Portfolio (binder, clearly labeled)—see yellow attachment
o You will be writing daily in the portfolio (Daily Reflections page—see white attachment #2)
· Blank paper/notebook: on which to write observations, notes, ideas, responses, etc.
· Writing utensil, pen or pencil (easy to read or see)
· Colored pencils, 8 or more colors
Class Wiki: www.IPCBiology.wikispaces.com
I have created a class wiki (online, editable webpages) to help students and parents stay informed and connected. Please see the back side of this page for more information.
Purpose—Again
The purpose of this document is to inform you of how I govern my life, and therefore, how I will lead this class. You choose whether or not to follow. That’s up to you. I’m sure your decision will become apparent to me, and others in this class, during the first few weeks of school. I am confident you will choose wisely with your best interest in mind (most students do).
If after the first few weeks you have decided not to follow class expectations, whether in words or behavior, you and I can discuss some options that would be better for you and this class. Fair enough? Please take this home and discuss this with your parent(s). Then sign and return the front “Welcome to Success” page tomorrow for credit.
Disclaimer
As in nature, all rules, regulations and other items listed on this syllabus are subject to mutation and selection.