1. Pre-AP Biology
Ms. (Rachel) Hall

2. Grading Policy
50% -- Test Grades (This includes keeping an organized BILL book, checked once each unit on test days)
25% -- Lab Grades (Formal lab reports & post-lab tests)
25% -- Daily grades (Homework, exit questions, worksheets, current events, etc.)

3. Class Website Canvas! Accessed via ~the cloud~ (my.austinisd.org)
MODULES
Files from that day
Upcoming assignments
Calendar
Everything I use in class is in the MODULES section

4. Online Textbook Supplementary/Extra resource available
Search for an app called “Pearson EasyBridge” on the cloud

5. Biology Interactive Learning Log (BILL Book)
All non-lab papers & notes glued/taped in book
Checked once per unit – on day of unit test
Sample BILL kept in class
Worth a major test grade

6. Student Objectives List of everything students need to know
Given to students on first day of unit – not due until day of test
Test date should be listed on paper
Recommend answering questions covered in class that night
Stay on top of it – do not leave it all until the last minute

7. Late Work One class period late: maximum grade = 70
Two class periods late: maximum grade = 50
No late work accepted after two class periods except in case of excused absence
Formal lab reports will be accepted late for a maximum grade of 50

8. Extra Credit Opportunities
Riddle of the Week!
3 riddles correct = 1 point added to 6 weeks average
6 riddles correct = 2 points added to 6 weeks
Hot Science Cool Talks
UT Lecture series
~1 per 6 weeks
Webcasts online if not available to go to UT
Write a paper summarizing the lecture, get 1 point added to 6 weeks average

9. Exit Questions/Quizzes
1 per week
1 – 2 questions covering what was learned that day
Right or wrong  0 or 100
If student gets a 0, attend tutoring/FIT, re- assess, get a 70

10. Tutoring Asking for help is a skill ALL freshmen should learn now
Tutoring hours:
Tuesday & Thursday after school
Utilizing FIT time
I can help with anything. Encourage them to ask for help! Self-advocacy is a key to success in high school 

11. Formal Labs ~2 formal labs per 6 weeks
Full written lab report written in lab book
Post-lab quizzes given over each lab
Students can use their lab reports on the post-lab quizzes

12. Students Being More Responsible
Taking initiative to check grades
You can too! Room 133 if you’re not sure how to connect to Parent Cloud
Taking initiative to talk to teacher/attend tutorials
Taking initiative to check teacher website when absent/lost a paper/need to look at a powerpoint from that day
Help your child by teaching them to take responsibility for their own grades! 

13. Video Homework Lessons recorded (voice + powerpoint)
Students watch and follow along with questions to answer
Quick discussion in class/students ask questions
More time available for activities/labs practicing material
No internet access? Computers in Ms. Hall’s room, library, or worst case scenario powerpoints can be printed out