Class Procedures & Policies

  1. Assignments: I expect homework 
    assignments to be turned in on time. 
    Homework can include anything from free response questions to laboratory reports and notebooks.  Any assignment turned in after I have graded and returned the assignment will not be accepted. 

  2. Make up work: For an excused absence, and unless other arrangements are made, make-up work must be handed in on the second day following return to school. Assignments due on the day missed must be handed in the day you return. Students will be given the same number of periods to make up assignments as they have been absent. It is the student's responsibility to obtain handouts, notes, etc. for the time that he/she missed.

  3. Tardy Policy: I appreciate students being on time. Students who are late may miss important class activities, such as warm-ups, as well as cause disruptions for the rest of the class. Tardies will be recorded.  A fourth tardy will result in a referral to the administration. Further tardies will be dealt with according to school policy.

  4. Extra Credit: Occasional opportunities for extra credit may be announced throughout the school year.

  5. Extra help: I realize that many of you are taking courses that are as equally demanding as AP Biology. You will need to balance your time so that you give enough effort to each course. If at any time you are having difficulty with the material, come see me for help. Much of the material in the course builds on previously learned concepts. Therefore, do not procrastinate in seeking assistance if you are falling behind as you may quickly find yourself in a hole from which you cannot get out!

                                                                                                   

The AP Exam

College credit for AP Biology that can be transferred to nearly all colleges in the U.S. can be earned by passing the Biology Advanced Placement Examination with a score of 3, 4, or 5. The exam consists of two sections. Section 1 contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and section 2 contains four essay or "free response" questions. Students have 80 minutes to complete section I, 10 minutes to read the 4 essays in section II, and 90 minutes to answer those essays.  The exam will be given on Monday, May 10, 2010.

I strongly encourage you to take this exam. Among the benefits of receiving AP credit are that you can enhance your high school transcript, skip general biology courses and take new and challenging courses as an entering freshman (this is particularly beneficial to those of you that may be majoring in biology or other sciences), and reduce college costs. 

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                               

       Successful Student Information  

 

The following are some tips for becoming a successful AP biology student

  1. Complete and turn in assignments on time.

  2. Keep up with the reading assignments.                                            

  3. Attend all classes and be prompt.

  4. Stay on task throughout the class period.

  5. Be a good listener! Concentrate on what others are saying.

  6. If you are sick, make up missed assignments quickly.

  7. Maintain a neat and orderly class notebook (this will help you when it comes time to study for the AP exam).

  8. Start preparing for the AP exam early in the year.

  9. Respect the rights and needs of others in the classes.

  10. See your teacher for extra help when you need it