The Formula for Success
In the years that I have taught this class, I have developed a simple series of actions that, if you perform them on a daily basis, will ensure that you pass.
1. There is a direct correlation between the amount of classroom time you have and your chances of passing the class – so BE IN CLASS.
2. You are here to learn Earth Science, not to catch up on the latest gossip or to setup your hookup for the coming weekend – so PAY ATTENTION AND TAKE NOTES.
3. If you don’t review and practice, the information won’t stay with you – so REVIEW YOUR NOTES AND DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK.
4. Some of this isn’t easy to understand and some explanations can be unclear – so ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.
That’s it – four simple actions that will ensure your success in this class. Use them and pass, ignore them at your own peril.
Earth Science Class Policies & Rules
1. Treat others as you would like to be treated. You are to have respect for yourself, respect for your peers, respect for the property of others (including the schools) and respect for the teacher.
2. In order to provide equity and a positive learning environment, all students will follow daily procedures and classroom rules.
3. No inappropriate behavior or language will be tolerated in the classroom at any time. Misbehavior will result in you not participating in the activity, receiving a zero, as well as disciplinary action. Safety is extremely important in our room.
4. The following is a list of required materials necessary for this class because note taking and homework are important and necessary for success: 3 ring binder for Earth Science exclusively, lined notebook paper, #2 pencils, covered textbook, agenda/planner.
5. The website www.lmrodriguez.com contains class assignments and other supplemental material that will be useful in furthering your understanding of the course material.
6. Grades are based on the following grading scale, (there will be no curve):
93% - 100% = A
85% - 92% = B
75% - 84% = C
68% - 74% = D
67% and below = Fail
*Extra Credit is unnecessary if you do your best every day and complete all assignments. If you are assigned Extra Credit and it is not above your “average” level of work – you are wasting your time.
7. Homework:
A) All homework is designed to help students learn and become proficient in the material. It is each student’s responsibility to inquire about missed work.
B) Due dates are negotiable with me on a class by class basis, therefore NO LATE Assignments are accepted unless due to an EXCUSED absence. You will always be given a due date for each assignment. They are to be turned in when I call for them or they will not be accepted for grading.
C) Homework assignments will be recorded in your Student Agenda and as I collect the homework, I will initial that assignment in your Agenda. The initialed date block is your proof that I received that assignment.
D) Homework assignments can be turned in at the school email address but must be flagged for a “Return Receipt”.
E) Email technology is more than fifteen years old and I consider it to be reliable, therefore the excuse that homework was turned in but must have gotten “lost in the email” will not be accepted.
8. To ensure that every student receives proper credit for his/her work, each paper is to have the proper heading in the upper right corner:
Date
Full Name
Class Block
Assignment Name
9. Unit tests will always be conducted at the end of a unit. Assessment testing and pop quizzes may or may not be announced therefore be ready. If you keep up good study habits, you will not get behind. If you miss a test/quiz or lab day, these will be administered the day you return.
Finally, keep in mind that my primary purpose for being at this school is to ensure that YOU understand the material. You should be prepared to be intellectually challenged and your thinking skills will be exercised every day you are in class.
Never be afraid to raise your hand and ask a question. There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask as many as you need to feel comfortable with the material.
More times that not, I will not give you the answer directly but will guide you there through questioning what you know. This is called the “Socratic Method” and sometimes that teaching method can be frustrating but I have confidence in your ability to get to the answer and I will stick with you until things are clear.
You may wish to come in after school for help, please feel free to do so – just let us know you are coming.
Please keep these policies in your science binder.
I am looking forward to a terrific year!
L. M. Rodriguez M.Ed.
Classroom Phone 727-8540
Email: lrodriguez@sbo.hampton.k12.va.us
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