(Please see Schoology for syllabus, course updates, video tutorials, and more general course info)

Workload Expectations:

The BI course will be delivered using a combination of the following lesson styles: teacher-directed instruction, flipped classroom, groupwork, individual student research, and hands-on labs. Each day, students should refer to the posted Schoology daily slides/materials to view that day's lesson and activities. Reminders for due dates and lesson instructions will be available via Schoology and verbal/written reminders will be given in class.

Students will be given ample in-class time to complete most assignments. However, if time is not used wisely or if work was not completed in the allotted time, it should be completed as homework or during Raider Time (AKA- FLEX).  Completion of assignments, readings, and pre-labs is critical for the student to understand material presented in class, and to be successful during evaluations and labs.

Evaluation Process:

Evaluation is a necessary part of the educational process. In-class assignments monitor your process in specific areas. Homework and critical analyses reinforce ideas using meaningful practice. Tests and practicals evaluate your ability to recall ideas and demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter being tested. All assignments must be turned in on the due date the first instance it is asked for in order to avoid late penalties. The following grade breakdown applies:                                                            

 30%= Major Grades (tests/projects/practicals)                    

 40%= Minor Grades (quizzes, lab activities, simulations, presentations)                                                         

 20%= Daily Assignments (notebook checks, warm-ups/exit tickets, etc) 

10%= Professional Attire (blue or black/purple scrubs on Weds/Thurs, & closed-toe shoes on lab days)        

Late Work Policies:  

Assignments are expected to be ready to be turned in at the requested time (usually the beginning of class unless otherwise noted).  Due dates are set to enable you to complete work in-class (aka avoid homework) and keep on pace with the content throughout the unit. 

LATE Grade Penalties:

After due date/time (but not more than 1 week after end of unit) is late= max 75%

Latework not turned in by 1 week after the end of the unit= max 50%. 

Latework AFTER the marking period ends will not be accepted= 0% 

Retakes:

A retake/redos can replace failed assignments up to a 75%. Retakes must be no later than 1 week after the unit ends. To be eligible for retest students MUST have completed their test review and encouraged to attend at least one tutorial over failed material.

*Refer to your CRHS student handbook for the complete policy info***

Makeup Work Policy for Excused Absences: 

***Refer to your CRHS student handbook for the complete policy for makeup work***

The student shall be responsible for obtaining the assignments and for satisfactorily making up the work within the allotted time. Previously assigned work needs to be turned in on the day you return to class, and any deviation from this timetable must be approved by the teacher in advance. Students will be given one block for each class missed to make up work, plus an extra block. Please make an effort to discuss known absences in advance of absence date. If extensive absences are necessary (Ex: due to medical/COVID quarantine/ isolation recommendations), please communicate with Ms DeVoss to help design a plan for your learning.

Missing work due to UNEXCUSED absences (aka skipping class) will follow district policy. Skipping class will also result in an absence in the attendance report, possible makeup hours, and disciplinary action / parent conference as needed. 

 Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty Policy: 

Plagiarism/cheating first offense will result in a ZERO with an opportunity to retake for max 60%. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary action.  

***Refer to your CRHS student handbook for the complete policy for academic integrity***

Material Expectations: 

PLEASE BE PREPARED. Bring these supplies to class everyday. Any handouts are your responsibility to keep. There will be valuable information on most of these handouts, and should you lose them, you will have to print them at your own expense. Students will be able to keep their course notebook in a designated space in the classroom, if desired. 

Needed materials: computer and charger, dedicated course notebook, pen/pencil (colored pencils, markers, & glue sticks will be provided while they last but students are encouraged to bring your own)

Classroom and Lab Expectations: 

Please behave as a mature, responsible human while in the classroom. You, the student, are responsible for your own actions and attitude in the class—keep them positive!

         During class:

1.    Enter the classroom quietly and prepared, and begin working on the posted warm-up or task on the front board. The materials page in Schoology will have the daily plan posted at the beginning of each day.

2.    Any due assignments will be collected or reminded for turn in on Schoology at the beginning of class. It will be counted late if it is not turned in at the first requested instance at the time due.

3.    During instruction please be respectful of the teacher and other students to cause as few disruptions or distractions. Side conversations are particularly distracting--so only one person should be talking at a time.  If you have a question or comment, raise your hand. Sometimes even minor actions can be disruptive (i.e. sharpening your pencil right in the middle of a lecture or demonstration). Usually, timing is the key.  If you have any question as to whether your action would cause a disruption, raise your hand, wait to be recognized, and ask.

4.    Stay in your assigned seat until the bell rings or teacher has released you. Make sure you are aware of any homework assignments and due dates before you leave the classroom.

During Lab:

1.    You will only be allowed to participate in labs if you are wearing the appropriate clothing. Hair must be tied back, close toed shoes must be worn, dangling jewelry should be removed, and proper safety gear must be worn at all times (gloves, googles, aprons). The teacher is not responsible for any damage to clothing acquired during labs- several of the lab dyes will cause permanent staining of clothes. Lab days will be noted on the class calendar & reminders in class.

2.    Listen for important announcements and instructions. Completion of pre-lab reading/exercises are required before starting the lab.

3.    Safety is priority during labs, any violation of lab safety protocols will cause the student to be removed from the lab and the assignment must be made up on their own time. Violations may be accompanied by phone calls home, detentions, or referrals.

4.    Class will not be dismissed until all materials and lab tables are cleaned/sterilized and returned to their proper place.

Food & Drinks:

We will be routinely working with live bacterial cultures and hazardous chemicals, so adhering to safety policies will be strictly enforced.  Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in class during labs (a space away from dangerous materials will be made available for storing drink bottles on lab days). Water in sealed bottles are allowed during non-lab classes if stored away from lab materials. 

Cell Phones:  

Cell phone (and transmitting electronic) use is prohibited by Texas law from the first bell to the last bell. Prohibited use will result in phone confiscation by admin for parent pickup. 

Disruptions: 

Disruptive behavior of any kind is not acceptable as it poses a safety risk, hampers the learning process, and cheats other students out of class time they need to get instruction and complete assignments. The teacher will first warn the student. Disciplinary action and/or parent conference may be warranted based on the situation and/or frequency of disruption.

Tardy Expectations:

Please be on-time to class. This means that you will be in your seat prepared to work when the tardy bell rings and the door to the classroom is closed. Tardies will be counted daily and multiple tardies can count as an absence for all classes in regards to exam exemptions, makeup hours, and course completion at the end of each semester.  Excessive tardies may result in detention or other administrative action.