Pre-AP biology is designed to prepare students academically and personally for the rigors of AP coursework. The course is intended to consistently challenge students to expand their knowledge and skills to obtain the recognized standard for college-level academic work. Students enrolled in Pre-AP courses will be exposed to more challenging curriculum that is covered at a quicker pace and a greater depth than it’s Biology I counterpart, while simultaneously preparing students for the STAAR biology. Students are expected to demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives garnered through laboratory-based investigations, work more independently, and become a strong advocate for their learning.
Course Schedule
Grading scale
Tests- after each unit— 40%
Quizzes — 35%
Laboratory reports — 20%
Daily activities and investigations — 5%
Semester Exam — 20% of semester grade
Grades are based on a point logic system which means the more points an assignment is worth the more weight that particular assignment carries within the category. For example, within the test category, a test that is worth 10 points weighs a forth of a test that is worth 40 points.
Student scoring less than a 70 on a test are eligible for a test retake. To determine if a student is eligible, students must add the number of points earned on both the multiple choice and short answer section and divide that number by the total number of points on both the multiple and short answer section of the test. If the combined score is less than 70, the student can retake the test. Please note- students must average less than 70 as the combined grade on the multiple choice and short answer section to be eligible. For example, if a student earns a 25 out of 36 questions on the multiple choice and 4 out of 12 on the short answer section, the student would add 25 and 4 before dividing 34 by 48 to determine his/her average grade (which is a 60%). He/she therefore is eligible for retaking a test.
Test retakes must be completed within 2 weeks of the administration of the unit test, for a maximum grade of 70. Students must complete the unit test review handout prior to completing test corrections. Please note that tests are the only assignment that can be retaken for a higher grade.
No extra credit is available in this class.
Class Procedures/Expectations
ASSESSMENT MAKE-UP POLICY: To make-up missing assessments (quizzes or tests), please refer to the biology tutoring schedule that identifies the teacher available to make-up missing assignments. You have a maximum of 3 days to complete any missing assessment that was provided in your absence.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY: Food and drink are prohibited in the classroom for safety reasons (unless notified by the school nurse or medical note from a physician).
TARDY POLICY: Students arriving to class after the bell will be marked as late if they arrive within the first 5 minutes. Students arriving late 6 minutes or more, will be marked absent, as per district policy. Additional consequences for tardies will be based on Johnson’s tardy policy.
LATE WORK POLICY: Students are expected to collect and complete make-up work due to an excused or unexcused absence in a timely manner—one day for every day they are absent, in accordance with NEISD policy. If a student must turn in an assignment late it is to be turned in by the next class period with an automatic deduction of 20%.Any late work submitted after the unit exam will receive a zero. Students with extenuating circumstances are responsible for communicating with the teacher and may be required to attend tutorial sessions.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination or outside of class with students who have not yet tested or turned in work. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observations, or information from students.Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on the assignment without the option for make-up and may include the following depending on the circumstances: parent/teacher conference and or referral to an AP.