Course Expectations & Assessment

Classroom Expectations:Be Kind-Posters (FREEBIE) by Dots-n-Spots | Teachers Pay Teachers

  • We will strive to meet our classroom norms & goals
  • Will follow COSSA school rules 
  • We will be ready learn when class begins
  • Participate in class discussions and avoid side conversations
  • We will be kind and respectful to others
  • We will not use cell phones or other devices unless teacher permission is given
    (please note – this may or may not happen)

Consequence Pyramid & Reward System 

A diagram of a pyramid Description automatically generated

Reward System

Good Days (class-wide): The class will earn a “Good Day” by having a class period with no significant behavioral disruptions, refusals to work, or students being sent to the office. Good day tallies will be kept on the board. After three good days, the class will be rewarded with a 10 minute walk or other activity. After 12 good days, the class will be rewarded with a film or some other suitable activity (no more than twice a quarter). 

Grading Policy

Your final grade will be determined by the following components:

  • Weekly Quizzes: 20%
  • Independent Work: 20%
  • In Class Activities: 10%
  • Notebook Checks: 20%
  • Final Exam: 30%

Policies & Procedures ————————————————————————————————-

  • Turning classwork in
  • Work must be placed in the appropriate tray in the classroom 
  • Work that is not in the appropriate tray may be considered late.
  • Extra Credit Policy
    • Excellent work can earn up to 150% of the assignment’s grade.
  • Written Work 
    • All written answers must be in complete sentences, following the structure of Subject, Verb, Object.
  • Late work
    • Students have four days after an assignment’s due date to complete any missing work. After those four day, late work will only be expected with special permission. 
  • Quizzes
    • All end of week quizzes are open book, open note. Computers, however, may not be used. 
  • Tests
    • A practice test and/or study guide will be provided to you prior to the test.  
  • Notes
    • You are expected to take notes in this class.  Ample time will be given to write down required information.
    • Keep your notes organized – labeled clearly and in a spot that you can quickly locate them.
    • Your notes will be periodically checked & Graded 
  • If your attention is needed
    • When the person in charge of the class stands at the front of the room do the following:
      1. Turn and face the person in charge
      2. Be ready for instruction
  • If you need to sharpen a pencil or if you need a new one 
    • I will have a few pencils; you are more than welcome to borrow one, but please do so at an appropriate time.
    • Please do NOT sharpen your pencil while someone is speaking.
  • If you would like to ask a question or respond to a question or thought
    • You do not need to gain permission every time, but please be courteous to those around you.
    • Do not speak when someone who is speaking.
    • Allow others an opportunity to respond if you have already done so.
  • If you are absent
    • Check the class website for notes, videos, and assignments.
    • Copy any part of your notes that you missed during the previous day from another student.
    • If the absence is an excused absence, you will have four days to complete the missing work.
  • Entering the classroom
    • Quietly put your phone in the box, check out a laptop, sit down and begin working.
  • Leaving the classroom for any reason
    • Obtain my permission to leave the classroom.
  • In-class participation 
    • I expect you to always participate in class discussion.
    • At times I will ask for an indication that you understand the things we’ve discussed.  We will discuss ways to indicate understanding in class.
  • Food and Drink
    • No food or drink will be allowed in the classroom.
  • Electronic Devices
    • Use of electronic devices is not allowed unless directed by the teacher.
  • Class Computers
    • Are only to be used for the specified assignment or task.
    • Gaming, watching videos, etc. are never allowed.
  • Keeping the classroom clean
    • Clean your work areas, desk, and floor around before you leave the classroom
  • Drink/Bathroom Break
    • Bathroom breaks are not allowed during the first or last 20 minutes of class.
    • Breaks are a privilege and will not be granted to students who are not working or behaving appropriately.
  • End-of-period class dismissal
    • Students must begin packing up in the last five minutes of class. This includes:
      • Logging off, putting away, and plugging in computers.
      • Returning Headphone to the cabinet. 
      • Putting away textbooks.
      • Handing in any assignments due or placing unfinished work in your folder.

I Sincerely Hope:

  1. That you feel you are being treated fairly and with respect
  2. That you feel valued; listened to and have opportunities to share your thoughts in a safe space
  3. That you maintain on open mindset and try things that don’t seem necessary or interesting at first
  4. That you finish what you start and show resilience
  5. That you treat everyone in the class with courtesy and respect
  6. That you learn something of value

This class will be a ‘work in progress’ and I retain the right to make changes as needed to the policies and/or procedures of the class. COSSA rules and expectations, however, will not change and I will continue to improve my understanding and compliance. In other words, I may make mistakes and will make the necessary adjustments as needed. I ask for your patience during this time as I will strive to be fair and patient with all my students.

Thanks, and I look forward to a productive and good year with you all!

Dr. Amos