HEDRICK, DENNIS

TEACHER INFORMATION: Dennis Hedrick

Conference Period:  A-Day 8:15-9:45 a.m. / B-Day 1:45-3:15 p.m.
School Phone:  (903) 323-7700
Email:  dhedrick@springhill.esc7.net

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

BIOLOGY:  This course is a general course in fundamental concepts relating to life. The first semester begins with a review of scientific methodology, instrument calibration & metric units of measure, as well as collection, display, and analysis of experimental data. Next, students explore the organization of life . Topics include cell structure, function of organelles, structure & replication of DNA, mitosis , meiosis, and protein synthesis. This study will also include principles of heredity where students learn to predict expected ratios in genetic crosses. Second semester topics include the history of scientific classification and a survey of the six kingdoms used in modern taxonomy. Special emphasis will be placed on the study of viruses & bacteria and their impact on human life. Representatives of both invertebrate & vertebrate animals will be studied in addition to vascular & non-vascular plants. Finally, students will investigate the interconnectedness of life through a unit on ecology.

ABSENCE POLICY AND MAKE-UP WORK:

1. Class attendance is mandatory; you must present an admit slip upon returning to class after an absence, or you will be sent to the office to obtain one (and receive an unexcused tardy).
2. All work due the day you were absent is due the day you return to class.
3. Make-up work must be discussed with your teacher.
4. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
5. If you are absent the day before a previously announced test, and return the day of the test, you will be required to take the exam.  Special circumstances will be discussed with your teacher.  Make-up tests will not be the same as the regularly scheduled test.
6. If you fail a major test, your will be afforded the opportunity to take a retest.  The highest grade you can make on a retest is 70.  (See reteaching/retesting section below.)

GRADING POLICY:

1. The test average will count 75% of your overall average; the daily grade average will make up the remaining 25%.
2. Daily grades consist of graded homework, class assignments, announced and unannounced quizzes, and lab assignments.
3. Deficiency reports will be sent to any student whose average falls to 75% or below, and parent calls will be made.

RETEACHING/RETESTING INFORMATION

1. Students who fail a MAJOR test will be allowed one opportunity to take a retest.  Failing grades on any daily work will be recorded "as is", i.e., you will not have the chance to redo any daily work you have failed in an attempt to make a passing grade.  When you fail a major test, a "retest form" will be attached to the returned paper for you to indicate your desire to take a retest or to decline the option.
2. The highest grade that will be recorded on any retest is 70-regardless of what your numerical score is for the retest; this is district policy.  If you fail to score as high on the retest as on the original test, the original score will stand.  If you score higher on the retest than on the original test, but still did not make a 70, the higher score will be recorded.
3. In most cases, reteaching will be scheduled before school on a specified day.  In some instances, reteaching may be achieved through completion of outside work.
4. Retests will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. on the scheduled day and will conclude at the first bell at 8:15 a.m.  Any retest turned in after the bell will be considered late and subject to a deduction.  If you are late coming to a retest, you will only have the remaining time prior to the 8:15 bell to complete the retest; it must still be turned in on time, and no notes will be issued for an excused tardy to your first block class.
5. If you miss a retest without a valid, blue excused slip from the office, you forfeit the opportunity for a retest, and the original grade will be recorded.

NOTE: Retests are NOT automatic grades of 70!  A retest is another test of equal difficulty to the original test to determine whether or not you have mastered the material.  You MUST prepare for a retest as you should for the original test if you wish to make a
score of at least 70.