SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
LIFE SCIENCE
1. COURSE OBJECTIVES; BASED ON THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS: Life Science is an
introductory class that will cover the Life Science Standards as adopted by the California
Department of Education. Each student has been given a copy of the standards and they are
posted in the classroom.
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Meets SMCJUHSD graduation requirement for Life Science.
This course is designed to better prepare students for the tenth grade CST in life science.
Topics to be covered include cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, physiology, and
the study of life, including the human body and higher plant life.
3. CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT:
The student will adhere to all school rules and district policies as summarized in the
Parent handbook.
4. Grading
Grades for each grading period as follows:
A
(90-100%)
Outstanding Achievement
4.0 grade points
B
(80-89%)
Above Average Achievement 3.0 grade points
C
(70-79%)
Average Achievement
2.0 grade points
D
(60-69%)
Below Average Achievement 1.0 grade points
F
(0-59%)
Little or no Achievement
0 grade points
I
Incomplete
0 grade points
An Incomplete shall be given only when a student’s work is not finished because of illness or
other excused absence. If not made up within six weeks, the Incomplete shall become an F.
Special Education: Any modification in the above grading will be documented in the student’s IEP with parental
consent.
Board Policy 5121 (b)
Effect of Absences on Grades:
If a student misses class without an excuse and does not subsequently turn in homework, take a
test, or fulfill another class requirement which he/she missed, the teacher may lower the
student’s grade for nonperformance, based on the value of the missed assignment.
The Board believes that 5 unexcused absences per grading period constitute excessive
unexcused absences. Students with excessive unexcused absences may receive a failing grade
and not receive credit for the class (es).
Students and parents/guardians shall be informed by the teachers if class credit is withheld due
to excessive unexcused absences. Each time an unexcused absence occurs the student and
parent/guardian shall again be notified of the district’s policy regarding excessive unexcused
absences. When a student has 4 unexcused absences a phone call and/or meeting will be
arranged by the teacher with the parent/guardian.
5. ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS: Currently planned, but subject to change based on the
needs of the students. The overall grade will be based on classwork, labwork, homework,
and quizzes. The quizzes will not exceed 50% of the overall grade.
6. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
a. Late or missing work-accepted one day late for half credit and for zero credit after
one day. If the work is missed due to absences the student will have the number of
days missed to turn in the work.
b. Plagiarism and cheating will result in a zero for the assignment and a referral to the
discipline office.
7.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to spend at least 15 minutes each school night
studying the topics covered in class. In the days leading up to an exam the time required will
probably exceed 15 minutes per day. I am available most days before school and most days
during lunch. The student needs to communicate their need for help and I will work with
them on an appointment time for extra help.
8. MATERIALS RESOURCES PROVIDED:
Life Science published by Glencoe