Frequently asked questions
1. What is the test and retest policy in Chemistry I?
We will be employing a form of standard based grading on our tests to promote both depth of knowledge and long-term retention of that knowledge. Students will be tested on an almost weekly basis. Testing dates will be announced well in advance on the calendar that is on the website as well as in class. Students will be informed one week prior to each test what specific learning targets are being tested. Tests are composed of multiple learning targets. Each learning target will be tested twice so that all learning targets are both tested and retested. The last two grades for each learning target will be averaged to determine the student’s mastery of that learning target and will be reflected in the reported grade. Each individual learning target is evaluated on a 0-10 scale, which corresponds to the following number grade.
2. Is there a Chemistry I textbook?
A chemistry textbook is available to any student at anytime for checkout from their chemistry teacher. If a student wants a textbook, they simply need to ask for one. Parents can also request a textbook by e-mail. Textbooks can be checked out for all year or for only a short time, but while the textbook is checked out it is the student’s responsibility.
3. What tutoring is available for Chemistry I?
There are many options for tutoring in chemistry:
Peer Tutoring – AP and Organic Chemistry students at Westlake High School are available for tutoring. These peer tutors earn extra credit in their class for helping regular chemistry students. These peer tutors provide one on one tutoring at a time and place chosen by the student. The regular chemistry student needs to complete this form and turn it into their chemistry teacher. Please allow at least two full days for the request to be process before peer tutoring can begin.
Tutoring by Teacher – Every Chemistry I teacher follows the same lesson plans and gives common assessments, therefore any chemistry I student can receive tutoring from any Chemistry I teacher. Each chemistry I teacher provides tutoring in their classroom. Please visit the teacher’s website to determine the tutoring times available. The student can also schedule a tutoring appointment with a teacher.
NGC Library Tutoring – Science tutoring is also available in the NGC library during the following times this school year:
Mondays 4:30-6pm
Tuesdays 6-8 pm
Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm
Thursdays 6-8 pm
Private Tutors –
Hiral Mathur (AP Chem Specialist)
(Home) 512.238.1334
(Cell) 713.534.3821
Dr. Heidi Rosenberg (All Levels Chem Tutor)
(Cell) 520-252-6084
email: [email protected]
Anjali Sharad (All chem levels)
512 853 9624 (H)
503 329 4909 (C)
www.Academicleap.com
4. How is homework/practice checked and graded?
Homework will not be taken for a grade. It is expected that students practice concepts and to keep up with practice problems as we work through learning targets. We will have learning checks to check for understanding as we progress through learning targets. Learning checks will be both announced and unannounced. Answers to the practice problems are posted to the chemistry website at the beginning of the unit.
5. What do numbers on titles of Tests, Labs, and Practice mean?
LT stands for learning target. The number and letter then correspond to the specific learning target.
6. What does an *, 0, or “missing” mean in the gradebook?
An * in the gradebook means the assignment has not yet been graded by the teacher. The chemistry teachers do their best to make sure all grades are put into the gradebook in a timely manner, but some assignments, especially labs, take an extended period of time to grade. These assignments may show up in gradebook with an * and is noted as “missing.” These assignments are NOT truly missing. The gradebook system will automatically mark assignments as “missing” five days after their due date, so please be patient and understand that an * ALWAYS means an assignment has not yet been graded.
A 0 in the gradebook means the student has earned 0 credit on an assignment, but a 0 and is noted as “missing” means a student was absent the day an assignment was due. These assignments can be made up. The zero is put into gradebook as a place holder to display what grade will be received if the assignment is not completed.
7. Calculator requirement
All chemistry students will have iPads this school year. Graphing and scientific calculator apps are available and are fine for student use during general classroom activities. On tests and quizzes students have to use a graphing or scientific calculator since iPads have internet capabilities. Scientific calculators can be purchased for about $15. Graphing calculators can be checked out at the library. If there are issues obtaining a calculator, contact your teacher individually.