Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Should I plan to take Honors/AP courses if I am a "fake" reader?
- I have heard that Mrs. Penny is a hard teacher. Is that true?
- How many tests does Mrs. P. give each nine weeks?
- Are graded tests sent home?
- How often will grade averages be posted?
- How long will I have to wait for papers to be graded?
Should I plan to take Honors/AP courses if I am a "fake" reader?
Only if you are not serious about real grades. The Honors and AP
programs
are designed for students who are serious about being best
prepared for the
writing and critical thinking experience demanded in college --
not only for
freshman English courses but also for upper level courses in any
discipline
which require problem-solving, communication, research, oral
presentations,
organization, and clear thinking.
We will read, think, write, and discuss. Always plan to really
read the
assignments that you are given. If Cliff's Notes and Spark Notes
are your
best friends, these courses are NOT for you.
If college and critical thinking are in your future, the Honors
and AP
programs are exactly right for you.
I have heard that Mrs. Penny is a hard teacher. Is that true?
I wouldn't say that I am "hard"; I would say, however, that I am
somewhat
demanding of my students in that I expect them to do their
homework, study
for tests, participate in discussions, and take active roles in
reviews.
Stuents usually figure out that my tests follow my reviews
exactly,
especially for young, sometimes nervous freshmen. If you listen
to reviews,
study, ask questions, and do your work, you should be fine.
How many tests does Mrs. P. give each nine weeks?
Usually, I try to work in three major tests and three vocabulary
tests each
nine weeks. Daily grades, pop quizzes, and compositions make up
the rest of
the grading field.
Are graded tests sent home?
No, but students are encouraged to write down each test and daily
grade on a
score sheet. Parents are welcome to call for an appointment to
view graded
tests at a time that is convenient to our schedules.
How often will grade averages be posted?
I will formally notify the parents of grades twice during the
grading
period: at the mid-point (progress report time) and at the end
(report card
time).
How long will I have to wait for papers to be graded?
Ah! This is the million dollar question for all English
teachers. Generally
speaking, the simpler the format, the more immediate the
grading.
Vocabulary tests, for example, may be returned withnin 24 to 48
hours; major
papers -- huge compositions, discussion tests, and, of course,
research
papers -- will require more time if I am to do your papers
justice in
assessing them. Because I am a meticulous grader, I promise to
give each
of your creations as much time as they require; therefore, I ask
parents to
be as patient as possible so that the returned paper may carry
with it
not only a grade, but a writing lesson as well.
My best way to learn who you are is to discover the voice that
lies within
your written papers.