Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Despite good grades on assignments, my overall grade is low. What's up?
- What do I need to do to be successful in your class?
- What are your pet peeves?
- What have students told you is difficult about your classes?
- Do you have any other thoughts or suggestions for student success?
- Why do you teach?
- What kind of music do you like?
Despite good grades on assignments, my overall grade is low. What's up?
Completing assignmments on time is a priority in my class.
Assignments turned in after their due date will be graded
according to the applicable rubric however, the Citizenship
component of the class grade (worth 10%) will be adversely
affected. Bottom line...get organized, apply time
management skills, don't be a slacker - be an over-achiever!
What do I need to do to be successful in your class?
If I were to suggest the key behaviors that will fast track a
student toward success in my classes they would be:
1) Contribute thoughtfully and frequently during class
discussions (know what is in the news that is relevant to class,
particularly Criminal Justice)
2) Submit classwork on time i.e, respect assignment due dates
3) Use discretionary class time productively...don't waste time
that is given during class to study, complete assignments, etc.
What are your pet peeves?
1)Cell phones & ipods in the classroom when the "I Pod Light" has
not been lit.
2)Violating the dress code
3)Sleeping during class
4)Wasting class materials and/or abusing the textbooks
5)Using Wikipedia as a reference (don't!)
6) Late assignments
What have students told you is difficult about your classes?
I frequently survey my classes to determine how they think the
class is operating overall. The concerns I hear most often,
particularly by those who consistently do their work on time,
have to do with extending due dates on assignments. I intend to
do far less of this during the 2011-12 school year. Consider
yourself warned!
Do you have any other thoughts or suggestions for student success?
I am struck by the general lack of awareness most students have
for current events. I could teach the Criminal Justice class by
using only the Seattle Times and the Seattle PI and I often begin
my classes by asking about any relevant issues that may be in the
news. If you want more class discussion and fewer research
papers then I would urge you to read and form an opinion
or two about Criminal Justice issues in the news.
Why do you teach?
I knew I wanted to teach and coach when I was in my early 20's
but life's journey pointed me toward law enforcement at a
critical time. Teachers and coaches played a big role in keeping
me headed down a straighter path when I was young and now I
believe it's my turn to do the same for this generation.
What kind of music do you like?
I am a child of the late 60's and early 70's. It's all about the
classic rock and roll and occasional soul ballad for me. Get
used to classic rock & roll...it is what you will listen to in
class!
Can you spell AC DC :-)
