Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. Despite good grades on assignments, my overall grade is low. What's up?
2. What do I need to do to be successful in your class?
3. What are your "pet peeves"?
4. What have students told you is difficult about your classes?
5. Do you have any other "tips for success" in your classes.
6. Why do you teach?
7. 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 "Work Ethic" 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!

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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.

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What are your "pet peeves"?

1)Cell phones & ipods in the classroom
2)Ignoring 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

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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 2008-09 school 
year.  Consider yourself warned!

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Do you have any other "tips for success" in your classes.

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.

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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.

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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!

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