LIVING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS

MS. SHAW
Welcome to Regents Biology. Be prepared for a SUCCESSFUL and BUSY year!

The New York State Regents Living Environment Standards to be met this year:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and nonliving things. (Human
body & other living organisms, life functions)
Organisms inherit genetic information resulting in continuity of structure and function between
parent and their young. (Genetics & inheritance of genetic material)
Individual organisms and species change over time. (Evolution)
Life is sustained through reproduction and development.
Organisms maintain a dynamic equilibrium that sustains life. (Homeostasis)
Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment. (Populations &
habitats)
Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical & living
environment. (Technological development)

A. MATERIALS FOR CLASS

Notebook (3 3 ring binder) & paper
Composition Notebook to be used daily for the CYU
Pen & Pencil (colored pencils/markers are useful)
Textbook will be assigned. The same one must be returned at the end of the year (~
$50.00).
o Living Environment Review book may be purchased by each student prior to the regents.
o 2 pocket Lab Folder to keep labs in from week week
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B. PARTICIPATION

Be prepared to participate in class discussions & group discussions.

Be prepared to take notes from the board, overhead, LCD projector and fellow classmates.
Be prepared for class by reviewing the previous days notes and assigned reading material.
Be prepared to do your share of group work (your grade may count on it!).
Seats will be assigned. Do you need to sit in a special location?

C. ATTENDANCE
To be successful in biology, you must MAKE every effort to be in class daily, on time and
prepared to learn.
It is the STUDENTS responsibility to make up missed notes, homework, quizzes, and
tests.

D. BEHAVIOR FOR SUCCESS

Be to class on time, class will begin when the bell rings.

If you wish to contribute to the class discussion or ask a question, raise your hand.
When the teacher/classmate is speaking, everyone should be listening.
Equipment in the room should not be handled unless you have been instructed to do so by
the teacher.

F. TESTS
o You will be expected to take every test each marking period.
o Any student absent on the day of an announced test will be required to make up that test on
the next day s/he is in school. Failure to make up the test on time will result in a permanent
grade of zero.
o This is a REGENTS Course you will be taking a Regents Exam in January.

G. HOMEWORK
Study notes every night.
Homework will be assigned. Homework is due at the BEGINNING of class. I will NOT
accept it at any other time! You will be expected to read each reading assignment to be
successful this semester. Exams may also test material not covered in class but in your
reading.
Students completing all work on time will have their lowest quiz grade raised to a 10 at the
end of each marking period.
Expect at least one/two quizzes/wk. (Usually Friday) Teacher has the right to give
unannounced quizzes.

H. EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit may be offered each (6) six-week marking period. A student may complete extra credit
only if s/he has displayed a conscientious effort in class and has COMPLETED all labs for the 6 weeks
leading up to that point.

I. GRADING POLICY
Grades will be determined per marking period by adding up points earned on quizzes, lab reports,
homework, projects and tests and dividing by the total possible number of points accumulated during
the marking period.
Homework
~ 10-20 pts x number of home works assigned
Lab Reports
= 12 pts/lab period covered x number of lab reports
Projects
= points assigned when project is assigned
Quizzes
~ 10-20 pts x number of quizzes given
Tests
= pts determined at time of test x number of tests given
Doing well the first (6) six weeks is extremely important. Remember that passing the regents does
NOT automatically allow you to pass the course.
Please sign and Return to Teacher
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read and understand the LIVING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS,
which apply to the 2014-2015 school year.
Student Signature _____________________________________________

Date ___________

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________

Date ___________

Parents email _____________________________________________________________________