First, tell me more!...Please fill out this online parent information form so I can better help your teenage this semester and learn your contact information.  Thank you!

I encourage parental involvement at all levels and can conference with you anytime.  I do expect that my students know how to take responsibility for their success in my class by using SPAN, checking my course's Calendar webpage for missed assignments, the C&E Notes page to review weekly curriculum, AND by taking initiative to visit the Self Tutoring tools page for additional help if needed.   

A student's ability to self-motivate is key in my classroom and in life.  As a past psychology teacher, one way I like to see how successful kids will be in my class (and in life) is to have them take this "locus of control" personality test.  A good "internal locus of control" means the student believes he or she in charge of their own life...this is good!  These students know how to take charge of what they need and want in life, which helps them succeed.

A student that ranks higher with an EXTERNAL locus of control usually believes he or she has very little control over his or her own life.  This attitude can limit the student's ability to learn and BELIEVE he or she can be a success.   Without fixing this belief system system first, success in my class can be a struggle, mainly because an external locus of control usually comes with an attitude that "everyone else" is responsible for the student's achievements.  You and I know that isn't true..but do they?  

With you and your teen (and my help) putting forth his or her best effort AND their ability to self advocate for what they need and want...your child WILL succeed in my class!  

As for my personal teaching philosophy, each student will have a chance to experience success in my classroom.   I am attentive to their needs and understand not all students learn in the same manner at the same speed. I want them to understand that in life, and when studying social studies, it’s the big concepts that count and developing their critical thinking skills is a requirement in my class for their success.  Using the reading skills they have been taught throughout their school years is a must...as this course is intensive in reading AND thinking!  I actively try to enhance their intrinsic motivation, and have my class setup in a way that I believe will promote the love of learning, in addition to teaching them the state curriculum. 

If a student is absent a day, it is THEIR responsibility to check the calendar online and review or download any work they missed.  Even students without a computer at home are expected to visit the Media Center, public library, or if needed use computers in my classroom during their free time. 

For all 3 Handouts received on Day One of the course, please visit the Course Calendar page.  

Students can all checkout a home copy of the textbook or they can use the online textbook.  Instructions to login are located here.