How long is each unit?
Each unit takes approximately 8-12 classes which is about 2-3 weeks.
How often are there tests/quizzes?
There will be some type of assessment (test or quiz) once a week. That allows for the assessments to be in smaller parts.
Do you accept late homework?
No. The purpose of homework is to reinforce what we are working on and give students extra practice. Also, it helps students to gauge their own level of comprehension. Making it up late does not allow students to do any of the above.
Do you accept extra credit projects?
No. By definition extra credit would be work above and beyond what is assigned. Students need to do the work that is assigned. If they stay on task they will be happy with the grade they earn. Also, by holding students accountable to assignment deadlines it reinforces student accountable, responsibility and awareness of timetables. These are all very important life skills. I will give students 2 points of extra credit on tests in they bring in a notecard for every vocabulary word for the chapter. They must have every word written on the cards to receive credit. I do this to encourage students to study.
What happen if my child misses class?
If your child is going to be absent (and it is planned) you should send an email or note to me, prior to the absence. That way I can give your child the work to do while away. If your child is sick, please notify me as soon as you can. Then, send your child with a note when he/she returns to class. Your child should turn in work from the absence to the "hand in to Sra. Ratcliffe" folder with the correct band letter on it (for example if your child is in B Band Spanish all of his/her classroom folders are red and labeled with a B). Then, your child should look in the absence folder with the correct band letter to pick up hand outs from the day(s) missed. Finally, a student has two weeks to make up a test or quiz. after that the grade turns to a zero.
Do you encourage tutoring?
Yes! Students should bring questions/concerns to tutoring sessions. Session times can be found on my schedule on the homepage.
Do you use an online grading program?
Yes, I use engrade. Your child will receive a log in within in the first week of school. I also give your child a grading sheet so that he/she can have a running log of what they have turned in and what grades they have received. Having said that, your child has a grading sheet in his/her binder that I provided to help stay on top of grades and take ownership in the process. If you still need to see the grades I have, I can email them you at any point throughout the year. Click here for grading sheet
What are the class assignments? How will I know my child's progress in your class?
A typical week includes 3 homework assignments, one night of studying, one quiz or test. There is a quiz once a week and a unit test when we complete each unit. The unit test consists of reading comprehension, grammar, listening comprehension and writing. In addition there are mini projects (oral or written) assigned at the end of each chapter and students have a minimum of a week to work on this. Students will receive at least two weeks notice for larger projects. In the resource section of the website you can find all rubrics. Based on this system, your child has multiple measures for his/he progress. They will have the grades on the grading sheet and can share them with you. If you have any questions regarding the grades, please contact me at [email protected]. Since I am teaching and tutoring during the day, it is difficult to be available for phone calls. I will respond to your emails within 2-3 school days.
Each unit takes approximately 8-12 classes which is about 2-3 weeks.
How often are there tests/quizzes?
There will be some type of assessment (test or quiz) once a week. That allows for the assessments to be in smaller parts.
Do you accept late homework?
No. The purpose of homework is to reinforce what we are working on and give students extra practice. Also, it helps students to gauge their own level of comprehension. Making it up late does not allow students to do any of the above.
Do you accept extra credit projects?
No. By definition extra credit would be work above and beyond what is assigned. Students need to do the work that is assigned. If they stay on task they will be happy with the grade they earn. Also, by holding students accountable to assignment deadlines it reinforces student accountable, responsibility and awareness of timetables. These are all very important life skills. I will give students 2 points of extra credit on tests in they bring in a notecard for every vocabulary word for the chapter. They must have every word written on the cards to receive credit. I do this to encourage students to study.
What happen if my child misses class?
If your child is going to be absent (and it is planned) you should send an email or note to me, prior to the absence. That way I can give your child the work to do while away. If your child is sick, please notify me as soon as you can. Then, send your child with a note when he/she returns to class. Your child should turn in work from the absence to the "hand in to Sra. Ratcliffe" folder with the correct band letter on it (for example if your child is in B Band Spanish all of his/her classroom folders are red and labeled with a B). Then, your child should look in the absence folder with the correct band letter to pick up hand outs from the day(s) missed. Finally, a student has two weeks to make up a test or quiz. after that the grade turns to a zero.
Do you encourage tutoring?
Yes! Students should bring questions/concerns to tutoring sessions. Session times can be found on my schedule on the homepage.
Do you use an online grading program?
Yes, I use engrade. Your child will receive a log in within in the first week of school. I also give your child a grading sheet so that he/she can have a running log of what they have turned in and what grades they have received. Having said that, your child has a grading sheet in his/her binder that I provided to help stay on top of grades and take ownership in the process. If you still need to see the grades I have, I can email them you at any point throughout the year. Click here for grading sheet
What are the class assignments? How will I know my child's progress in your class?
A typical week includes 3 homework assignments, one night of studying, one quiz or test. There is a quiz once a week and a unit test when we complete each unit. The unit test consists of reading comprehension, grammar, listening comprehension and writing. In addition there are mini projects (oral or written) assigned at the end of each chapter and students have a minimum of a week to work on this. Students will receive at least two weeks notice for larger projects. In the resource section of the website you can find all rubrics. Based on this system, your child has multiple measures for his/he progress. They will have the grades on the grading sheet and can share them with you. If you have any questions regarding the grades, please contact me at [email protected]. Since I am teaching and tutoring during the day, it is difficult to be available for phone calls. I will respond to your emails within 2-3 school days.