Directed Studies is designed to help students as needed with special emphasis on their English and Mathematics courses. Depending on the student, the focus changes. For example, some need focus on organizational skills, some studying for tests, some turning in assignments, and some getting assignments they have missed. Each student has a unique set of concerns and each is attended to accordingly.

I generate a grade for this course based on three items. The first item is called materials. This means students have with them adequate paper, pencils, pens, and their Colina notebook has been completely and properly filled out. The second item is homework completion. This means the student has completed his/her Math and English homework at home. It is important to note that homework is to be completed at home. This IS NOT a study hall. We help students correct work, improve understanding of concepts, help with organizational skills, and help with studying for tests. We cannot give these aids if the student needs our class time to complete homework. The third item is participation. We expect that students work the entire 45 minutes of this class. When (if) we have completed everything (homework corrections, studying, projects), the student can read their 350-400 pages required for English. If this assignment has also been completed, then we move into other subject areas (social studies, etc.) There is always something to do.

This course also requires help from the home front. We ask that a parent at home check the Colina notebook for accurate writing of homework assignments. We also ask that parents look at the completed work to ensure that 1) the student did the correct assignment (ex., some do the wrong page or the wrong problems for math) and 2) the student actually completed the entire assignment.

When communications are necessary, you may write a note in the Colina notebook and I will respond in the same manner. If you prefer, you may email the teacher at school or leave a message on voice mail.