Thinking about next year: There are MANY factors that should go into your choice of classes for Freshman Year. I will go over some of those factors today. If you are not heading towards Gunn or Paly, please see me and I will look over your course catalogue.

Sweet spot We want to aim for a high school class that is challenging but not overwhelming. Nobody wants to be bored (too easy), but we don’t want the class to be so hard that we are not in a good place for learning. At Paly your choices are Int Sci or Bio 1A At Gunn the choices are Bio 1, Bio 1A, Bio 1AC If you are attending another school, please see me one on one.

Use your progress in this class as a measuring stick. This is a class for everybody (not laned). I aim to teach this class right in between Int Sci and Bio 1A (Paly) or in between Bio 1 and Bio 1A (Gunn). So this is not taught on an honors level (but we also have extensions and options on projects to make it more at that level)

Typical indicators of success: How well did you do in 7 th grade science? (same content) How are you doing on TESTS and LAB REPORTS in 8 th grade science? These things transfer most to High School. (High School classes typically don’t count book reading or in class activities for many points)

Heading to Bio 1AC (Gunn) Typically A (not A-) in my class. Strong grades in other classes as well. Doing extensions regularly. Independent learner who doesn’t need in-class activities as much as books and independent work. Ready for 3-5 hours of HW per week just for this class.

Heading to Bio 1A (Gunn/Paly) Doing well in my class and other classes (A’s and B’s). Ready for mostly independent learning. Commit to 2-3 hours week HW.

Heading to Bio 1 (G) or Int. Science (P) Requires guidance in learning, not as much independent learning. Struggling with current textbook reading or understanding. Not doing well in current science class (C or below) Struggling with tests or completing homework.

Other important factors What is the level of your other classes? How will this fit into a homework schedule? What are your outside activities/commitments? What is your motivation? Your passion? Amount of support you have/accept?

Talk with Parents/Counselors/Me This is a decision made best by talking closely with other people. I don’t make the decision for you, but I have good advice. I’ve taught HS for many years, so I have seen many kids thrive or be overwhelmed. Remember it is only a lane. If you are in the middle lane (and doing well) you can always switch to the higher lane in a future year. How interested are you in this subject?