|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Biology: Strategies for Long Term Absences
|
|
| | Excerpts from the AP Biology Teachers' Discussion Group
Question: "Has anyone ever missed an extended period of time and, if so, what have you done with your class(es)? I can handle being away from my other classes but I'm feeling incredible guilty and worried about AP. Does anyone have any ideas of what topics would be best covered while a sub's in the room? Any suggestions will be appreciated."
Answer 1: "I was out the full six weeks, because I'd had a C-section, and I wrote extremely detailed lesson plans for my classes, including how to present the material. For AP students, if you have access to the Internet, I would find some excellent Web sites (The Biology Project from the University of Arizona is wonderful) and have them work on those (they have tutorials and activities for the students). That way, they get the material from experts and not the sub. Many subs have no clue about science. If you can, request a substitute who is a retired teacher (there are some around). We used to have a substitute who was a retired science teacher. It was wonderful to have him come in and take over."
-- Jo Ann Burman, Andress High School, El Paso, Texas. 3/6/00
Answer 2: "I was in your situation this past year. I missed the first two months of school on maternity leave, and ironically enough, found a great replacement teacher by posting the opening on this very ListServ. You never know!"
-- Karen Jaworski, Aspen High School, Aspen, Colorado. 3/7/00
Answer 3: "I would start with ecology. It has seemed to me to be the easiest subject for students to understand alone. The animal behavior lab is easy to do. One time several years ago I missed a few weeks because I lost my voice. Even when I returned, I couldn't talk much. I basically could not talk to them from February to May. Everyone made a 4 or 5. If your students are motivated, they will survive and do fine."
-- Thomas Strayhorn, Snyder High School, Snyder, Texas. 3/7/00
Answer 4: "Any experienced, retired biology teachers in the area? With early retirements, some very qualified people might be available for a short-term assignment."
-- Carl Koch, Riverside Brookfield High School, Riverside, Illinois. 3/8/00
|
|
|
|
|
|
Course Home Pages