Stephen Harris
Data based on 9 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of 2027
He's very... interesting. He is HUGE on AI abuse and will penalize you based on NOT your actual work, but you as a person. This is NOT a fair system. His tests are easy, his books are neat. His end-of-year project was fun. You can easily get a 90 or above if you try hard enough to not fall asleep in class.
Class of 2022
Note that you will have a very hard time doing well in his class if you procrastinate or not pay attention to what he wants you to do. He does make topics harder for you to understand but a few textbook reading and research won't hurt that much.
Class of 2022
Participating all the time is a good idea. Be prepared to do a good portion (almost all) of the learning out of class. The homework should not be procrastinated on since the directions take up a ton of time to figure out on their own, and then you still have to do the assignment, so be prepared to not sleep. Do not be wordy, and swallow up that grammar book, because any grammar mistake could potentially give you a bad grade. Make sure not to quote anything that isn't an original idea. There is a lot of writing in this class, and so make sure to quote when he asks you to.
Class of 2022
Essays will be a huge part of your grade, don't bother going to office hours for help unless you have a really specific question, very easily defensive so either fight with him all the time or be very agreeable. Try not to get on his bad side because his grades are very biased. He uses the ap rubric to grade with 6 points so prepare for grades in the 80's. Either hand in fully completed homework or homework late since he doesn't regrade anything except late homework. Prepare to peer edit a lot with your friends. He is also extremely hypocritical so either hold him to what he said (at your own risk) or be prepared for changes. Get a group chat started early cause his instructions are always confusing. At the end of the day set aside a good hour for his homework and don't do his essays last minute.
Class of 2020
Always try to enjoy the material of the class rather than focus on getting a good grade in the class; genuine enjoyment of the material in the class will most often lead to a rewarding grade.
Additional Comments
Class of 2020
Mr. Harris is an excellent teacher; although he might seem super tough and harsh, he genuinely cares about each and every one of his students and wants them to succeed.