Course Syllabus

Course Description:
Exploring Computer Science is all about learning how to identify and interpret the different concepts of computing, the social impacts that computers have had in society, how to identify, explain and appropriately apply the steps in a problem solving exercise and how to design basic algorithms for programming solutions. We will be using the Microsoft Office Suite (Office 360) and Scratch to complete our three major projects which include, Scratch Story, Scratch Game and Musical Code.

Important Class Notes:
All project supplies will be provided for students in class, however it would be helpful for students to have a binder or folder with paper and a writing instrument for our class. As an effort to keep students safe in the classroom, the elimination of as many distractions as possible is necessary. Cell phone use is inappropriate in class. I will usually a warning once before the phone is taken and given to the office for pickup at the end of the day. Email needs to be used appropriately and chatting is highly discouraged. If you are found violating the technology agreement, you will suspend your right to have technology in the classroom.

Assessment and Late Work:
Students’ progress in this course will be assessed using final products and a test as well as classwork, journaling, and the occasional homework assignments leading up to the production of a final product. All assignments will be graded with regards to the extent that they show achievement of the learning targets that the assignment was meant to assess.

Journal
For the ECS class you will need to keep a daily (by class) journal of what went on in class and basic in-person class notes. This will be attached to Canvas but will not need to be submitted until the end of the course. (The method mentioned here may change depending on how reliable the system handles it).

Discussions
Occasionally, we will do online discussions which will be kept in the Discussions area of Canvas which can be found in the quick menu to the left of your screen.

Absences/Check in
Quizzes can also be found in the Module or by clicking on the Quizzes link to the left of your screen.

Late Work
Late work will be accepted on a case-by-case basis after an individual conference; late work will be accepted for up to two weeks after the due date of the assignment. All late work will negatively impact a student’s citizenship and academic grade. I am forgiving if it happens to be a little late and you don't make a habit out of turning it in late. I would much rather have high quality work turned in late rather than incomplete work turned in on time - just don't make it  a habit; budget your time so you can have something high quality turned in on time. 

Redo or Resubmitted Work
Not every assignment can be resubmitted for work.
If you choose to resubmit an assignment for regrading it will have to be submitted within one week of the assignment being returned and can only be resubmitted once. Resubmitting an assignment does not guarantee you a passing grade. You may only resubmit work 3 times, and significant progress needs to be shown, otherwise you forfeit your ability to resubmit. 

(The threshold does not apply to assignments with intentional redos)

Priority
If a student submits late work it is their responsibility to inform me as soon as possible. Late work will be graded as a tier two priority, meaning that regular homework and redo’s will come before late work is corrected.

Absences/Check in
Absences do not excuse you from the work, but when planned beforehand can have extended deadlines. The student is still responsible for submitting all required coursework. If there are any concerns about deadlines or special circumstances that may result in an assignment being turned in late, please speak to me beforehand.

You will need to check in within 5 minutes of attending the class.  You will need to self-scan your ID at the beginning of the class. If you missed scanning in or you were late to the class, you will need to go to the office to have them check  you in. 

Student/Teacher Expectations:

● Students will be expected to abide by the school habits of scholarship as well as classroom rules and norms. These norms, as well as the habits of scholarship, will be posted in the classroom for continuous reference.
● Accommodations and modifications will be made in accordance with student IEP and 504 plans.
● Students will be expected to communicate with me if there are any issues with comprehension, completion of assignments, or any other unforeseen problems that affect a student’s quality of work. In addition to office hours, I will be available most days before and after school by appointment and by email.
● Please be aware that this syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated in writing to parents/guardians and students.
● More expectations will be communicated in class and in the Expectations section of this course.  

Citizenship: Habits of Work and Character:
Students will receive a citizenship grade each semester which will be evaluated using the Habits of Work and Character high points.  Each student will be responsible for holding themselves to the Habits of Scholarship in the following areas: Grit, Leadership/Collaboration, Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Attitude.  The grades will be as follows: 

H: Honors
G: Good
S: Satisfactory
N: Needs Improvement
U: Unsatisfactory

Remediation of U’s
If a student leaves the course with a ‘U’ it is their responsibility to remediate as soon as possible. Please talk to me or contact the office to learn the different options of ways to remediate.