Syllabus

The School District of Philadelphia

Learning Network #01

MOTIVATION HIGH SCHOOL

5900 Baltimore Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19143

“SUCCESS THROUGH ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY!”

EXPECTING STAR PERFORMANCE from STAR STUDENTS

COURSE SYLLABUS

 2014-2015

COURSE TITLE: Senior Seminar

COURSE NUMBER:

COURSE CREDIT: 1

TEACHER: Mr. Young                                             ROOM #: 316

E-MAIL ADDRESS:  jyoung2@philasd.org

Course Description

Senior Seminar is designed to assist Seniors in dealing with the challenges and activities associated with the transition from high school to post-secondary school and adult life. Students will research and write about a global issue for their Senior project. In addition, Seniors will receive instruction and assistance in the transition to college, including how to select schools, complete applications, write college admittance essays, prepare for SAT/ ACT entrance exams, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and seeking dual-enrollment courses or apprenticing in internships. Students will also undertake a community service project to leave a lasting legacy on the Motivation High School learning environment.

Course Objectives

1)   Research and write critically about a global issue to complete the requirements of the Senior Project.

2)   Plan for the transition to life after high school

3)   Complete the college selection and application process

4)   Prepare for college entrance exams (ACT/SAT)

5)   Seek and apply for financial aid and scholarships

6)   Complete a community service project to improve the learning environment at Motivation High School

7)   Research, apply, and participate in dual-enrollment or internship opportunities

Supplies and Materials Needed for Course

• Composition notebook (Do Now/ Exit Ticket Journal)
• Spiral Notebook or Binder for Notes and Class-work
• Folder for Handouts and Homework Assignments
• Internet Access
• Dictionary/ Thesaurus
• Pens and pencils

Course Textbook, Technology Resources and Other Relevant Materials

Collegeboard.org

Teacher Expectations

• Student needs to be in school every day, on time with the right attitude and the necessary tools for learning
• Student needs to put forth tremendous effort to complete all assignments in a timely manner and submit them on time
• Students needs to demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times and show respect and responsibility for self, teacher, other students and school property
• Students must turn in homework prior to the start of school to obtain full credit
• When the bell rings, students should be in their seats quietly, with their materials on their desk and the book bag and excess materials under the desk desk.
• When the bell rings, students should be working on the “Do Now”.  Unless otherwise directed, it should be completed without talking.  When finished with the “Do Now”, students should wait patiently and quietly for further instruction.  This is not an opportunity to chat with neighbors, as it will distract others from finishing their Do Nows.
• Students should always remain quiet and respectful when ANYONE else is speaking, presenting or sharing.

** Choosing not to follow classroom expectations and procedures will result in consequences, such as: warnings, detentions, pink slips, and parent calls and conferences.

Grading Policy

The school follows the grading policy provided by the district to determine the letter and numerical value of work produced by students.  Modifications are made as needed.  Listed below are the major components for grades in each class with the associated value.  

            Do Now                                                 10%

Class Participation                                    15 %

            Homework                                                15 %

            Tests                                                             25%

Projects                                                20%

Group Work                                                5%           

Quizzes                                                10 %

Missed Work:

It is the policy of this school that students have one week from the return of school, regardless of the circumstances, to make-up any test, quiz, classwork (as it is available based upon teacher direction) or homework that is missing due to excused absences.  Do Now work cannot be made up.  Students must present an absence note to the principal in the main office upon returning to school.  If the absences are excused students will be given this one week opportunity.  Any student who fails to make-up work in the stipulated manner will receive an “F” for missing items.  It is the student’s responsibility to interact with the teachers to obtain missing work and to submit it within the given time period. 

Impact of Attendance and Punctuality:

Attendance in class on a daily basis is necessary to obtain and maintain a successful academic experience.  Arriving to class on time is also critical.  Please schedule dental, doctor and other appointments so that they do not interfere with the normal school day.  Those appointments take students from the daily routine and cause them to miss valuable information and class participation.  Class participation is a tremendous factor in determining the progress of students.  Students do not fail due to a lack of attendance or tardiness.  They fail due to a lack of progress, which is hindered by absences and tardiness.  Students are required to submit excuses for their absences.  An excused absence does not excuse the students from missed work.

Cheating and Copying:

There have been some examples or incidences of cheating and copying homework from other students at our school.  Students who are caught copying, cheating or submitting the work of other students will fail that assignment.  No other opportunities will be given to the student to make that work up.  In preparation for college, students need to understand the severity of this problem and respond accordingly.

Major Projects/Action Research:

Senior Project, College Essay and Applications, FAFSA, Scholarship applications, School Improvement Community Service Project

Homework:

Each student has homework on a regular basis.   Homework will be sent to students via Google Drive.

Homework consists of:

Review of previous work to extend learning

            Introduction of new information to spark interest

            Test preparation and embedded Keystone preparation

            Remediation and Enrichment assignments to differentiate learning

            Reading and Writing Assignments to focus on school-wide areas of concern

Homework must be submitted prior to the start of the school day.  Students who fail to do so must submit homework in the main office upon arrival to school.  Teachers will not accept it and it cannot be submitted later in the day.  Each youth has this responsibility.  Late homework is only given half credit.

Assessments per Marking Period

In addition to teacher made test, students will take formative and predictive exams that will be factored into the grade for the course.  These assessments will be administered based upon the schedule determined by the district if funding is available.  If it is not, the school will provide standardized test opportunities for students within each marking period.

Monitoring Student Grades

Parents can view student progress in certain areas on FamilyNet.  Contact the counselor, Timothy Schrodel if assistance is required to access the information. Teacher will contact the parents on a regular basis via telephone calls or emails to share and discuss individual student progress.

Course Topics:

College Application Process, Senior Project, Financial Aid and Scholarship, Dual Enrollment, Internships, School Improvement Community Service Project

Other Relevant Information:

POLICY ON PREPARATION: Part of homework and class is coming to class prepared.  Leaving your assignment, materials, or texts on the table at home or in your locker does not help you when we review it in class.  Grades will suffer for lack of preparedness.

ABSENSES: If you are absent, you are expected to call a classmate or find out in the  morning what materials you need for class.  You are still expected to be prepared for class.  It is your responsibility to find out what assignments, tests, or quizzes             you missed.  I will not chase you to turn in assignments.  The school policy on grace periods will be applied.  Of course, if you have special health circumstances causing frequent absences, see me, and we will work out a plan to             best suit your needs.  If you are absent for an extended period of time and want to know what you can do to stay ahead, email me, and I will respond as soon as I can.

BEHAVIOR: Be respectful and kind to your peers and your teachers.  Follow the                         guidelines of Motivation High’s policies. 

COMMUNICATION: Come get help, or question a grade that you don't understand.  If you or a parent has a question or a concern, feel free to send me an email.   If you don't understand something, please feel comfortable and ask.

A SPECIAL NOTE: Be supportive, offer only constructive criticism, and always have a positive attitude!

Have a great year!

Signatures:

Student:____________________

Parent:_____________________