EXPECTATIONS

RESPECT

Respect Ms. Girardin

Respect Each Other

Respect Yourself

RESPECT YOURSELF

Challenge yourself with new ideas and topics


Keep an open mind about different perspectives and opinions.


Try your best. Be persistent

Pay attention to detail.


SYLLABUS

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REsponsibility for learning

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says, teachers will open the door, must you must be the one to walk through it. The instructor of this course will provide ample instruction and opportunities for students to learn but ultimately, the STUDENT must be the one to allow learning to take place. As young adults, high school students must place the responsibility of learning on their own shoulders.

Students who actively participate in class will remember more information and tend to have greater academic success than students who do not. It is easy to be distracted while using devices in class. The instructor will monitor usage, however it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to stay on-task!


CLASSWORK

Homework will rarely be given. Hence, class time becomes even more valuable. Assignments given in class must be completed by the end of the period or as otherwise stated. If a student is not actively working on the assignment during class time, extensions will not be given and any work submitted subsequently will not be graded. Students are highly encouraged to speak with the instructor if there are any extenuating circumstances which might distract the student from any classwork that day.

MATERIALS TO BRING

Students are expected to have the following every day:


MISSED CLASS

Students will inevitably miss class but it is the student's responsibility, regardless the cause of the absence, to check with the teacher before or after class to ensure due dates are met, activities completed, and information is noted. 

DUE DATES are a part of adult life and this class prepares students for life beyond high school. Therefore, MASTERY ASSESSMENTS are NOT accepted (except in cases of mitigating circumstances); alternative assessment opportunities will be assigned. PROGRESSIVE ASSESSMENTS must be completed PRIOR to the assignment of the MASTERY ASSESSMENT. There are no opportunities to make up PROGRESSIVE ASSESSMENTS (except in cases of mitigating circumstances).


ACCOMODATIONS

Students with IEPs/504s will have accommodations provided for them in the classroom whenever possible. The instructor will work with the student to arrange accommodations for extended time when needed. It is the student’s responsibility to take an active role in working with the instructor for academic accommodations.

VIDEO CLIPS & FILMS

Throughout the course of study in this class, it may be beneficial for students’ understanding to analyze particular clips and/or entire films that have received an MPAA PG-13 or R rating. For example, Othello (1995), is rated R but will be very helpful deciphering the message embedded in Shakespeare's play. However, the wishes and rights of parents/guardians will be honored.  If you do NOT wish for your child to watch either PG-13 or R rated films/clips, please complete the form below or return the paper copy of the form with your child.

If you wish to know which PG-13 clips/films will be shown, please contact me directly.  I will list any R rated films/clips below and through Infinite Campus Parent Portal.


Standards Based GRading

In order for a student to earn credit for this course, he/she must demonstrate at least an apprentice level of mastery of each academic standard as put forth by the Kentucky Academic Standards and the JCPS Frameworks. This method is commonly known as standards-based grading. The standards used in this class are designed to engage students in critical thought, academic discussion, reading comprehension, and analytic writing.

The instructor will go over the assessed standards at the beginning of each unit as well as the specific expectations the student must meet in order to earn a Beginner (1), Apprentice (2), Proficient (3), or Distinguished (4) level of mastery. Anything lower than a 70% is considered a novice and no credit will be given. The published rubric is used for all assessments administered in that unit.

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Progress through the levels of mastery occurs in three stages. 

1) Students will begin by acquiring knowledge then PRACTICING with this new content. 

2) After sufficient time for practice has passed, the instructor will give a PROGRESSION ASSESSMENT (30% of overall grade). These take many forms but always serve the same purpose: to allow the student to display his/her current level of mastery. The instructor will use the results of this assessment to guide subsequent lessons. If a student needs additional practice to reach the desired level of mastery, he/she may opt to take an additional assessment which may positively influence the grade received.

3) At the end of each unit, students will demonstrate learning through a MASTERY ASSESSMENT (70% of overall grade). These assessments also take different forms but always serve as an opportunity for the student to display their highest level of mastery. These assessments are final. 

This method of grading does NOT allow for extra credit opportunities.

If you can't access the form to the left, please click HERE.