Advanced Placement                                                     2021/2022 Syllabus Computer Science Principles             

Contact Information:

General Information

Google Classroom is the platform used to manage this class:

Google Classroom is used to:

Our Primary Learning Platform is Code.org.

• All students have been provided with a usename and account through which they access assignments and assessments.
  
  • Assignments will include a due date by which the assignment should be submitted.

Remote Learning:

• Please review google classroom post for the days missing.

AP CSP Course Description:

Prerequisite:

Successful completion (B+ or above) of Algebra 1 and English 10.

Purpose Statement:     

Computer science is everywhere, from our smartphones and video games to music, medicine, and much more. This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in. Computer science prepares all students to be active and informed contributors to our increasingly technological society whether they pursue careers in technology or not.

Explore the following website for more information.

https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-computer-science-principles#/

Course Content:

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. 

Evaluation Criteria:     

A composite/weighted grading system is used.  All assignments used to calculate the grades are also posted so students will be aware of any missing work.  However, parents/students are encouraged check grades online using the Family Access component of the Illuminate program.  Our school employs a semester grading system with report cards issued to students four (4) times during the course of the school year.  A term will be approximately nine (9) weeks.  Final grades are calculated on a semester basis.  Final grade calculation is based on 40% for each of two marking periods and 20% of the final exam.    

Letter Grades:                                                            

A+ = 100           A = 93-99          A- = 90-92                        

B+ = 87-89        B = 83-86          B- = 80-82                        

C+ = 77-79        C = 73-76          C- = 70-72                         

D+ = 67-69        D = 63-66          D- = 60-62                                

E = 0-59

Quarter Grades: 

Assessments:  70%        

Assignments:  30%

Semester Grades:

40% First Quarter

40% Second Quarter

20% Final Exam

Assessments:  

Chapter tests are given at the end of each unit.  Any student suspected of plagiarism or cheating on a test or quiz will receive a 0 for that particular evaluation and forfeit any retake on that evaluation.

Assessment Retakes:  Once or twice during a semester when covering particularly challenging concepts, retakes will be available before or after school.  Eligible students may earn no more than 70% on a retest.  Specific times for a retake will be announced in advance so that students can make schedule and transportation arrangements.

Projects:  

Projects will be assigned each unit these projects count as assessments. 

Assignments:

Homework/Classwork:  It is essential that homework/classwork assignments be completed.  Incomplete assignments affect not only the homework grade, but also performance on quizzes and tests. Homework may be collected, scores taken orally or checked with a homework quiz.  Again, any student suspected of plagiarism or cheating will receive a 0 for that assignment.  Late homework is not accepted.  

Make-up Work:

While attendance in school is understood to be a major indicator of student success, I realize there will be times when a student will be absent.  For this reason, make-up work will be evaluated as follows: A Student will be given one day to turn in work for each day they have missed.  A student is allowed ten (10) absences per semester.  After ten (10) absences their work will not be scored.  Absences excused by a medical professional, school related absences, and absences excused by an administrator will not be figured into one of the ten (10).

Classroom Expectations:

• All students will come to class prepared to learn. You should come to class with the proper items for learning, such as a pencil, paper, calculator and any other items necessary.  You should also be attentive during instructional time and give your best effort on all assignments.  
• Each student deserves to feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings in the context of our material and the learning process.  Comments or actions unkind to other students will not be tolerated.  
• I expect that you will treat me, as well as each of your classmates, with the same respect.  Therefore, we will not interrupt when others are speaking, we will not take or use things that belong to other people, and we will be considerate of one another.
• We will not do anything in our classroom that would be a distraction to the ability of other students to learn and teachers to teach.  
• We will also treat the building, the classroom materials, and the other individuals in the building with respect.  

• Please observe the expectations of Sault Area High School and Career Center as outlined in your student handbook.  This can be found at http://sault.eup.k12.mi.us/domain/481

Electronic Device Policy

• Personal electronic devices/devices with internet capability are not allowed in class without explicit permission from the teacher. Visible electronic devices will be confiscated and taken to the office.

Classroom Procedures:

Seating Chart:

There will be a seating chart for this class.  You are expected to sit in your assigned seat every day, unless otherwise instructed.

Paper Headings:

The following information should be written in the upper right-hand corner of every assignment that you turn in to me:  your full name (first and last), your hour, the date and your class number. See the example below:

Name _________________________Hour ___

Date: ___/___/___ Score:             Class # ____

Tardiness:

You are tardy if you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings.  Tardiness will be handled as per the handbook.

Dismissal:

The bell does not dismiss you at the end of class.  I will dismiss you.  You must be in your assigned seats until I dismiss you.

Concluding Thoughts:

I am available before and after school to assist students most days during the week.  Students may also schedule specific times before and after school to make up tests or receive extra help.  Parents are encouraged to email, dgardner@eupschools.org, or telephone, 635-3839 extension 5869.   

I look forward to a successful year working with your son/daughter. 

 **Terms of this document are subject to change