AP Computer Science A

Description

This is a college-level course which follows the guidelines recommended by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students will become proficient in the Java computer programming language and will learn the basics of software design. Students are required to take the A level Advanced Placement Computer Science Examination in May.

Prerequisites

Algebra 2 is a co-requisite for this course. Previous exposure to computer basics and computer programming is highly recommended for success. This course meets the computer science requirement for graduation.

State Standards

Detailed AP standards and the official Course and Exam Description can be viewed on the College Board website.

Textbook

The website CSAwesome will be used as a supplementary reference.

Software

BlueJ will be used as the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). BlueJ includes the Oracle JDK (Java SE Development Kit) for Java Developers. BlueJ is free, and students should install it on their home computers. BlueJ will not run on Chromebooks. Loaner Windows laptops can be provided to students without access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer at home.

Google Drive for Desktop will be used so that students can access and edit their code on both school and home computers. Students should install this application on their home computers.

Materials

Since most work will be done on computers, very little in the way of materials will be needed in class. Most assignments will be distributed digitally. A small folder should be enough to keep up with occasional handouts.

Some lessons will be provided in a video format. So as not to annoy each other, headphones should be brought to class every day. The classroom computers are compatible with headphones with a 3.5 mm jack and Bluetooth headphones.

Other Services

AP Classroom will be used for practice and many formal assessments. All students will need a College Board account. A class code will be distributed so that each student can enroll in the appropriate section.

Programming problems from CodingBat will also be assigned. Students will need a CodingBat account.

Evaluation

Grading will be done on weighted category system. Major assessments (tests and projects) will count for 60% of your term grades. Minor assessments (daily work, quizzes, and homework) will count for the remaining 40%. Within each category, a point system will be used. Point values for each assignment may vary based on difficulty and/or time needed to complete. Not all daily work will be graded, and refusal to complete daily work may be treated as a disciplinary issue.

The following grading scale will be used:

A = 90-100 points
B = 80-89 points
C = 70-79 points
D = 60-69 points
F = below 60 points.

Each term will count for 45% of your overall course grade. The will be a final exam will count for the remaining 10% course grade.

The AP Exam administered in May will not affect your course grade.

Late Work Policy

If you are absent the day of a test, arrangements to make up the test must be made promptly. Understand that you will need to make arrangements to make up missed tests on a day in which I am available after school. I will not change my schedule to accommodate your availability. Also understand that if you miss class on the day immediately prior to a test, you will be expected to take the test in class on the scheduled date. New material will never be covered the day prior to a test.

For project-based major assessments, you will be given two deadlines. The first is a "soft deadline" which is the last day you will be given class time to work on a project. The second is a "hard deadline" which is the last day a project will be accepted for full credit. The hard deadline will generally be 5 school days after the soft deadline. It is okay if projects are not completed by the soft deadline, but understand you will need to either stay after school to continue working or work at home. Projects turned in after the hard deadline will have points deducted according to the J.L. Mann Late Work Policy. Students whose accommodations allow for extended time on projects should understand the period between the soft and hard deadlines is your extended time.

For all other late assignments, points will be deducted according to the J.L. Mann Late Work Policy.

In cases of extended absence or hardships, please see me to discuss individual due-date extensions. Any extension should be discussed prior to the initial deadline.