The biggest difference between our classes, which are all electives, and other classes (think Math, Science, etc.) is that we have a lot of tools and machines that are ONLY available at school. This means that we rarely, if ever, give homework. All work should be done in class. So it's VERY important you actively participate each day!
But because your work must be completed in class, we grade a little differently than in your other classes.
In the Design & Tech Classes, we have two categories: Classwork (65%) and Participation (35%).
CLASSWORK (65%): Anything you make or produce in class falls under this category including written assignments, quizzes, sketches and brainstorming activities, any computer-based work, and everything from prototypes to final designs. Smaller assignments might be worth 20-50 points while projects that span several weeks might be worth 100-200+ points. Anything you physically make or do and hand in for a grade contributes to 65% of your marking period grade.
While each project might have it's own specific rubric, we will often use the D&T Performance Chart as a baseline for most of the projects. This is a department-wide rubric the Technology Education teachers use to assess your work and this is a great reference to get a general idea of what we're looking for. In all of our classes, we value the PROCESS over the PRODUCT. As long as you show up, pay attention, and give it your all, you'll do just fine!
Any work that is not attempted when it is first assigned will not be accepted for credit.
Click here to see the Design and Tech Performance Chart
Any work that is plagiarized will be subject to the District's Academic Integrity Policy to the full extent.
PARTICIPATION (35%): You are expected to actively participate each and every day. Over a third of your marking period grade is participation and this grade is recorded at the end of every week. To earn full participation, here are a few things you need to do every single day:
Arrive to class on time, prepared with all necessary materials and sit in your seat
Keep your phone/earbuds away during instruction
Keep quiet and pay attention during lectures, lessons and demonstrations
Ask questions if you’re not sure what to do. If I am busy with someone else, try and look up the answer on your own using the resources available or ask a classmate for help
When prompted to get to work, you should get to work ASAP
Be productive and try your best! You should be working for the majority of the period. Breaks are ok, but should be short and limited
Fully complete all assignments to the best of your ability
Meet all daily checkpoints (these are always posted on the board's Daily Objectives)
Follow all school rules (use appropriate language, be respectful of yourself and others, etc.)
Use tools, machinery, and classroom equipment correctly and safely
Most Common Ways Students Lose Participation Points:
- Disrupting class, like talking or messing around during lessons and demonstrations
- Having phones out during class
- Doing work for another class
- Not doing any work at all
- Sleeping/head down during class
- Playing games on the computer/Chromebook
- Misuse of tools or machinery
- Tampering with another student's work
- Failing to meet specific checkpoints set in the beginning of class
- Not cleaning up at the end of class
If any Classwork is handed in late, points will be deducted for each day (not class period, but "day" that Classwork is late). That means that if you miss class, you must see me during Tartan Time to make up that missed work, even if that means our class does not meet that day. Here is the breakdown for late work:
1 day late = -10%
2 days late = -20%
3 days late = -30%
4 days late = -40%
5-10 days late = -50%
10+ days late = receives a ZERO. Work will not be accepted.
With regards to Participation, you need to be present in class to earn it. For any class missed for a valid reason (illness, trip, counseling appointment, at the nurse, etc.), participation will not be counted for or against you. However, cutting class, being removed from class, or any other unexcused absence results in a zero for Participation that day.
See me ASAP! If you are absent, it is your responsibility to see me. You can always talk to me at the beginning or the end of class and get an idea of what you missed, but it is best to see me during Tartan Time or after school. This will give me the time I need to catch you up on anything you missed.
I realize that missing one day puts you behind in all of your classes. If you cannot find time to meet with me during Tartan Time or after school on the day of your return, email me!
What about the Late Work Policy?
Students who are absent for whatever reason, will be given an extension on any missed Classwork. Typically, I will extend your due date the same number of days you were out (out two days = two day extension). But every situation is different and I understand that. Some students need more time on certain things. Some don't. Again, it is your responsibility to see me Tartan Time or after school to discuss any missed Classwork.
Any work handed in past that due date will receive a late deduction.
Planning on Missing Class?
It is always a good idea to email your teachers ahead of time and let them know of any trips, doctor's appointments, or other scheduled events that might cause you to miss school. If we know about this stuff ahead of time, we can plan better and then it won't be so stressful for you (and us) when you return.
Many of the Rules and Expectations have been covered already (especially in the Participation section above), but there are a few specifics worth noting.
Cell Phones/Earbuds
Black Horse Pike Regional School District has a zero tolerance cell phone policy. As per District policy, cell phones must be kept away and out of sight during instructional periods. Some students may choose to turn their devices off and keep them in their bags, but each classroom has a numbered cell phone holder where students can safely store their devices while in the classroom.
If I see phones, earbuds, or any other unapproved devices out at any time during class, you will be immediately written up.
Even in the event of a drill or emergency, you leave your phones, earbuds, bags, etc.
You are not allowed to get your phone out to go to the bathroom either. Once class starts, the phone should stay away the entire period.
Student ID's
Student ID's must be worn around your neck and visible at all times.
If you do not have an ID, you will be sent to the Main Office and must purchase a new one.
You must have you ID on when entering and leaving the classroom. However, when we are working with tools and machines, we might need to take the ID's and lanyards off for safety reasons. As a good rule of thumb, if you are not working with tools or machines, you must be wearing your ID.
SmartPass
SmartPass must be used anytime you leave the classroom (bathroom, water fountain, counseling office, VP office, nurse, travelling to another classroom, etc.) and all SmartPasses must be ok'd by me before students are permitted to leave the room.
Try to limit bathroom breaks and schedule them at the beginning or end of class, but never during a lesson or demonstration.
If you want to leave the room and it is an appropriate time, queue up the SmartPass on your computer or Chromebook, then raise your hand and ask to leave. You must show me the SmartPass and show me your ID around your neck. If it's an apppropriate time and the pass is ok'd by me, you can start the SmartPass.
Passes have a time limit. Choose your destination accordingly. If your pass runs out of time or expires, you will be written up.
If you go anywhere other than where you wrote the pass for, you will be written up.
Arriving to Class Late
Being "on time" means that when the bell rings, you are in the classroom and in your seat.
When the bell rings, I will shut the door. If the door is shut and you arrive to class, you are considered late.
If you are late three or more times, you will be written up.
If you arrive to class significantly late, even if it is your first time, you will be written up.
To avoid a write-up, you must have a pass from your previous bell teacher, V.P., counselor, or other staff member. This tells me that you were with that staff member and have a valid reason for being late.
Students who are late to first period MUST have a late to school pass from the desk at the front lobby. If you are late to first period and do not have this pass, you will have to get one before I mark you present for the day.
A.I. in the Classroom
I realize that Artificial Intelligence (such as ChatGTP) can be used as a tool for brainstorming and exploring personal topics of interest. I use it all the time to help brainstorm ideas, condense my otherwise wordy writing, and get new ideas on how to explain things in simpler terms. A.I. is a tool and just like the tools we use in the shop, it's important to use the tools safely and with purpose.
In some cases, we will use A.I. tools to aid us in the classroom and if that's the case, I will explicity let you know.
However, if I do not explicitly tell you in the instructions that we are using A.I. tools, then you shouldn't. And if you're ever not sure, just ask!
Food and Drink
There is absolutely NO food or drink allowed in the classroom at any time (unless I get word from the nurse or your VP for a valid medical reason) because of the computers, tools and machinery. The only exception would be a water bottle with a closed lid.
Dress Code in the Tech Ed Classroom
Students must wear closed toe shoes when working with any tools or machines.
Students are not permitted to wear hoods in the classroom.
Students must be mindful of long sleeves, strings, and dangling jewelry, as this can pose safety issues.
We use hot glue, epoxy, paints, stains and other materials that can ruin clothing. It is not uncommon for students to be covered in sawdust at the end of class. I have aprons for students, but they are one-size fits all and only covers from about the chest to the thighs.
Safety and Fire Drills and Emergencies
Treat every drill as if it were an emergency. The best thing you can do is remain calm, stay silent, and follow my instructions.
Safety
Your safety is my number one concern!
There is a zero tolerance policy for unsafe behavior. Students who cannot handle themselves in the Tech Ed. classroom will be removed out of the safety for themselves and others.
I will show you how to use all the tools and machines needed to effectively complete the classwork. You must successfully pass all written and hands-on safety quizzes before you are permitted to use the tools and machines. If, at any time throughout the year, you are unsure how to use a tool or machine or you just don't feel comfortable using it, let me know! I will always take the time to help you out.