Syllabus

Syllabus Academic Seminar 

Brittany Attaway 

Office Hours 8:00 am – 8:30 and 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm M-Th

battaway@greenville.k12.sc.us

(864) 326-5474 (Call or text)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Academic Seminar is an elective course designed to support students in strengthening their academic skills and performance across core and elective classes. The focus of this tutorial-style course is on individualized support and skill development based on each student's unique learning needs. Students are enrolled in one block, typically for both semesters of the academic school year, and earn one elective unit of credit per semester.

INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY:

The 90 minute class is comprised of direct instruction, small group learning, and individualized instruction. During direct instructional time, students are taught learning strategies to help improve academic performance in core academic courses and they receive intensive preparation for end of course exams (EOC). The time remaining in the tutorial setting is devoted to small group and individualized instruction, self-directed learning, and assistance with core content class work. Strategies of instruction are individualized according to the student’s learning style and academic areas of need. Computers, writers, graphic organizers, verbal and visual cues, and peer learning are used to support deficit areas.

Time Management (How classroom is organized for student learning):

• 10 Minutes: Preview and Review

• 15 Minutes: Direct Instruction and Group Activity

• 55 Minutes: Small Group and Individualized Instruction

Learning activities in the classroom include:

• Teacher-led instruction, cooperative learning, differentiated learning, strategy instruction, and computer based practice varied for different types of learners.

• Utilization of technology in order to increase student achievement (EX: USA Test Prep, Kahoot, Scholastic Magazines, etc.)

• Classroom seating arranged based on student need and class activity.

• Students with small group, oral, and extended time accommodations will be provided time in the tutorial setting to ensure accommodations are provided in accordance with their IEP.

COURSE GOALS:

• Meet the goals of the individual education plans.

• Support the academics of the student: End of Course Exams (EOC’s), core academic courses, and elective courses.

• Strengthen and enhance organizational and executive functioning skills.

• Application of learning strategies proven to enhance individual student’s processing and storing of curriculum content.

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING PLAN:

Grading Scale

The following grade scale will be applied to students in grades 2-12. For Carnegie Unit courses please refer to the state Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) for quality points and state regulations guiding credit-bearing courses. SC Uniform Grading Scale

A=100-90 

B=89-80  

C=79-70    

D=69-60    

F=59-50     

Grading

The grade will be based on

Major Assignments (Performance, Notebook, Major Assessments) 60 %

Minor Assignments (Daily work, Homework, Minor Assessments) 40 %