Syllabus

Academic Seminar Syllabus

 2026-2027

Teacher Name: Heather Bryant

Contact Information: hlbryant@greenville.k12.sc.us  

Phone: (864) 355-0094

Google Classroom Code:  

4th Block- ug6dd4wn 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Academic Seminar is an elective course for students who have an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP).   The goal of this tutorial course is mastery of IEP goals and improving academic performance in core academic and elective courses.  Students are enrolled in one block, typically both semesters of the academic school year.  Students earn an elective unit of credit per semester.

INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY:

The 90 minute resource 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):

15 Minutes: Preview and Review

30 Minutes: Direct Instruction and Group Activity

45 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, Edmodo, 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 / POWER STANDARDS:

▪       Meet the goals of the individual education plans (IEP).

▪       Support the academics of the student: Courses and EOC's

▪       Strengthen and enhance organizational skills.

▪       Application of learning strategies 

MAJOR COURSE ASSESSMENTS AND PROJECTS:

Unit 1: Effective Learning Strategies

▪       Using Photos and Text to Gain Meaning

▪       Building Schema: Increasing Student Understanding

▪       Analyzing Details

▪       Using Close Reading to Pull Information from Texts

Unit 2: ELA: English

▪       Differentiated and small group instruction aligned to English course pacing.

Unit 3: Math Skills

▪       Differentiated and small group instruction aligned to Algebra II/Statistical Modeling course pacing.

Unit 4: Transition Goals and Postsecondary Plans

▪       What are my IEP transition goals and why?

▪       Computer Lab: Career Surveys

Unit 5: Effective Learning Strategies

▪       How to Write with more Detail

▪       Using Summaries

▪       Connecting Texts and Images

Unit 6: ELA: English

▪       Differentiated and small group instruction aligned to English course pacing.

Unit 7: Math Skills

▪       Differentiated and small group instruction aligned to Algebra II/Statistical Modeling course pacing.

Unit 8: Transition Goals and Postsecondary Plans

▪       Postsecondary Plans Research Project

Unit 9: Effective Learning Strategies

▪       Using Mentor Texts to Support a Claim

▪       Go with the Flow: Note-taking in a Chart

▪       How to use Contextual Evidence in your Writing

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING PLAN:

Quarter Grade: Determined by the weighted average of assessments during the quarter.  The assessments are classified as a minor assessment or major assessment. 

Major Assessments: 60% (8 Major Assessments)

Minor Assessments: 40%

Final Course Grade: First Quarter Grade (45%), Second Quarter Grade (45%), Final Exam Grade (10%)

Late Work Procedure: Student learning is the paramount goal.  Late work will be accepted until grades are due by administration at the end of each quarter.