Educational Support Classes (Academic Seminar) Syllabus
Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th

Instructor: Julie Maddox

Contact: 864-355-8122 | jumaddox@greenville.k12.sc.us

TECH FREE TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Course Overview

This Academic Seminar is designed to support students in developing essential Executive Function skills, including:

·     Organization

·      Self-regulation

·      Study skills

·      Time management

·      Planning

The course also provides individualized support aligned with each student’s IEP goals across ELA, Math, and Social/Behavioral domains.

Course Objectives

·      Strengthen organizational skills to manage assignments and materials effectively

·      Develop self-regulation strategies for focus and emotional control

·      Enhance study skills tailored to individual learning needs

·      Master time management techniques for academic and personal balance

·      Support progress towards individual IEP goals in ELA, Math, and Social/Behavioral areas

Student Responsibilities

·      Use the "Core Four" system weekly to check grades and for work that is Not Handed In (NHI)

·      Participate actively in all executive function skill-building activities and projects

·      Collaborate on goal-setting and progress monitoring related to IEP objectives

·      Communicate regularly about challenges and successes in academic and behavioral goals

Strategies for Success

To support your child’s growth in Executive Function skills and academic goals, we encourage these strategies at home:

·      Establish a consistent daily routine for homework and study time

·      Use planners or digital calendars to track assignments and deadlines

·      Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks with clear timelines

·      Create a quiet, organized workspace free from distractions

·      Encourage regular check-ins using the "Core Four" system to review grades and needs

·      Promote self-advocacy by having your child communicate their challenges and successes

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

·      Grades will be assigned per the 26/27 grading policy. Student quarterly progress monitoring will be assessed through student work products and / or curriculum-based measures from Goal Book.

·      Ongoing progress monitoring will inform instructional adjustments

·      Quarterly progress reports will be shared with parents/guardians, highlighting growth and areas for support

Grading Policy/Practices: 

Grading Percentages are based on Greenville School District Guidelines: 

❖    50% Major Assessments (tests, problem-based projects)                                                                                                                

❖    50% Minor Assessments (classwork, quizzes)                                                                                                                                        

Grading Scale

A = 90 -100         B=89 - 80    C=79 - 70    D= 69 - 60   F= 59 and below 

This class will follow the guidelines for grading and student work set by Greenville County Schools and League Academy. You will find the link to the guidelines on my website under “Course Information”.

Retakes:

If a student earns a grade on a major assessment that they are not satisfied with, they will have the opportunity to retake the assessment or complete corrections.  For retakes students will need to fill out a reflection sheet, get it signed by parent/guardian, and come to the prescheduled time (mornings 7:45-8:15) to retake the assessment with me within a week. The retake will cover the same standards as the original assessment, but it will not be the exact assessment as the original.

GRADING POLICY:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m04FGwm-dXmOwd8JBvmy3smEuNNIVVcfbju-gwuisrQ/edit?tab=t.0 

             RETAKE POLICY:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wc2iE2nR3VNFJF3ZYy1ee5CG9loiFwmqVmHqaK0fKbQ/edit

Classroom Expectations

·      Maintain a respectful and supportive environment for all students

·      Demonstrate consistent effort and engagement in all activities

·      Practice honesty and openness in self-assessment and goal tracking

Classroom Expectations

●

Magic School

● This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.

● Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Generative AI

This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

● Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.

● Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.

● Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.

● Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

● Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Parent Communication

I value open communication and partnership with families to best support each student. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns:

Phone: 864-355-8122
Email: jumaddox@greenville.k12.sc.us