Berea High School

PLTW Computer Science Principles Syllabus

TEACHER NAME: Mr. Street

CONTACT INFORMATION:  864-355-1645 bstreet@greenville.k12.sc.us

TEXTBOOK TITLE:    Introduction to Python 

COURSE TITLE: PLTW Computer Science Principles

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

Computer Science Principles (CSP) is recommended for students in grades 10–12. CSP is aligned with the College Board AP Computer Science Principles exam requirements and framework. The course is also designed with strong connections to the Computer Science K12 Frameworks (CS K12), ISTE Standards, and the Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 Computer Science (CSTA K-12 CS) Level 3A Standards.

In Computer Science Principles, students develop the in-demand computer science skills critical to thrive in any

of today’s and tomorrow’s careers. The course promotes computational thinking and coding fundamentals and

introduces computational tools that foster creativity. It aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand

for computer scientists and those who have computational thinking skills, and engages students to consider

issues raised by the impact of computing on society. Each unit also focuses on one or more computer science specific

career paths.

Computer Science Principles provides students with a broad exposure to the many aspects of computer science

while encouraging creativity, socially responsible choices, and ethical behavior. It inspires algorithmic and

computational thinking, helping students see themselves in a career path they might not have initially chosen.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Students will become proficient with the concepts stated by the SC Department of Education College and Career Readiness.  They will use critical thinking to determine the best method for solving real-world problems and then carry them through to a solution.

COURSE PACING: Currently, the provided PLTW / CodeHS Course Outline is our pacing guide. The pacing will be revised as needed based on our population, needs, and abilities, and resolution of Data Sharing Agreement conflict.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

-Pencils

-Paper (both lined and graphing will be provided as needed)

-Folder  (provided)

-Chromebook (charged)

Getting a pencil, computer, or charger from me may require collateral.

IN CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

-Be responsible, ready, and respectful

-Come prepared every day and ready to work

-NO FOOD OR DRINK (water is allowed in clear container with lid)

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS:

-Students are encouraged to wash/sanitize their hands often.

-Students must practice coughing and sneezing etiquette.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY:  

• Chromebooks MUST be charged every day before school.

• Headphones and personal electronics (cell phones) are to be put away by the beginning of class.

TARDY POLICY:

School wide policy as specified in current student handbook.

ATTENDANCE: 

Remember that you are allowed 5 unexcused absences per class.  Anything over 5 absences will be handled by administration and can be made up at seat time.  Please see the handbook on this web site's home page for more information. An absence does not excuse the student from completing missed assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange time to make up work independently, schedule a brief meeting with the teacher, or attend after school tutoring.

The older attendance letter here is still great information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18V8lsm7B4KPr2XlvVv5X7EmkKat8JZkb/view

LEAVING CLASS:

This year, to leave class (bathroom, primarily) will require you to use your chromebook to request a pass.

CONSEQUENCES OF IMPROPER ACTS:

Unless otherwise noted, the consequences for not adhering to these  expectations are as follows.

1. Verbal warning

2. Conference with student

3. Parent contact

4. Detention (lunch or after school)

5. Referral to office

ANY BEHAVIOR REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION WILL BE SENT TO ADMINISTRATION.

In the event that the school has to switch to a virtual learning environment...

ONLINE EXPECTATIONS:

• Should we experience eLearning days, check Google Classroom for information

• If the decision is made to hold class "live" through a virtual meeting, use proper netiquette

• If class is held asynchronously (not online with the rest of the class),

- Complete attendance form before midnight to be counted present!

- Complete all assignments by the assigned due date.

- Contact teacher with any questions via email.

- Use teacher office hours wisely! They are there to help you!

IF YOU HAVE A VIRTUAL MEETING WITH ME:

• Respect the time set for office hours.

• Have questions and material ready before meet

• Dress appropriately if the camera is on during the meet.

• Mute your microphone unless speaking in order to cause less distraction during the meet.

• Ask questions! You can unmute and ask or you can ask through the chat.

GRADING POLICY: 

Grades are cumulative through the end of each semester and will be based on demonstrated mastery of concepts and development of skills.  Updated grade reports will be available through the school portal so students and parents may continually monitor academic progress. Progress reports will go out every four and a half weeks.  Student performance will be assessed in two categories: major (tests/projects) and minor assignments (quizzes or classwork).  Each of these areas will be weighted and used to determine letter grades as follows:

Weighted Categories

Major: 60%
Minor: 40%

Period Weighting

First Quarter (Q1): 45%
Second Quarter (Q2): 45%
Final Exam: 10%

Grade Equivalence

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: below 60 

MINOR GRADES:

A student's weekly grade for classwork assignments will be entered as a minor grade.  Additional minor grades will also be given for longer quizzes between major tests.  Most classwork / weekly grades will be for specific pieces of programming that contribute to an overall programming project.

MAJOR:

A comprehensive program / project to measure students’ mastery of skills and concepts will be graded at the end of each unit.   These tests are designed to ensure that students are mastering topics that will guarantee success in this course and future programming courses.  Absences before the test or project due date do not excuse a student from participating as scheduled. At the end of the semester, students will take a final project / exam over all the material. It will count 10% of the final grade. 

Classwork, projects, quizzes, tests, and exams are open notebook if they are part of the grade for the class.  If you take good notes or show your work when doing exercises, this can help you immensely.  Good note-taking is a vital skill both in school and "the real world".

LATE WORK PROCEDURES:

School wide policy as specified in current student handbook.  Please note, however, that all late grading will be done with the student present.  The student must have the work ready to show to Mr Street - either on paper, by demonstration, or on the chromebook or PC in a window or tab that is already open on the device screen.

REDO/RETAKE/REVISION PROCEDURES:

School wide policy as specified in current student handbook.

Parental Communication

Backpack is the most efficient way to monitor your child’s progress. Every parent is able to create their own login. If you do not have this information, the guidance office can provide you with this information. E-mail is my preferred method of contact, though I will also contact you via phone. Be aware phone calls are directed to voicemail during the school day. I will return your call within 24 hours.

Honor Code (included for emphasis, but please note this is no longer part of the Handbook)

As a member of the Berea High community, we share a commitment to honor and integrity. We value those things that are right and decent; we reject any behavior that fails to meet those standards. Therefore, any act of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.