Syllabus: All Courses
Computer Science Syllabus
Overview
The most important information (contact information, grading scale) comes first. Anything you need that you do not see here, check the following sources:
- Class web site resources section
- Email me and ask: amauer-oats@cps.edu
Course-specific information
Contact information
I read email regularly. Email amauer-oats@cps.edu. I will respond within two working days, usually one. Make sure your contact information is correct in the CPS parent portal.
Philosophy
I aim to create an equitable challenge for everyone in my class. I want to provide everyone in the class meaningful work experiences at a manageable but challenging intellectual level. I may give the same credit for different actual assignments to accomplish this goal.
The student side of this equitable challenge is that I expect everyone to work on computer science 100% of the time in class. This applies even if someone is finished with the current assignment or has been absent for a week. I have a shelf full of books available for advanced or catch-up work.
I expect everyone to take my suggestions for improving their work seriously. Computer science is an art as well as a science. Polish good habits, eradicate bad ones. Please do not cling to unproductive habits; work honestly to change them.
Grading weights and scale
Grade categories
| Percent | Category |
|---|---|
| 50 | Formative (Projects, Quizzes, HW) |
| 50 | Summative (Tests) |
Grades will be posted within two weeks of the activity. Only scaled (“curved”) scores will be posted on the CPS Gradebook.
We use the standard Whitney Young grading scale (90+ A, 80+ B, 70+ C, 60+ D, below 60 F).
Class participation will be four points per day. You must be present and engaged in the class activities for the entire class to earn all of the points.
Grading and attendance
You must be present in order to learn from the class. The participation points will represent being present and working.
Any absence with a note from a medical doctor does not count toward the total absences. (Please make sure I see a copy of the note!) All other absences count. Please discuss necessary accomodations for IEP/504 in the first two weeks of class if I am not aware of them.
Differentiation
All assigned work is expected to be completed.
There is no extra credit without regular credit. The way to improve a grade is through consistent effort, seeking help when needed, and allocating enough effective work time outside of class. Please track your work in your interactive notebook so we can discuss how to make your time more effective.
Advanced students may be allowed to replace standard work with projects, but all exceptions will be accompanied by a written contract detailing what other work will be completed to replace the main line coursework. In at most two weeks, the project is due and will receive a grade. Students are still responsible for standard material.
Essentials of involvement
As much as we can, we let students manage their own learning. Occasionally parents should be involved more at home. Sometimes adults need to talk directly. Please contact me directly if you see (or are being told) that grades are not up to date or your student is exempt from the work for any reason and does not have written documentation.
Daily Materials
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Notebook: A thin spiral or composition notebook dedicated to computer science should be used for planning, reflection, and documenting progress.
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USB Flash Drive: A small USB drive can be useful to store files. (Any size is fine. Code is small.)
IEP and 504 plans will be followed
Any student with a 504 or IEP will receive all accomodations listed. Please make sure the teacher has received a copy of the plan at the start of the year (especially if your schedule has changed, sometimes the paperwork follows too slowly).
State standards
Computer Science Teachers Association standards applicable in this class:
- 4.2.1 Computational Thinking (CT)
- 4.2.2 Collaboration (CL)
- 4.2.3 Computing Practice and Programming (CPP)
See individual unit plans for more details.