Introduction to Computer Science Principles

In this introductory course, students will learn the use and common problems involving hardware, software and device and internet connectivity. They will understand safe and ethical use of digital devices, protocols for appropriate use of social media and cloud-based collaborative software, how to evaluate internet sources and digital research strategies. They will learn programming and coding skills and the creation webpages and apps.

Academics

Grading

Formative Assessment (does not affect quarter grade)

Considered an “assessment for learning,” formative assessment is intended to provide both the student and the teacher with information about the student’s academic progress.  

Examples of Formative Assessments for this course include, but are not limited to, the online lessons in Code.org.  Students will complete these lessons during class time.  Verification of completion of these lessons will be noted in PowerSchool.

While failure to complete these lessons will not directly affect a student’s grade it will affect a student’s ability to successfully complete summative assessments.

Summative Assessment (used for grade calculation)

A summative assessment is an “assessment of learning.” The purpose of a summative assessment is to measure the student’s understanding on the material covered after teaching, formative assessment, feedback, and re-teaching have occurred. 

Examples of Summative Assessments for this course include, but are not limited to, completion of chapter and unit projects, such as web page design, game design, and app design.

Project Rubric

The school-wide Problem Solving and Use of Technology rubrics have been combined with the Behavior Expectations Matrix to generate a rubric that will be used to assess the summative projects for this course.  Values for each individual category will be available in PowerSchool.

Late/Missing Work

Requests to submit late work must be submitted in writing providing the reason for the delay on the assignment due date.  At teacher discretion, an alternative date may be decided upon. 

Late submission without teacher approval will be subjected to a reduction of grade of 10% for each class meeting an assignment is late.  Late work will not be accepted more than five class meetings after due date. 

PowerSchool

It is strongly recommended that students and parents sign up for PowerSchool notifications. 

Google Classroom

Students will join the associated course on Google Classroom.  Students are responsible to complete necessary assignments on Google Classroom by the due date unless previously discussed with the teacher.  There will be a reduction of grade of 10% for each day an assignment is late unless due to an excused absence.  It is strongly recommended that students sign up for Google Classroom notifications.

Enrichment

Occasionally there are academic enrichment opportunities for students.  These enrichment opportunities may be assigned to a student upon completion of all previously assigned classwork.  Students are expected to complete enrichment assignments as directed.

Student Online Course Accounts

Students will create accounts to access the Computer Science Discoveries online curriculum distributed by Code.org (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Students are able to access these accounts from home.

Classroom Expectations

Class Materials

Students are expected to bring a writing utensil, notebook, and course specific binder to each class meeting.

Academic Integrity

In addition to the information on pg. 15 in the Student Handbook, students are expected to complete their own assignments without assistance from others.  This includes work completed in and out of class.  At no time are students to share classwork, either electronically or hard copy.

Students suspected of violation of this policy will be referred to administration.  Students found to have engaged in any information sharing will receive a grade of “0” on the related assignment(s).  This policy applies to both the sender and the receiver.

Late to Class

In addition to the information on pg. 11 of the Student Handbook, students will be assigned a teacher detention for the 3rd and 6th instances of TU1 (under 5 minutes late with no pass). 

Students with 9 TU1’s will be referred to the office with a discipline referral form.

Students leaving and reentering the classroom after the bell are subject to these same guidelines. 

Students failing to attend a teacher detention will be issued a referral as per school policy. 

Leaving Class

In addition to the information on pg. 13 of the Student Handbook, students who do not adequately or accurately complete the classroom sign out sheet may forfeit the privilege of leaving the room unaccompanied. 

Students who stay out of the room too long may be marked TU2 or TU3 in PowerSchool.

Students are not permitted to leave the classroom during the first 45 minutes of class.  If a student needs to use the bathroom during this time, they are directed to use the bathroom in the nurse’s office.

Dress and Appearance

In addition to the information on pg. 14 of the Student  Handbook, hoods must remain down and blankets are not permitted.

Food and Drink

In addition to the information on pg. 15 of the Student Handbook, water is only allowed in the classroom area away from the computers. 

Headphones

In addition to the information on pg. 14 of the Student Handbook, headphones are not permitted.