Academic Decathlon Syllabus
Fall 2005
Description
of Course:
This
class is designed for the Academic Decathlon team at Downtown Magnets High
School. Our ultimate goal is to prepare the students for the United States
Academic Decathlon competition. The class is one semester long, and will
fulfill elective credit for graduation requirements. During the semester, we
will be reviewing a variety of topics that include: Art, Economics, Essay,
Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social
Science, and Speech.
Grade Assessment:
Tests and Quizzes (Bi-Monthly): 33 %
Homework: 33 %
Classwork and Participation: 33 %
Grade Ranges:
89-100 % = A
79-88 % = B 69-78 % = C 55-68 % = D 54% or below = F
Classroom Policies:
-Please, keep all food and drinks, except for water,
outside the classroom.
-You will need a folder for this class. In this
folder, the class syllabus will be stored, as well as all study guide packets,
lecture notes, homework assignments and class activities.
-Please remain in your seats unless given permission
to move out of them. We will be working in lab stations, and movement causes
accidents.
-Bathroom breaks will be permitted. However, ask to
go during appropriate times, such as during break or when you are done with
your activity. Inappropriate times would be during lecture or when instruction
is occurring.
-Try to attend as many classes as possible. The more
you attend and participate, the more you will succeed in Aca
Deca!
-If you miss a class, the assignment or make up work
will be due the following day you return. You can always find out what you
missed by asking a friend in the class, asking me before or after class, or
checking the class website. Please, try to refrain from asking me during class.
Late work is not accepted.
-Any cheating in the class will be reported to the
dean as well as receiving a zero on the assignment.
-Last but not least, be respectful to all members of
the class, including myself.
Class Website and Tutoring:
-Our class website is www.geocities.com/hotspur311 .
At this website you can access:
-Please,
take advantage of this website. If you are sick, finding out what you missed is
a click away! If you need to contact me, my email is [email protected]
-Tutoring is available! I am free anytime during
lunch or nutrition in A9. To ensure that I will be there, tell me before you
are coming.
Outline of The Course:
Concept
|
Week Number
|
Standard (s) |
|
Introductions |
Sept 6-7 |
|
|
Art |
Sept 8-16 |
Elective |
|
Language and Literature-Resource and Study Guide |
Sept 19-30 |
English 1,2 |
|
SuperQuiz |
Oct 3-14 |
SS World His |
|
Music |
Oct 17-Oct 28 |
Elective |
|
Science |
Oct 31-Nov 11 |
Bio 9 |
|
Economics |
Nov 14-Nov 25 |
Economics 1,2 |
|
Math |
Nov 28-Dec 9 |
Algebra, Geometry, Trig 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
X-Mas Break- Math and
Speech |
Dec 19-Jan 6 |
Algebra, Geometry, Trig 1 |
|
Essay, Interview |
Jan 9-20 |
|
|
Review for Test |
Jan 20-Feb 3 |
All |
**Note** This is a rough overview of the course. The concepts
we are covering will not vary. However, the week number may differ if I feel we
need to spend more or less time on a subject. Also, a week is given at the end of
the semester for intense review and the final.
Important
Dates:
-1st
Scrimmage: November 19, 2005-Wilson HS
-Speech,
Interview, Essay: At Bravo, January 28, 2006
-Objective
Tests, Super Quiz: At UCLA, February 4, 2006
-Awards
Banquet: LA Convention Center, February 9/10/13, 2006
-State
Competition: LAX Marriott, March 16-19, 2006
Team
Members:
-All
members will be divided into categories based upon cumulative GPA.
-The
groups are: Honor (3.75 and above), Scholastic (3.00 – 3.74), and Varsity (2.99
or below).
-The
top 3 members of each category will be placed on the team to compete in the
county competition on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4.
-
Points are accumulated throughout the semester. The top 3 members in category
will have the highest number of points. Points are only acquired by:
|
|
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Assignment Completeness |
All items attempted |
Most of Items Attempted |
At least ˝ of the items
attempted |
Less than ˝ of all items
attempted |
|
Accuracy |
All items are correct |
Most of the items are
correct |
Between ˝ and 3/4 of items
are correct |
Less than ˝ of items are
correct |
|
Demonstrated Knowledge |
Shows complete
understanding of the questions, mathematical ideas, and processes. |
Shows substantial
understanding of the problem, ideas, and processes. |
Response shows some
understanding of the problem. |
Response shows a complete lack
of understanding of the problem |
|
Requirements |
Goes beyond the
requirements of the problem |
Meets the requirements of
the problem |
Does not meet the
requirements of the problem |
|
|
Legibility |
Legible handwriting,
typing, or printing |
Marg. legible writing & typing, or printing |
Writing is not legible in
places |
Writing is not legible |
Dear
Parents:
Welcome to Academic Decathlon! My name is Amber Willis and I am your son/daughter’s Academic Decathlon coach/teacher. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I received my teaching credential in Biological Sciences at Cal State Northridge. This is my fifth year teaching at Downtown Magnets High School, and I am looking forward to another great year.
This class is designed for the Academic
Decathlon team at Downtown Magnets High School. Our ultimate goal is to prepare
the students for the United States Academic Decathlon competition. The class is
one semester long, and will fulfill elective credit for graduation
requirements. During the semester, we will be reviewing a variety of topics
that include: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics,
Music, Science, Social Science, and Speech
The grade breakdown for the class is as
follows: 89-100 % = A, 79-88 % = B, 69-78 % = C, 55-68 % = D, and 55 % and
lower = F. Students will be graded on tests, quizzes, homework, and class work.
Homework will be given every night.
As an aid for parents, I have created a
class website: www.geocities.com/hotspur311.
This website can be accessed to check for homework assignments as well as class
activities and lectures. Grades and attendance will also be posted on a
bi-monthly basis. Please, feel free to use the website with your son/daughter
as much as possible.
If you have any questions or comments
about the class, please email me at [email protected] or at [email protected].
My conference period is during
period. Also, if you would like to volunteer in the classroom or in the
school, contact me for the arrangements. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Amber
Willis
(213)
481-0371 ext 5172
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
___
I have read Mrs. Willis' class information letter and understand that there is
a website with which I can monitor my child's progress in class.
_______________________
_________ ______________________________
Signature
of Parent Date
Name of Student