Frequently Asked Questions
How can I (a parent) help my student?
Encourage your student to stay at or get ahead of the minimum pace. Check the gradebook and calendar on the course in Schoology to see if your student is up-to-date with his/her work. As a parent, checking Schoology frequently helps promote communication with your student. Parents are more than welcome to watch videos as well! I am available outside of class to help students as well. A majority of the Computer Science work is completed on Code.org. Encourage your student to use all class time wisely (as there is rarely any work that needs to be done outside of class time), and NEVER be afraid to ask for help. If your student needs more help, he/she should schedule time before or after school.
What should I do if my Internet is slow or not working?
Nothing worse than a slow buffer. Luckily, all videos and resources are available to the students at anytime (links are available via Schoology). Come in early (I am in my room by 7am typically) or stay late after school.
Can my student finish early?
YES! That would be awesome. Some activities and assessments will be held on specific days, but if your student finishes early, there are enrichment activities, mentoring possibilities, and other technology challenges available to him/her. Just ask!
Can my student finish later?
The goal is mastery learning and sometimes this takes a bit longer. I will conference with students who begin to fall two days or more behind pace--I will recommend time outside of class to get caught up!
What is the grading scale?
Grades are weighted 20% assignments and notes (formative assessment) and 80% tests, quizzes, and projects (summative assessment). The grading scale is as follows:
100% A+ 77-79% C+
93-99% A 73-76% C
90-92% A- 70-72% C-
87-89% B+ 67-69% D+
83-86% B 63-66% D
80-82% B- 60-62% D-
0-59% F