PISCATAWAY VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Ms. Fernandes

College & Career Readiness Seminar

Course Syllabus, Requirements & Procedures (2016-2017)

Course Overview:

Students will understand the purpose of College & Career Readiness and preparing for college now, as well as become familiar with what they will be doing throughout 12th grade to prepare. Students become more academically organized, learn study skills, learn strategies for maintaining academic momentum, and understand the keys for building positive relationships with peers and adults. Lastly, students will comprehend the different career clusters and understand the qualities and skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, resume writing of various workplaces.

This course will provide the following instructions and cover the following:

S.M.A.R.T Goals

Five Pillars of Readiness

Postsecondary Applications

FAFSA (financial aid) Applications

Scholarship Applications

Cover Letter and Resume

Job Application/ Interview Skills

Workplace Skills

Financial Decisions

Required Course Materials:

Binder or notebook used only for College and Career class.

Textbook (or other texts we are reading and studying)

Homework and/or other work due.

Writing implements. All (handed-in) work should be completed in either blue or black ink. No colored pens (your notes are fine). You can use pencil only for writing or note-taking days.

A folder with pockets will be provided for you. You should keep any and all handouts because they will help you review and complete work.

Classroom Participation:

It is extremely important to express your educated opinions within class. As individuals, participating in any type of discussion affords you with unbelievable, accessible knowledge. We all want to be able to pick at each others minds. If we all participate and share our ideas, we will be able to have meaningful, exciting, and intelligent class discussions. Additionally, it is important to work together as a team! If you are working in cooperative learning groups, you are expected to contribute your share. If you are not adding to the conversation or assignments, you will be penalized.

Absentee Homework/Classwork Policy:

If you are absent for any reason during class, you are responsible to check the ABSENT WORK BIN according to the day for missing work. I will not track you down. (After TWO days, the work in the bin will be discarded)

If you are absent, you have ONE day to make it up for full credit. If you hand it in after two days, your grade will automatically start at a 50%. If you hand it in after 3 days, you will receive a zero.

If an assignment is due on the day of your absence, the assignment is due the next day you return to school.

If you have a pre-arranged absence, it is your responsibility to see me prior to your absence to discuss arrangements.

Entering Late Policy:

If you are not in the classroom when the late bell rings, you are considered late. If you have a note or signed planner, leave it on my desk. (It is in my discretion to accept the signed pass or not). Immediately go to your desk and start your work. Nonetheless, you will lose points off your class participation every time you are late. If being late continues to be an issue, I will have to bring this to the attention of your parent or guardian. Remember, continuous lates will result in detention (more than 5 lates).

Weekly, you will have points towards being on time to class. Each day counts as 20 points for a total of 100 points. If you are on time for the whole week, you will receive a 100%. On the other hand, if you are late - for instance- 3 days out of the week, you will receive grade of 40%. *PLEASE REMEMBER that class participation is part of your overall grade. If you have an A in class, but you are consistently late, your grade will significantly drop.*

Homework/Project/Presentations/Reports Policy and Deadline:

Assignments are only given as supplemental material that will be reinforcement of what is learned in class. It is extremely important that all students complete their assignments! I only expect the BEST from each student. Every assignment should be done on time and NEATLY.

HOMEWORK: Any homework that comes after the due date is considered late and your grade will automatically start at a 50. After the second day, your assignment will receive a zero as a grade. If you were in class and not absent there is no excuse! (Refer back to Absentee Policy if needed)

Projects/Presentations/Reports: If any of these types of assignments are handed in after the due date, your grade will drop ONE LETTER grade (10 points). For instance, if your assignment receives a B and it was a day late, you will receive a C instead. After the second day, your assignment will receive a zero as a grade.

VII. Lost Work Policy:

All work must be completed in a timely fashion. If work is lost because of any reason, the student must RECOMPLETE the work for a grade (*Assignment Policy on lateness will still apply*). There are NO exceptions! Worksheets/ Informational sheets are distributed ONCE.

Tests, Quizzes, Projects and Make-Ups:

Tests will be announced with more than enough time for preparation. We may also have unannounced quizzes to see whether or not you have been reading and paying attention to the discussions during class.

You are responsible for making arrangements with me to make up the test or quiz on the day you return. Tests and quizzes cannot be made up during a class. Failure to make up a test or quiz in the specified time frame (ONLY 2 DAYS TO MAKE IT UP) will result in a zero grade for that test or quiz.

Bathroom Procedure:

You are in control of your bodily functions. A teenager should be able to plan use of the bathroom for before school, during class changes and/or during lunch. However, sometimes there are emergencies. Make sure you have your planner. If you don't have your planner, you will not be given a bathroom pass.

Nurse Procedure:

If you unexpectedly feel sick, I will send you to the nurse if you have a planner so I can sign it.

Fire Drill Procedure:

Immediately leave the classroom and turn RIGHT. We will be exiting through the front of the building (main office area) with care. The class must stay together.

Code Red Lockdown Procedure (or any other lockdowns):

All students must remain calm and cannot talk. The door is locked and lights turned off. All students must sit on the floor in the back of the classroom.

Dismissal Procedure:

Remain in your seats when the bell rings. You will leave your seats when I say class is dismissed. If you see that there is 5 minutes left of class, please do not start gathering your belongings.

Behavior Policy:

Be respectful. Offensive comments, excessive talking, and inappropriate language will not be accepted. This will result in a loss of class participation points, possible office referral or parent-teacher conference.

Cell Phone (and other electronic devices) Policy:

No electronics whatsoever unless told otherwise. This includes cell phones, iPods, PSP, and any other electronic devices.

I do not want to hear it and/or see it. Creeping on Instagram, FB, SnapChat, etc. can wait. I have no hesitation taking phones (if needed) or removing students from class.

1st warning: I will tell you to kindly put it away.

2nd warning: automatic zero for the day since you feel as if your phone is more important than your education.

Grading Policy:

Test/Projects:35%Classwork/Participation:25%

Quizzes: 25%Homework:15%

*The following page is a detailed list of the topics we will be discussing*

Unit 1 Postsecondary Education

Senioritis and examples

Failure and Success

Two types of mindsets (Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset)

5 essential qualities that are key for success

S.M.A.R.T Goal

The 5 Pillars of Readiness

Types of postsecondary education

College vs University

Community College, Trade/Business/Technical School

Types of Degrees

Associates

Bachelors

Masters

Doctorate

Postsecondary applications

Entrance exam

College Essay

Financial Aid:

FAFSA application

The different types of financial aid

Loans (Federal, Stafford, Subsidized, Unsubsidized)

Grants (Federal Pell)

Work Study

Scholarships

PBS documentary Drop Out Nation

Unit 2 Career and the Workplace

16 Career Clusters (and Career Goals)

Job vs. Occupation vs. Career

Workplace Skills

Self-Awareness Skills

Work Ethic Skills

Interpersonal

Conflict resolution

Time Management

Taking Initiative

Leadership Skills

16 leadership characteristics

6 challenges of being a leader

The Pursuit of Happiness movie

Teamwork Skills

Group work vs. Teamwork

8 characteristics of Teamwork

Team Growth and its stages

Remember the Titans movie

Resume and Cover Letter

Job Searching Skills and Job Application

Interview Skills

Tips for a Successful Interview

The Dos and Donts of Interviewing

Financial Decisions

Income, Benefits, Wages, Retirement/Pension, Insurance, Cost of Living

Need Expenses