Velma Jackson High

Friday, September 20, 2024Course Description ACT Prep is a course that allows students to prepare for the college entrance tests with a primary focus on the ACT test. This class is designed to help students improve their ability to score well on the test as well as familiarize them with the components of the test. The purpose of this one-semester class is to help prepare college-bound students to score adequately on the test and/or to raise their scores to a higher level. With a renewed emphasis at the local, state, and national levels to improve test scores, ACT Prep is a course that was created to improve those scores. Through a rotation, students will spend half of each semester studying the content of two of the ACT subtests: English and Math. This rotation will allow students to work with me (English) and Dr. Miller (Math). During the first full week of school, the students will take a pretest in each subtest to help determine what skills and knowledge are needed to be improved in order to boost their overall score. Students in the course will also have the opportunity to practice other skills that are essential for success on the ACT such as pacing, test-taking strategies, learning test vocabulary, and discovering ways to reduce test anxiety. From the tests that the students take, they will discover their weak areas, and they can work specifically on those areas to improve their scores. If they really work hard and try to improve by taking these tests, they will find that their scores will improve. The more they practice the ACT tests, the better they will become. Well-prepared students are more likely to score higher on the ACT, which may increase their chances of receiving scholarships and enable them to have more options when selecting a college. Standards A link to the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards can be found here: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/college-and-career-readiness/standards.htmlCourse Logistics

• MacBookmust be brought to class each block unless otherwise stated. Make sure MacBook is charged daily.
• Mastery Prep will be the primary resource used in this class.
• Assignments should be completed and submitted on time. Tenpercent will be taken off ALL assignments per day that are submitted late, and late assignments will only be accepted up to FIVE days after the original due date. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Assignments/projects that are given due dates of at least five days to complete cannot be submitted late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Punctual attendance is essential to passing this class. Attendance is taken daily. All tardy students are subject to the consequences outlined by school policy (3 rd tardy - parent contact; 4 th tardy - office referral).
• Sleeping in class will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Students are expected to always display proper classroom behavior.
• Class participation is one of the primary ways to receive the best grade.
• Restroom privileges are limited. Students are strongly encouraged to utilize the five minutes between classes to attend to such matters.

Expectations

• Be on time and prepared for class each day.
• Follow directions the first time they are given.
• Bring MacBook to class charged, every day.
• Check Canvas DAILY for assignments, especially when absent from school.
• Maintain a neat and organized OneNote notebook and binder.
• Be an active participant in class discussions.
• Complete and submit assignments on time.
• Complete and submit missed assignments upon returning from an excused absence.

Procedures

• Enter the classroom quietly.
• Turn your cell phone OFF and put it in the ASSIGNED drawer.
• Go to your ASSIGNED seat.
• Complete Bellwork in Canvas.
• Open OneNote and type Agenda from the whiteboard.
• Get prepared for the lesson of the day.
• Raise hand to get my attention.
• Remain seated and wait to be dismissed.

Rules

• Eating, chewing gum, and drinking beverages are PROHIBITED !
• Keep your hands and belongings to yourself.
• Follow all classroom, school, and district rules.
• Respect yourself, the teacher, your classmates, and anyone who enters the room.
• Always remain seated.

Consequences

1 st Offense – Verbal warning

2 nd Offense – Written warning

3 rd Offense – Parent contact

4 th Offense – Office referral

Note: Serious offenses (profanity, threats, fights, extreme disrespect, etc.) deem an immediate office referral.

Incentive

Listen to music using earbuds while working independently.

Grading Scale

Grading Policy

Materials

Three-ringed binder (1½”)

Other materials may be requested upon need.