This document describes how our classroom functions, what I will teach, student discipline, expectations for student behavior, my grading policy, and other important information. Each student and parent/guardian must review and agree to this document.
JATC Disclosure Statement 2022-2023 School Year
Instructor: Mr. Ross Hirschi
Phone: 801-256-5916
Email:
ross.hirschi@jordandistrict.orgSchool Website:
http://www.jordantech.orgCourse Description:
This course is for high school juniors and seniors. The course is an intense immersion into computer programming targeted at students who intend to pursue a career in programming or a related field. This course is not intended for students who just want to try computer programming to see if they enjoy it or not. A beginning class in computer programming at the student’s home high school is a better choice for student who want an introduction to programming.
Classes Taught:
The 2022-2023 school year classes are as follows:
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Fundamentals of Programming (CSIS1400)
1.0 HS credit (4 SLCC college credits)
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Object Oriented Programming (CSIS1410)
1.0 HS credit (4 SLCC college credits)
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Database Development
1.0 HS credit
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Embedded Programming
0.5 HS credit
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Mobile Programming
0.5 HS credit
More information about these courses is available online at:
https://www.jordantech.org/apps/pages/programming.
In addition to these courses, students have the opportunity to optionally create a portfolio to prepare them for scholarship applications and industry employment. The JATC-North portfolio activity is described online at:
https://www.jordantech.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=713041&type=d&pREC_ID=1142110Prerequisites:
Students must juniors or seniors in high school. There are no course prerequisite requirements, but students should have some prior exposure to programming. This might be through taking a programming class offered at the student’s home high school, or taking the JATC web design course. Another avenue is an online introduction to programming class or self-study.
Students need to have basic computer skills such as typing, file manipulation, and a basic understanding of Windows.
Instruction Methods:
Class is composed of programming concept presentations, discussions, coding demonstrations, exercises, activities, individual and group work, projects, and an optional portfolio. Students are given time during the class period to complete programming assignments so that I am available to help them with their assignments. If a student is unable to complete assignments during class time, they are expected to work on their assignments outside of class.
Textbooks: There are no required textbooks for this class.
Classroom Behavior: These classes are stepping stones towards preparing students to enter the professional workforce. As such, students will be expected to exhibit the same level of professional behavior they would if they were working in industry. Specific expectations are as follows:
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Demonstrate responsibility, integrity, courtesy, and respect for others. Bullying, mocking, and/or intimidation will not be tolerated. Use language that is appropriate for a professional workplace.
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Treat the classroom facilities and equipment with care.
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Internet access should be limited to sites necessary to complete classwork. Accessing inappropriate sites, playing games, or internet surfing are unacceptable activities.
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Limit use of personal electronic devices. The use of social media or game playing is not acceptable and will result in your device being confiscated for the remainder of the class period.
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Students are encouraged to work together, help each other, and collaborate on projects and assignments. However, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or license misuse will not be tolerated including:
1.
Use of any unauthorized assistance in quizzes, tests, or exams;
2.
Use of sources not authorized by the instructor on assignments, projects, papers, or presentations;
3.
The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material;
4.
Unauthorized file sharing, copying work or allowing others to copy work;
5.
Collaboration beyond the scope that is allowed by the instructor;
6.
Taking graded assessments outside of class without instructor supervision except where approved by the instructor.
7.
Using deceit to gain academic credit.
Any of the above will result in a failing grade on that work for all parties involved.
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Most behavioral problems will be handled between the student and instructor. In the unfortunate event of repetitive or more serious behavior problems, the student’s parents and/or the school administration will be consulted. Consequences for more repetitive problems include the possibility of being dropped from the course with a failing grade.
Tardiness and Attendance: Students should be punctual and ready to start at the designated time. Roll will be taken and tardiness recorded. We will move at a rapid pace in order to complete the course material, so students who miss class will have a difficult time catching up. Students must notify the instructor prior to their absence and make up any missed work after returning to school. Parental/school excuses are required for all absences.
Assignments and Projects: Students are expected to submit assignments and projects by the due date. Unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor, late assignments and projects will receive a maximum of 80% credit, so long as they are submitted within two weeks of the original due date. Credit will not be given for work submitted after the chapter/unit test. If a student is absent (due to an approved reason), it is his/her responsibility to get assignments and due dates from the instructor or online from the Canvas LMS. Previously assigned work that is due on the day a student is absent must be turned in the day the student returns to class in order to receive full credit.
Periodic Quizzes: Quizzes will be given periodically to monitor progress and reinforce concepts. Quizzes may or may not be announced in advance. Students who are absent on the day of a quiz will not be allowed to take the quiz unless the absence is excused by the student’s parent/guardian. If a student is tardy he/she can take the quiz, but must finish the quiz by the time deadline.
Exam Policy: Exams will be given periodically to measure each students understanding and mastery of the concepts. In the case of an excused absence, the student must make arrangements for the exam with the instructor prior to being absent.
Grading Policy: Grades are not weighted. Grades will be determined based on points earned divided by total points. Grades are based on exams, assignments, projects, quizzes and classroom citizenship in accordance with the following grading scale:
A
94 – 100%
A-
90 – 93%
B+
87 – 89%
B
84 – 86%
B-
80 – 83%
C+
77 – 79%
C
74 – 76%
C-
70 – 73%
D+
67 – 69%
D
64 – 66%
D-
60 – 63%
F
0 – 59%
Fractional percentages are rounded to the next highest whole percentage.
Failure Policy: In programming, each new concept builds upon prior concepts. Students who do not fully master the fundamental techniques of programming risk falling hopelessly behind. We want this class to be a positive experience, and for each student to succeed. Therefore, if a student receives a failing grade (less than 60%) in the first quarter or semester, their status in the program will be reviewed and if it is deemed best for the student they may be transferred back to their home high school.
Computer Policy: Students are to use the computers and classroom equipment for the completion of assigned work. Use of the computers for other purposes, including inappropriate web use, chat room participation, or game playing is prohibited and can lead to the loss of computer privileges. Game playing is not computer science or programming. Students may develop some games as a part of the course; however, this is a fast paced college level course and there is no time for game playing. If you find that you are “bored” or “finished;” there are plenty of extra credit programming opportunities, as well as the opportunity for students to propose and work on their own projects.
Skill Mastery Exams: This course covers concepts in accordance with Utah Department of Education guidelines. As such, every student is required to take the Utah State skills competency exams for each course by the end of the semester in which the course is taken.
Industry Certifications: There are several industry certification exams available for this course. The following certification exams are required:
1.
MTA 98-361: Software Development fundamentals
2.
MTA 98-364: Database Administration Fundamentals
3.
MTA 98-388 Introduction to Programming using Java
4.
MTA 98-379 Software Testing Fundamentals
Note: Microsoft is in the process of modifying the Microsoft Technology Associate certification program. Therefore, the certification test offerings may change. Other certification opportunities may become available, but these will be optional and will not be covered by the basic testing fee.
Concurrent Enrollment: Concurrent enrollment at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is mandatory for the first semester of this class. The SLCC courses and corresponding high school courses are:
SLCC Course
SLCC Credit
High School Course
High School Credit
CSIS1400 – Fundamentals of Programming
4 credit hours
Computer Programming 2
1 credit hour
CSIS1410 – Object Oriented Programming
4 credit hours
Advanced Computer Programming
1 credit hour
Students and parents should understand that the grade received for that portion of the course will become part of the student’s permanent college transcript. More information about concurrent enrollment can be found at:
http://www.slcc.edu/concurrentenrollment/.
Should a student decide to withdraw from the class, the student must follow the withdrawal procedures as defined by SLCC. Withdrawal deadlines will be published and communicated to students during the first week of school. Withdrawal after the withdrawal deadline is not permitted except where extenuating circumstances result in an undue hardship. Students must apply for a hardship withdrawal with SLCC, not JATC.
Class Fees:
Required Fees:
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Certification Testing Fee: $100
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SLCC One-time Student Registration Fee: $40 (Note: Not necessary if a student is previously enrolled at Salt Lake Community College)
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SLCC Concurrent Tuition: $40 ($5 per credit hour)
Optional Fees:
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Parking Pass: $20
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Computer Science Honor Society: $10
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Technology Student Association Dues: $5
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Hoodie ($37) and/or T-Shirt ($26) Note: These are approximate prices. Final pricing isn’t available until the order is placed.
Communication: My objective is to provide a positive classroom experience and appropriate educational materials to give your student the maximum opportunity to succeed. I have an open door policy and encourage both students and parents to contact me with any questions or concerns. Should there be anything I need to know to help make this a positive experience for your student, please let me know. My preferred contact method is by email to the address provided above.
Notice of Non-discrimination: Jordan School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, age, citizenship or disability in its programs and activities.
Policy Changes: This document is subject to change. All policies and procedures may be modified at any time according to school policy and instructor discretion. See instructor with any concerns or questions.
Updated May 17, 2022