Syllabus
Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement
Welcome to GAP class!
GAP class is designed for different reasons: courses to be recovered, courses to be taken for initial credit and in some special cases a study hall. When a student comes to GAP class, they should enter with the understanding that they are coming to the class(es) for which they are enrolled or working on in study hall.
This year there will be two online places to access the courses assigned. The course will either be on the student’s Canvas page or on your Buzz webpage. If you have a BUZZ course, you will receive an email to your PHS email with instructions on what is expected for those courses. A teacher will be assigned to you for your eSchool courses. Courses on your Canvas account are issued by your GAP teacher,
In GAP class, I strive to encourage each student to do their best and continue their attempts at learning–for, I strongly believe what Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kala, an aerospace scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India, stated: “If you fail, never give up because of F. A. I. L. means “First Attempt In Learning”. I also believe that an assessment grade simply reflects the amount of knowledge the student has retained, and it does not indicate the student is a failure as a person.
I look forward to helping students meet their goal of graduating. Please know that I’m here to cheer the student on, keep the student on task, and help the student understand course content.
Student’s GAP course grade will be visible to the parent each day. Every two weeks the grades will be posted and if the student meets the standard deadline, they will retain the P grade that was assigned to them at the beginning of the term. If the student fails to meet the standard deadline, the student will receive an F grade until that standard/recovery course is successfully completed. Not meeting the deadline usually implies that the student chose to do something other than working on the standard/recovery course.
Learning Expectations
It is expected that the student will take the opportunity for being in GAP class seriously and realize that it is a privilege.
All students will need to complete the modules for each course and once they have scored 60% then they can take the the assessments for their assigned course(s). If a student receives 60% or higher on the assessment, then the student automatically receives credit for that course. If a student receives lower than 60% on their first attempt on an assessment, then the student must review the modules that they need to review, while taking notes to use on their next assessment. When they feel ready to give it another try, then they may take another assessment. The student needs to pass with (60% or higher) on the course’s assessment to receive credit for that course. They may continue this routine until they have passed the course. The recovery grade does not affect the GPA of the student. The “P” grade is posted on the transcript to indicate that the student has completed the necessary requirements to receive credit for the course. The previous failing grade still appears on your transcript.
All documented accommodations are being provided for the student.
Assessment of Progress
Students who complete an “original credit” course will receive the corresponding letter grade for that course on their transcript by the teacher of the course. Students who pass a “recovery” course will receive a “P” for that course on their transcript. The previous “F” grade will also remain on their transcript for that course.
In addition to receiving a letter grade or “P” for the enrolled course(s), the student will also receive 0.25 elective credits for participation in GAP class. The student’s grade will be recorded in PowerSchool at the end of each two week period. The GAP participation grade is determined as follows:
- The student MUST complete at least one eSchool course or Canvas recovery credit by the standard due dates. See the due dates posted under the Grading Section
- The grade awarded is a P if the student completed their goal on time
- The grade of an F if they did not complete the standard. Once the goal is completed the P will be awarded.
- There will be a total of 4 two week standard goals periods in each term.
- To receive a “P” grade and 0.25 elective credits you must complete all four standards
GAP Elective Credit –
To be eligible to receive elective credit for GAP class you MUST complete at least one credit recovery course or one quarter of IS course for that term.
60% – 100% = P grade and 0.25 elective credit
59% or failing to use class as a study hall when caught up = F grade
The “F” grade counts toward eligibility for extra school activities.
Make Up Their Grade –
The student can make up the work by coming to the classroom and completing a module.
Course Materials
Each student must bring their school-issued Chromebook and power cord. This is required in order to receive participation points. Chromebooks were distributed to students on August 11th and 12th. If you have not received your school-issued Chromebook, please reach out to the front office.
Each student must bring their own headphones. We have only a few that we are able to loan out.
Each student must have a method for taking course notes.
Electronic devises
Unless specifically authorized by a teacher (or designee) or school administrator, students shall NOT use, display, or have turned “on” any personal electronic communication or entertainment device (cell phones, pagers, music players, electronic games, electronic watches or similar items) during instructional time. GAP class is considered instructional time for the entire period.
Masks
A student may wear their own mask over the nose and mouth if they desire to do so. It is no longer required by the state of Utah to wear a mask; however, it is highly recommended if there is any concern over the spreading of the virus that one is worn.
Classroom Procedures
Classroom Expectations
- You will place your phone in the assigned pocket beginning of class each day.
- You may still listen to music
- The phone can not be taken with you to the bathroom
- Until you have completed that two week standard, your attendance will be taken from the pocket.
- You will fill out your daily attendance form in the first five minutes of class
This is your ticket to change your attendance if you found that I made a mistake - Treat everyone with respect
- Don’t disturb others that are working
- Don’t take other people’s property without permission
- Communicate with others by whispering
- Sign out electronically when going and returning from the bathroom
- Only one person out to the bathroom at a time
- Use the bathroom around to the left as you’re exiting C-Hall
- GAP Classroom Pass is needed to go to the following places:
- Your counselor, the front office, the library, the technology office, or the school nurse
The signed pass needs to be signed by the person at the location
The teacher has the right to verify the signature with someone from that location - Wellness room pass is needed to go to the wellness room
- Sign out sheet is located behind the pass at the teacher’s desk
Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments
Each two week standard, the student will have a course to complete for that standard in their GAP class. This grade is updated every two weeks to view through PowerSchool. If an F is award it means that the student didn’t work in class on that standard. The standard/course must be completed before the end of the term in order to receive a passing grade and 0.25 elective credits.
All assessments, either Canvas courses or Buzz courses must be completed at school under GAP teacher supervision or in the testing lab.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
I would encourage parents to sign up as an observer on the student’s course on their Canvas account or their eSchool account if interested in observing the student’s progress. They will receive a report at the end of two weeks if that they receive an F grade.
GAP Grade on PowerSchool – A student’s standard grade will post on PowerSchool every two weeks. The students begin the term with a P grade and if they don’t meet the standard due date, an F will appear. The student is responsible to make up the standard and a P will be assigned when that is successfully completed.
An email will be sent to the student and parent informing them if they are getting behind or failing GAP class.
Please feel free to send me an email at shirleyf@provo.edu or call whenever you have any questions.
Connecting Home to School
I am available anytime after school for students needing extra help. Students are welcome to contact me at shirleyf@provo.edu at anytime as well. I would also be willing to schedule a Zoom meeting which can be arranged as long as I’m not teaching a class.