CSDS is designed for the mature student who is interested in independant learning in advanced computer science topics. As this class is taught during the same class period as AP Computer Science, CSDS students will have to rely on their ability to master the content on their own. Students have the textbook and correlated presentation materials to follow along with the curriculum. Successful CSDS students demonstrate their willingness to learn to the material independantly because they find the topics interesting of their own accord.
Required Materials: The following materials should be brought to class every day unless you are told otherwise.
ü Your textbook (Object-Oriented Data Structures using Java, 3rd edition)
ü Optional: USB flash drive to transport/backup your work
Expectations:
ü Be on time
ü Come prepared (materials, assignments, ready to learn)
ü Listen in class and try your best
ü Demonstrate respect for yourself, fellow students, and me
Grading Policies:
Marking Period grades will be determined based on the following weights:
Ø Assignments 50%
Ø Tests 50%
Semester grades will determined based on the following weights:
Ø Marking Period grades 80%
Ø Final Exam / Project 20%
The grading scale is generally as follows:
Ø A = 90 – 100%
Ø B = 80 – 89%
Ø C = 70 – 79%
Ø D = 60 – 69%
Ø F = 59% and below
Assignments: During the first semester, you can expect almost daily homework assignments that will be listed in the online assignment guide. Assignments are generally due the following day and will be checked each day at the beginning of class. Exercises and simple projects (from the textbook) will be assigned a point value from 0 to 5 based on the amount completed (late assignments automatically loose one point per day). More extensive projects will be spread out over several days (or even weeks) and will be evaluated separately according to the complexity of the assignment.
Tests: During the first semester, you can expect to have a chapter test as we complete each chapter in the textbook. Test dates are scheduled in advance as listed in the assignment guide. Tests usually will contain a combination of multiple-choice, true-false, and short-answer type questions.
Employability Traits: In the real world, there are certain attributes that are required to hold any job. It is an important part of your learning experience to be prepared to model these behaviors. Therefore, on a continuing basis, you will be informally evaluated based on your level of preparation, participation, punctuality, attendance, cooperation, dependability and teamwork. You can assume that you start off at 100%, and that your decision at any point in time not to model any of these behaviors will only cause you to lose points in this category. While this category will not have any effect on your academic grade, it will be recorded as part of your classroom behavior.
Academic Honesty: It is good to collaborate with other students on projects and such, but all students are expected to submit work that is their own. Copying any assignment will result in a zero on that assignment, a phone call home, and possible further disciplinary action. Cheating is not acceptable under any circumstances.
Extra Help: If you do not understand a particular topic, come in for help immediately! Don’t wait until it is too late! I am available both before and after school (it is ok to drop in without an appointment).
Thanks! I’m looking forward to a wonderful year together with you!
