Course Syllabus

Derryberry Welcome Video

Ms. Derryberry

Academic Strategies, 2020-2021

What is Learning Center?

• On your transcript LC is called Academic Strategies.  You do not receive a letter grade for this class, but you do receive credit.  To receive full credit, you must meet the requirements outlined in this document.
• The core purpose of this class is to help you explore and evaluate your individual learning needs while receiving support in targeted areas (or what is on your IEP).  Individual goals and objectives are central to this process.
• LC is also designed to help you develop and expand your reading, writing, self-advocacy, and organizing and planning skills.

All of the policies outlined below also apply to classes held remotely.

 What are the non-negotiable policies and expectations?

• You must be respectful to teachers and peers.
• You must adhere to the WPS Core Values (posted in classroom and on WPS website).
• You must be fully present, whether in the classroom or on Zoom. 
• You must be polite, clean up after yourself, and always follow the rules relating to COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, masks, etc.). 

Attendance (see school handbook for details)

• Unexcused absences will result in class cuts. 
• If you arrive after the bell (in person or via Zoom), it is a tardy. 
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the bell (in person or via Zoom), without a pass, it is an unexcused absence. 
• If class is delayed, you are expected to wait for at least 10 minutes before leaving a Zoom.
• Please check in first before leaving the classroom or Zoom for any reason.

And absolutely:

• No earbuds.*
• No phones.*
• No videogames.
• No personal messaging on your laptop.
• No food or drink (except for water).**

*Earbuds and/or phones may be used with prior permission for educational purposes. **Documented medical exceptions only.

What are my responsibilities in Learning Center?

• Learning Center is not an independent, student-driven study hall. 
• You are expected to interact with your special educator and/or teaching assistant throughout every class period.
• Refusing help or check-ins is unacceptable.            
• Last minute “emergency homework” is not allowed on a regular basis.  You should come to LC prepared to work on tasks relating to your individual goals and objectives.  (For example, if a student attends learning center to work on writing skills, s/he should not expect to work on math homework due the next period.  Homework should be completed to the best of one’s ability at home.)
• You are expected to be receptive to learning new skills and strategies. 
• You are expected to regularly participate in conversations with your special educator regarding subject area requirements and assignments, in addition to IEP goals and objectives. 
• You are expected to engage in regular activities that promote self-reflection and awareness.

What should I bring to Learning Center?

• You must bring appropriate materials to every class, including your laptop, books, folders and/or binders. Wasting time in learning center due to a lack of materials is unacceptable. 
• You must bring your academic plan book (or electronic version if that is your preference) to every class. 
• You will maintain one Google Doc for all required LC work. Such document will be shared with your special educator and teaching assistant.  You will receive feedback on your work in this document so it is very important to keep it accessible. You will also maintain a folder in the classroom for assigned work that is not completed electronically. 

What is self-reflection and why is it a part of Learning Center? 

• You will spend time in LC evaluating and reflecting on your performance, goals, and plans.  This will include your use of learning strategies, study techniques, and work habits.
• The process of self-reflection is designed in part to help you think more deeply about yourself and to really look at how you study, organize, and perform.  Writing about your reflections helps you to become more aware of your behaviors and outcomes. 
• Self-reflection helps you to better identify your strengths and weaknesses – allowing you to better target strategies that are useful to you.
• Self-reflection is all about asking questions!  Be open to the process and be ready to discover new things about yourself!
• You will complete a reflection at least every 2 weeks, plus other related activities on a regular basis.

Happy new school year! 

It’s a new beginning! You can do it!