Mathematics Department

Course Guidelines

Teacher: Mr. Clausen

Subject: AP Computer Science Java

email: dclausen@lcusd.net

Web Site: http://www.clausentech.com/lchs/dclausen/APCSJava/

General Course Description (from pre-registration handbook)

5020 AP Computer Science Java HP-grades 10-12

This course assumes prior knowledge of computers. The emphasis of the course content is the preparation of the student for the AP Computer Science “A” exam in May and programming in the Java language. There will be a focus on problem solving and on Object Oriented Programming. Problem solving will be based on problems and ideas from previous math courses including concepts from second semester Algebra 2. Included in the study of the Java language are the Java programming environment, Java syntax, input, output, data structures, constants, variables, branching, indefinite loops, definite loops, methods, debugging, recursion, user defined types, arrays (one and two dimensional arrays), searching, sorting, programming style, graphics, classes and objects, files, and the AP Board’s case study.

Preparation: Algebra 1P, Geometry P, and Algebra 2/Trig. with grades of “B” or better, when taken for the first time. Computer Science P with a grade of “B” or better (or the Instructor's approval), touch typing 30 wpm or better, passing score on math diagnostic tests, competence in written communication, knowledge of IBM compatible computers, including the Windows Operating System, recommendation of the current math teacher, and previous programming experience would be helpful but not necessary. Note: Computer Science will be recommended as a prerequisite for AP Computer Science (or the Instructor's approval). HW=Intensive

Behavior/Citizenship expectations

INDIVIDUALLY, A STUDENT WILL:

· Not prevent the teacher from teaching nor disrupt the teaching process.

· Not prevent a student from learning nor disrupt the learning process.

· Not communicate with other students during a test or quiz until everyone has finished, and Mr. Clausen has announced that the last test or quiz has been turned in.

· Be respectful of others.

· Arrive to class on time (3 unexcused tardies per quarter will result in a citizenship grade of “N”, 4 or more unexcused tardies per quarter will result in a citizenship grade of “U”-see student handbook).

· Remain in his/her seat until the bell rings.

· Not eat food, gum, candy, nor anything to drink are allowed in the room – see student handbook. Water in a container with a closed lid is okay.

· Attend class unless ill or on school-sponsored activity

· Not copy someone else’s work or have their work in your possession.

Citizenship grade

O:	Makes positive contributions to the learning environment of the class or group.
	Always has materials, book always covered (please use a paper cover).
	No unexcused tardies per quarter
	Always follows La Cañada High School Honor Code No detentions or warnings.

S:	Makes neither negative nor positive contributions to the learning environment of the class or group
	Nearly always has materials, book always covered (please use a paper cover).
	One or two unexcused tardies per quarter
	Always follows La Cañada High School Honor Code

N:	Often makes negative contributions to the learning environment of the class or group
	Often does not have materials, book often not covered.
	Three unexcused tardies per quarter
	Does not follow the La Cañada High School Honor Code. Detentions have not been served.

U:	Frequently makes negative contributions to the learning environment of the class or group
	Frequently does not have materials, book seldom covered
	Four or more unexcused tardies per quarter
	One or more truancies per quarter
	Does not follow the La Cañada High School Honor Code. Detentions have not been served.

Discipline

Students needing correction will be given detentions as needed, parent phone calls, and/or referrals as necessary.

Letter Grade Policy

90.0-100% A

80.0-89.9% B

70.0-79.9% C

60.0-69.9% D

0-59.9% F

Grades are not weighted in this class. A student’s grade is calculated as the number of points they have earned in the class divided by the total number of points possible. In this class, graded activities will include tests, computer programs, and homework. Homework is used to reinforce important concepts from class. A list of all homework assignments for the school year can be found on my school web site listed above. Homework is due 2 days before the test on the same chapter. Late homework will be accepted for half credit prior to the testing of that chapter or topic. Test dates will be posted on my school web site.

Materials to be brought to class

	Pencils (#2 only), eraser, pen, notebook paper, and highlighter.
	Three ring notebook in which you will keep all work, notes, handouts and returned tests.
	Scientific calculator, (very helpful, but not required for this course)
	Textbook covered with a paper book cover.

Homework

Homework will be used to enhance and reinforce student learning. Homework is due 2 days before the test on the same chapter. Late work will be accepted for half credit prior to the testing of that chapter or topic.

Assessment

Student assessment includes but is not limited to homework assignments, computer programs, and Chapter Tests. Each student is required to keep their assignments in a three ring binder / portfolio, which are regularly evaluated, and are kept by the student. Computer programs are graded by the instructor, and reviewed with students during class after every student has finished and turned in the program. These computer programs are kept by the instructor. Tests are given at the end of every Chapter or Unit. The instructor reviews these Chapter Tests with students during a class period after every student has completed or made up the test. Students are required to have a divider section in their three ring binder / portfolio for assessment where students are required to keep each test. A sample test is available on Mr. Clausen’s web site. Grades are calculated using the Pinnacle Grade book program in order that students and their parents may look up their grades on the Internet.

Rules concerning late work including tests.

In the case of illness, the school handbook rule of “one day for every day absent plus one” will apply to turning in homework and making up tests and quizzes. The definition of “day” above for this class will mean a calendar school day using only Mondays – Fridays (not including school holidays).

Work turned in later than the number of days + 1 will be accepted ONLY at the discretion of the teacher, and will receive less credit than work turned in on time. Tests and other work not made up in a timeframe consistent with the school handbook will receive a grade of zero.

Mr. Clausen is available for extra help

During homeroom / SSR, lunch, after school from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM in room 304, and by appointment (teachers are required to attend several meetings throughout the year, so it always best to schedule time for help.)

Study tips

Take notes in class.

Keep a list of daily assignments.

If absent check the website for the handout / assignment, computer program description, and read through the lecture notes for the lesson you missed.

Do all assignments as soon as possible, finishing them the day assigned for homework.

Spend at least 45 minutes daily on homework.

If absent, get the make up work done in a timely manner. This is your responsibility.

Get help when difficulty first arises - don’t wait until it is too late.

Because this is a Computer class, there is an additional list of Computer Lab Guidelines for students to follow in addition to the LCUSD Internet Use Agreement. (See attached list: Computer Lab Guidelines)

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