Syllabus T/Th 5th Hour P/F Class This class is intended to enrich the learning experiences of our exceptional students and challenge them to go above and beyond required learning. Students should be able to explore new things and push themselves, and at times a grade can limit the amount of risk a student is willing to put into their learning. By eliminating the grade in this class and only utilizing a Pass/Fail system, students will hopefully be encouraged to take those risks and explore new avenues of learning. That said, I will still have high expectations for students, and I will lay out a level of rigor that encourages growth. Participation will be recorded weekly, and if students do not demonstrate a level expected for an enriched classroom, students may fail. Expectations Each student will have their own independent project and plan based on their own interests and identified gifted subject. These projects will be student developed and approved by the teacher and, if necessary, administration. The project will account for most of the participation points. Students will be expected to bring the necessary materials needed for the project unless it is approved through the administration. Students will need to create a PROJECT PLAN that outlines deadlines and goals. Students will have biweekly meetings with the teacher to see how the plan is coming along. While plans do change depending on different factors, it is expected that students have been working to meet their personal goals. This class is not a study hall. Students must produce a project based on their interests and at a level of advanced thinking beyond basic classroom objectives, or they will fail this class.
Book Study: In order for students to get in a mindset that encourages appropriate risk-taking and a positive attitude, students will read Growth Mindsetindependently. On Thursdays, we will spend a small amount of time discussing as a group our thoughts about the reading and how it could be applicable to our lives. This will help us set goals and gain a better appreciation for our own growth.