Course Descriptions

Click here for Core Course Accountability Checklists (Course Descriptions)

Prior to the start of each semester the ES or teacher of record is required to develop course descriptions for all high school courses. Each course description must include the following information
listed below:

The Course Description
The course description is a brief paragraph containing what will be covered in the course. The course description may be part of the “What Was Learned” portion of the learning record.

Click here for the RSCS 2011-2012 Course Description Catalog

The Content Guide
The content guide is a detailed, bulleted list of all the content that will be covered in the course. (A table of contents for the ENTIRE course) This guide can also be made into a pacing guide that is broken down into weeks, months, or by semester. The content guide is used to write the “What Was Learned” portion of the learning record.

The Projects and Activities Guide
The Projects and Activities guide should note how the content is going to be learned. An ES or teacher of record, parent, and student should try to use as many different activities as possible. It is used to write the “How It Was Learned” portion of the learning record.

Assigning Units
Assigning units will most often be based on what percentage of the California state standards for a given course were mastered by the student during the term. This would be the same for a basic, general, college preparatory or A-G course. For example, if all the standards for World History were covered then the student should receive 10 units for the year traditionally awarded as 5 units per semester as World History 1A and 5 units for World History 1B. If the student completed only a quarter of the World History standards then the student would receive only 2.5 units for World History 1A. If the student is using California State standards aligned curriculum then this can be determined by the progress made through the book.

If the course is in the nature of an activity such as physical education, art, or music, units would be assigned based on hours of participation, 12-15 hours equaling 1 unit, but would not exceed 5 units per semester.

Units earned for A-G courses would be based on the student’s progress through the curriculum. See also the High School Units and Community College section of the ES/Teacher Handbook.

If it is a parent designed course, and does not follow the state standards, then the course description needs to be written as such. It is the ES/Teacher’s responsibility to be certain that the coursework is rigorous enough to award the units needed. If the course description is well written and followed successfully, then the units established at the outset should be awarded. If the ES/Teacher has any questions regarding the rigor of coursework, they need to speak to their advisor or the high school guidance counselor prior to the start of the course.

Assigning Grades
The ES/Teacher, parent, and student need to discuss how the grade is going to be assigned for the course prior to beginning the course. This should be specific so that there are no discrepancies as to how the grade is going to be assigned and what grade record the parent needs to maintain. Remember, grades are based on quality of work whereas units are based on quantity. It should be documented in the “Assessment Method” portion of the learning record.

For example, if the course is English, the grading scale might be:

Reading 20%
Written Essays 30%
Journaling 10%
Term Paper 15%
Literary Review Questions 10%
Final Exam 15%

If the course is activity-based, the grading scale might be based on participation or goal-based achievements. For example:

Effort 40%
Participation 40%
Achievement 20%

Activity Based Courses - High School
Students may earn units for a variety of activity based courses in the Life Skills and Special Interest areas of River Spring’s Graduation Requirements. Some examples of activity based courses in this packet are: Physical Education, Organization and Time Management (Life Choices), Career Exploration, Consumer Life Skills, Baking, and Community Service.

When calculating high school units earned through activity based courses, there are two key factors that must be documented for the course to be considered instructional. First, the amount of participation in each activity and, second what were the learning gains? Students will need to keep a log, journal or activity sheet and will need to demonstrate what new learning occurred.

Example 1: In the first two weeks of PE the student walked a two mile distance in 35 minutes. The student keeps a log of the date and activity, including distance and time for each day of participation. In week three the student decides to either increase the distance or decrease the time by walking more quickly. Other examples of learning gains may include academic knowledge about walking. Topics may include the importance of proper attire, walking as a cardiovascular activity and why that is important, walking techniques, etc.

The parent, ES/Teacher and student will determine the grading scale. Activity units typically are based on 15 hours of activity with demonstrated learning gains or new learning to equal one unit. It is suggested that the student complete a reflective essay or some other project at the completion of each 15 hour time frame about what they learned during the activity. This project will be reviewed as part of the student work for the academic review (learning record) meeting.

Example 2: The student works at a job and is attempting units towards Career Exploration. Regardless of the repetitive nature of the work, the student can participate in new learning activities through intentional observation and reflection papers. Sample topics for reflection papers might include:

• The Importance of Team Work in the Workplace
• Is the Customer Always Right?
• The Five Most Important Skills for My Job
• My Dream Job
• My Next Career Move

 

For more about Course Descriptions and to see examples of English, Math and other core class descriptions click here