Course Objective:

This Business Communications course will be based upon the Texas Essential Knowledge (TEKS) guidelines along with the academic standards of the Academy of Careers and Technology Charter School District.   Students will have opportunities to expand their knowledge through extensive reading, writing, and oral presentations.  The course will concentrate on highly effective ways to speak when public speaking.  There will be an intense focus in the areas of public speaking fundamentals, preparing speeches, and presenting speeches  

 Grading:

Grades will be a direct representation of the student’s progress and mastery of the courses objectives.  The grade breakdown in the class will be as follows:

             Daily Work = 30% (Individual class work, group work, homework, & quizzes).

Major Work = 50% (Tests & major assignments).

Cumulative Final = 20%

 Policies:

            Class Rules:

1.      Be respectful, courteous and kind toward others.

2.      Be prepared for class (pen, paper, and other materials as directed).

3.      Be on task, complete assignment.

4.      Be on time, for class and on assignments.

 Class Procedures:

1.      Entering Class:  Come in, sit down and follow directions.

2.      Leaving Class:  Ask permission by raising your hand.

3.      Asking Questions:  Raise your hand, wait to be called on.

4.      Group Work:  Make sure you are actively participating.

  Unacceptable Behavior:

1.  The use of any cell phone, CD player, Ipod, or any digital music device.

2.  Tardiness

                        3.  Talking during a test, quiz, presentation or individual assignment.

 Consequences for Offenses:

1.      Warning.

2.      Redirection and student/teacher conference.

3.      Call to parent for conference.

4.      Office referral.

 Absences and tardiness:

Success in the classroom requires participating in class assignments and discussions.  We will be doing group work, so other people will be counting on you to bring your knowledge and skill to class.  A student is counted tardy if he or she is not seated in their desk by the time the tardy bell rings. 

 Late Work:

All daily work is due at the end of class unless otherwise instructed.  Homework and major projects are due at the beginning of class on the assigned due date.  Penalty for late work: 10 pts. off for every day it is late. 

 Makeup Work for excused absences:

It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher after an absence to obtain missed work.  The student and teacher will make arrangements for makeup and dates.

 Academic honesty:

Students who copy others’ work and students who give their work to be copies should expect a ZERO on the assignment.  Cheating and getting work off the Internet or from other sources without giving them credit (citing sources) is not allowed under any circumstances.  This applies to any test, homework, essay, and other assignment that is turned in for a grade reflecting your personal work.  ACT student code of conduct will be applied if a student is guilty of cheating.  The only exception is when the teacher directly states that students may collaborate on an assignment or if the student is participating in approved peer tutoring.

 Tutoring:

Anyone who needs help can come by after school most days.  I encourage tutoring because it really allows me to give you personalized assistance with the subject matter.  

 ** This syllabus is subject to change and may need to be in order to accommodate for student and teacher needs.