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APEX INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Online classes provide the student with a different learning opportunity than what they would find in a regular class setting, allowing them the ability to work more flexibly and at their own pace. This, however, means students must be responsible for their own learning and must be self-motivated. Once you have logged into APEX, please refer to the student resources section for an overview of your course and the course syllabus. Make sure to look through the course syllabus to see what assignments are due for each unit.
GRADING:
Your grades will be based on a total point system. Students will be graded in the following categories: Unit Activities, Quizzes, Tests. All homework should be turned in by the due dates posted.
METHOD OF EVALUATION: Your grade will be determined by the total amount of points within the APEX grading scale:
90%-100%= A
80%-89% = B
70%-79% = C
60%-69% = D
59%-below= F
Please check Google Classroom and APEX for due dates and announcements. Grades will not be posted on PowerSchool until the progress report. You may see your grade on APEX at any point. Realize that your grade is posted only for a progress report and final grade in PowerSchool. Parents will need to provide a valid email address to receive weekly progress reports on Sunday via APEX. Parents may request student grades at any time via email to the instructor. I can be reached at jlazar@fcusd.org.
ATTENDANCE:
Since this is an online class, daily attendance is not mandatory. However, you must check-in on the dates assigned or when notified by the instructor. Make sure you check all announcements and are aware of the pacing guide for the course. If you fall more than one week behind, you will be required to attend class IN PERSON 1st block until you are caught up. Attendance will be taken and students will be marked absent if they are not physically present.
Tests must be taken IN PERSON. Tests will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays, or by appointment. Please email at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a test on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.
How APEX Works
• APEX is basically your textbook online. Each unit has a series of sub-units that you will be quizzed on. These are worth 10 pts each. Be aware that these quizzes add up, and you need to prepare yourself for them. (This is a formative assessment).
• Each unit has assignments that you must complete for that unit. All required ASSIGNMENTS (discussion, journal, practice,etc…) have a fillable version on Google Classroom that must be submitted before you can take the unit exam. You should complete them in the order of the course outline (before you take the quiz associated with those concepts) . You will only see the portion of the unit you are working on until you finish that sub-unit, and then you will see the next one.
• At the end of each unit, there is a Unit Test (Summative Assessment).
• Pacing guides will be provided on Google Classroom with a list of required assignments.
• Remember, units must be completed on time. Due dates will be set and must be met to remain in good standing and maintain your ability to work independently on the platform
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Testing
• Each unit has a series of 10 point quizzes that must be completed. As an example, Unit 1 (Government) has the following quizzes: 1.1.6, 1.2.5, 1.3.5....they are at the end of each sub-unit.
• Each unit has a CST (multiple choice test) and a TST (written short essay).
• Each Unit has a Diagnostic Pre-Test that should be taken prior to the test. This is a good indicator of how well you may do and will tell you what to go over more in-depth if needed.
Tips for Success
• The Apex Learning Sign-in page is located at http://www.apexvs.com
• Take the orientation and print out the student guide if needed.
• Open Appendix A (Student Resources) - this will give you access to the course syllabus. The syllabus has the unit outline and will identify what is scored and what is not.
• Study for your quizzes and tests....you cannot just wing it and expect to get a good grade. These are not easy.
• Prepare for the tests by doing the study guide, definitions, and other additional material. These may not be graded, but they are valuable to your success.
• Make time in your day for your class: time management is important. The course syllabus outlines the amount of time each assignment should take. Pay attention to this and plan ahead.
• See your instructor when you need extra help or clarification on a topic.