Course Syllabus

                                                                                                                        Syllabus for Publications

(Teacher: Ryan Sennett)    (Planning period: 1st)    (Email: ryans@fre6.k12.wy)

 

Overview: The main product of this course is publishing the school’s digital annual, which will now be accompanied by videos that relate to each section of the book. However, more than ever, the class will focus on skill-building: taking quality photographs, writing captions, performing interviews, generating copy, designing layouts, video production, and extensive/recursive editing. Typing, computer, and intra- and inter-personal skills are a continuous focus area for improvement. Let me be as clear as possible, this elective CTE class will function like a cross between a hands-on English class (with lots of written and spoken feedback and reflection) and Art critique class. Students less interested in these subject areas may wish to explore another offering.  

 

Because the course focuses on concise, accurate, and engaging journalism, a strong interest in reporting (both through words and pictures) is helpful. Since the annual chronicles the happenings of all grade levels in a current year, students must be willing to engage with the entire student body (preK-12) as well as the community at large. Only ambitious, detail-oriented team players who are also responsible, organized, and self-directed should take this class. If you like interviewing strangers, seeking out newsworthy stories, and being a perfectionist, this is a class for you.  

 

Let me put all this to you another way: Even though much of the work is done on one’s own – writing well-crafted articles and taking well-composed photographs – the success of the yearbook is a collaborative effort and hinges upon all staff members pulling their own weight, sticking it out until the job is done. The quality of the annual, and individual grades, depends on your consistent, creative, thorough, collaborative efforts. If you have to have pages taken away because you cannot meet or exceed minimum yearbook standards, expect your grade, freedom, and responsibilities to be lessened as editors and adviser reconsider your staff role. All staff members should EXPECT multiple recombinations as the class repeatedly adjusts to skill and need. This means you WILL help others on pages/work you were not initially assigned as well as being assisted by peers in areas where you need aid. Be flexible. We are on the same team, a group-minded dynamic similar to a real workplace more than the individualistic spirit that has traditionally guided many secondary education classes. Moreoever, while many of the assignments may feel like work you would do in English/Art, you will be governed by the CTE Outcomes and Proficiency Scales.   

 

1st Quarter: Introductions: The first leg of the year will revolve around introducing and/or honing several necessary skill-sets needed to develop the yearbook: working with Microsoft Publisher to build layout templates, selecting thematic elements that will bring unity to the yearbook, practicing digital photography and the manipulation of electronic files, learning staff roles and responsibilities, working on interviewing techniques and journalistic writing, and beginning our first yearbook pages. The start of the semester is often chaotic as we lay the groundwork for everything to come, but students/staff quickly adapt to a variety of new situations and expectations. All students are required to cover various school activities, both within the school day and during extra-curricular hours: sporting events, FCA, FFA, and many others. Do not expect to get out of covering an important event just because you may not be personally interested in it. Much of the first quarter/semester is geared towards interviewing practice and the writing articles as you improve your talents as journalist. Additionally, be prepared to contact (both by phone and/or in person) the outside community as we raise funds for the produce the annuals (i.e. you will be selling advertising space and creating original ads.)

 

2nd Quarter: Learning Curve: The second quarter ups the intensity as students develop at least two full sets of templates (with the possibility of a third set depending on enrollment). Since the staff has been taking and organizing photographs since the first week of school, and gathering research/interviewing since the get go, each student will have plenty of resources to draw upon and is expected to put forth a consistent effort as their pages are finalized. When students meet template requirements, they will work with specialized editors to help others meet their goals. Again, the course is team-natured, and the better you do, the more you will lead.  

 

3rd Quarter: Shaping and Revisions: The third quarter of the year is where the book begins to pull together with the expectation that almost all staff members finish their remaining template sets: bringing the total to four complete sets by the end of the quarter (around eight yearbook pages completed by each student). Although there are few sections that will be done near the end of school – graduation, prom, track – the annual should be a complete rough draft, and nearing completion, before the start of the fourth quarter.   

 

4th Quarter: Final Edits and Publication: The last quarters of the year keep to a furious pace as all staff members help one another touch up any remaining pages, double and triple checking facts and figures. During this time, students must keep up a high level of energy as they produce a quality product for the reading public. Wind River’s yearbook serves all grade levels, and must keep all ages/maturity levels in mind as staff members conduct final edits. 

 

Grading Policy: Although emphasis changes throughout the year, yearbook work and accompanying grades typically fall into the category-types below. Assignments for each category have their own rubrics. Sometimes you will be evaluating your own work individually or with an editor; sometimes it will be done by your advisor. Often than not, however, you will be working with student-editors who will help you revise your progress/pages until you have achieved the grade you want and the superior work that is required by the course. Work typically falls into the following assessment categories:  

 

(a) Template/Layout Sets (b) Active Interviewing/Writing (c) Active Photography (d) Advertising (e) Participation, Citizenship, Team Effort, Mentoring, Teaching 

 

Late work: Work handed in late will automatically lose 15%. Work turned in after 4 weeks will receive no credit. This policy is in effect unless you provide a doctor’s note for late work, or get pre-absence permission from me regarding your responsibilities. Generating a quality yearbook is a time and labor-intensive, and we keep strict deadlines for when work needs to be completed. Any work over 2 weeks late may be re-assigned to the editors and other staff. Student originally responsible will for those photos/pages will have to find different assignments in order to recoup some of the lost points. No excuses will be tolerated for “forgetting” to take and/or return cameras. You are responsible for covering your beats/sections of the yearbook. While it is permissible to occasionally find a substitute photographer for an event that is your responsibility, you must plan ahead of time to make sure that shots get taken and stories are covered. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in lost points and/or loss of privileges.    

 

Behavior Standards: I expect good behavior at all times in my classroom AND exceptional behavior as you travel the campus capturing images and/or interact with students and staff at both the middle/high school building and the elementary. Publications brings an unprecedented amount of freedom as you cover our student body, and you must respect the independence this course brings. Failure to comply with both class and school rules will not be tolerated and you will likely be permanently removed from this elective come semester. Although you may be tempted to collect a “funny shot” of your peers in a compromised position, you are representing the entirety of Fremont County School District #6, and catering to the needs of a k-12 school system. If your photos, captions, interviews, quotes, and stories are not appropriate for public consumption (pre-schoolers all the way to great grandparents), they have no place in our classroom and/or our school. End of discussion.  

 

Camera/Equipment Contract: In order to be in the class, students are required to sign a consent form explaining that once they check-out cameras and other equipment, they are financially responsible for replacing any damaged or lost items. Although students are expected to return equipment sometime during the next available class period, items kept for more than 10 days will be considered lost and reported to the office so administration can charge student accounts for the cost of a replacement. While accidents do happen, equipment damaged because of negligence and/or preventable causes will be tied back to student/family responsibilities. Any arguments to the contrary may be taken up with administration. 

 

Final Notes: You will be working with others, extensively. That means that you must be tolerant of different personalities, interests, and maturity levels. You will be considerate of others, including your instructor, and will maintain and safe and orderly academic/work environment.  If you are the type of person who cannot accept these responsibilities/expectations, you should accept the fact that you will improve in these areas or you should find a different class to be in.

 

 *Portions of syllabus and individual/group assignments subject to change as needs arise

 

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You must have a parent/guardian sign the below lines in order to check-out yearbook equipment, which is a requirement for class credit. By signing below, you and your parent/guardian agree to be financially responsible (charged) for damage or loss of cameras and equipment signed-out under your name.        

 

_____________________________                    ____________

     Parent or Guardian Signature                            Date

 

_____________________________                    ____________

    Parent or Guardian Printed Name                            Date

 

                                ***********************

_____________________________                    ____________

         Student Signature                                                Date

 

_____________________________                    ____________

         Student Printed Name                                                          Date