About the Class ...

What will my child learn in 8th grade computer class?

Eighth grade students study graphic design during both art and computer exploratory classes. In computer class, the students apply graphic design concepts to complete art projects in PowerPoint.

My child works very slowly at the computer. How will this impact his/her grade?

Your child's impacts only the Units Started part of the final grade. The assignments do not have due dates so your child can complete the assignments at his/her own speed.

How many units should be completed during the quarter?

Two units should be completed during the quarter with the third one started. Whatever assignments are not finished in the third unit will be completed during the following school year.

My child has an IEP. Will he/she be required to start three units also?

If the IEP that indicates shortened assignments are needed, then he/she should start two units during the quarter.

My child did not attend Dunlap Middle School last year. How will he/she catch up?

New 8th grade students take a keyboarding pretest. If the keyboarding results meet the standards for Unit 4, your child will start Unit 7. If the keyboarding results do not meet the standards for Unit 4, your child will start with either Unit 1 or Unit 3. Your child's grade will not be influenced by what unit they start. His/her grade will be determined by how well they meet each unit's goals.

Can more than three units be started during the quarter?

Absolutely! How quickly the units are completed depends upon the student's keying speed and accuracy. The students who key quickly will probably finish more than three units.

Can units be skipped?

Units cannot be skipped; however, a student can choose to complete the test assignments without doing the homework. If a student chooses this option, he/she must get permission first. If the test writing grades average 90% or higher, the student advances to the next unit. If the test writing grades average less than 90%, the student completes all of the homework assignments then takes the test writings again.

Can homework assignments be completed at home?

All assignments must be completed in the computer lab at Dunlap Middle School.

Are there any extra credit assignments?

Extra credit points are not available in 8th grade.

My child has missed several days of school. How long do they have to make up their missed assignments?

Since the assignments for each unit are completed at the student's speed, your child just returns to whatever assignment he/she was working on when they were in class last. No due dates are needed for make up work.

What is the best way to contact you?

The best way to contact me is through email. My email user name is ksjoyce followed by dunlapcusd.net. If you need to call, I am available before school, after school, or between 1:15 to 1:45 pm.