Welcome Parents! Computer Science Periods 3 &4 Anthony A. Atwood, M.Ed. Computer Science Teacher Valley Center High School Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District (760) X2564 Please Help yourself to some Coffee and Cookies

 Education:  I graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in 2002 and enrolled that summer at Palomar Community College.  I graduated from Palomar Community College in 2006 with two Associate of Arts degrees: one in Liberal Arts & Sciences and the other in General Studies.  I graduated from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, and again from CSUSM in 2013 with my teaching credential in Social Studies.  I recently graduated with a Masters of Arts Degree in Education and a second teaching credential in Computer Concepts and Applications from CSUSM...what can I say...COUGARS ROCK! I really did enjoy all that CSUSM had to offer; and while I will always be a true and loyal Cougar, I am proud to call myself a Jaguar! About Me

 Experience:  My career in education started when I began working for the San Diego County Office of Education's Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS).  I worked at JCCS for 4 years and I had the opportunity to work in such places as: Juvenile Hall, Juvenile Court & Community Schools Vista, and JCCS Independent Study as an instructional assistant and I have to say I absolutely LOVED IT!  I then worked for the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) for 5 years as an Instructional Assistant where I worked with Emotionally Disturbed Special Needs students.  I also worked at Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts as an After School Assistant for the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for about 3 years.  So, long story short...though this is my first year teaching; this is most certainly not my first time in the "trenches" as it were. I have had a lot of experience with students in classrooms and helping teachers to teach. I like to keep a loose atmosphere; with the understanding that we are in a formal and safe environment and that I expect respect for our time together. About Me

 Interests:  I enjoy teaching, and I like combining technology and history to advance social justice projects. Most important of all I enjoy LEARNING! I also enjoy playing Airsoft and participating in military reconstructions.  Future interests:  One day I would like to work for the United Nations Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) as an Education Specialist, or as a Historian.  I am also hoping to return to CSUSM to complete my Masters in History; and maybe a Doctorate in Education; but that's down the road a little bit. For now I just want to be the best teacher I can be for my students. About Me

 Exploring Computer Science focuses on the creative, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and problem solving nature of computing featuring an inquiry based approach to learning and teaching. As part of this curriculum, students will delve into real world computing problems that are culturally relevant and address social and ethical issues while delivering foundational computer science knowledge to students.  Students will engage in several in depth projects to demonstrate the Real world application of computing. Students are expected to leave this class with a basic understanding of the critical entry level Skills needed to function effectively in academic and work environments that deal with Computer Science and/or Technology. Course Description

 Help students understand why certain tools or languages are used to solve particular problems.  Develop computational practices of algorithm development, problem solving, and programming.  Introduce topics such as interface design, limits of computers, and societal and ethical issues.  Prepare students for careers related to computer science that involve the design, development, implementation, maintenance, and management of systems that rely on software programs to satisfy the operational needs of modern business organizations. Course Goals

 Unit I: Human Computer Interaction  Unit II: Problem Solving  Unit III: Web Design  Unit IV: Introduction to Programming  Unit V: Computing and Data Analysis  Unit VI: Robotics Units Covered in this Course

It is understood that when students enter the classroom environment that they feel safe and included in that environment. To that end the teacher’s expectations are as follows: ● Respect all students, adults, and equipment both inside of and outside of the classroom. ● Come to class prepared ● Listen and participate in class everyday ● Complete assignments with effort and integrity ● Work together cooperatively and collaboratively in groups ● Formulate and ask questions frequently ● Expect some difficulty, but never give up! ● Be flexible! (Keep an open mind about filling a multitude of roles) ● Remember that every assignment in this class isn’t about what you want but what your team needs. Class Expectations

 Final Grades will be based on a percent of total points according to this scale:  A =  B=  C=  D =  F =58 and below  Student’s grades will be made up of weekly mini projects, assessments (quizzes and tests), and your midterm and final exams. Grades will be updated after each project has been completed and scored. Grading

Anthony A. Atwood, M.Ed. Computer Science Teacher Valley Center High School Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District (760) X2564 Contact information