The following project was done in partial fulfillment for the requirements of English 479.  This is my last project to submit, and I have to say "Phew! What a relief!"  This course has challenged me greatly during the last six weeks.  Now, I have a chance to show all of the aspects of a class that I would like to teach.  I have chosen a course which I have named, Job and Career Preparation.

Description of Class:

This course will run for nine weeks, and be offered as an elective class.  Since the school operates on a block schedule, the course will be broken down into two, 4 1/2 week blocks.  Students will receive a grade after each of the blocks.  Each class period will run for 80 minutes.  The classroom will consist of no more than 20 students, who are of junior or senior status.  All students must have passed keyboarding and computers with a 70% grade or better. 

This course will be writing and Internet intensive.  Students will learn the format of various types of letters, including business and cover letters, they will finish the course with a completed resume and know proper interview techniques, and they will research careers that will best suit their needs upon completion of high school.

In addition to regular classroom assignments, students will be required to register at ePALS, an on-line Classroom Exchange where they can communicate with other students all over the world.  They will also record daily in an on-line journal, sometimes with topics given, and sometimes just their thoughts of the day.

Age and Background of Students:

This course is designed for students who are at-risk, with a combination of students who have been sent to this school from another high school, or have chosen to come here.  The students come from rural communities in south-western Michigan, located in St. Joseph County.  The majority of these students will not attend college, and will be seeking employment immediately after high school graduation.  The majority of the students' parents have not attended college, and a good number have not completed high school.

Philosophy About the Teaching of Writing

It is my belief that everyone must have a working knowledge of  computers to order to survive in today's work force. In the present and future, all job areas will deal with computers and technology.  Thus, it is imperative that individuals prepare themselves with such a background to obtain employment after their education is complete.

At the same time, another aspect of the job market that is ever-present is that of writing.  Though the styles vary from place to place, virtually every job uses some form of writing.  There is no better way to prepare students for both technology and writing, than to offer a course that focuses solely on both of these topics

Through this course, I hope to improve my students' Internet skills through a variety of techniques.  I also hope to give students a wide knowledge of the different types of business letters.  In addition, I also hope to provide them with a list of jobs that they may be able to pursue upon completion of high school.  Lastly, but most important, I want my students to feel a sense of belonging in this classroom.  Through our daily journals, web bulletin board, and communications through ePALS, I hope students come each day feeling comfortable and safe.  If I can accomplish all of these things, then I have met my goal in this class.  Things will not come easy; it will be a long road before I think I will be satisfied.  But practice makes perfect, and I know that I can make this work.

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