CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Cecile Burnett James, Ed.S.
Phone: (352) 955-6707, EXT 367
E:Mail: jamescb@gm.sbac.edu

PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE SENT HOME ON NOVEMBER 4

Critical Thinking Skills is a course designed as a support for students who are new to Advanced Placement and have been identified as capable of high-level academic achievement. Students in Critical Thinking Skills are also enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement class and will be sitting for Advanced Placement examinations in May.  Student selection for the class was based on past-performance, both in the classroom and on standardized examinations, as well as teacher and guidance counselor recommendation.

Within the Critical Thinking Skills classroom, students receive extra help and support through mini-lessons, one-on-one consultation, organizational planning, tutoring, and the use of classroom computers. A selection of textbooks and other materials are also available to students. The teacher serves as a liaison, when necessary, between students, faculty, and parents. A typical class period begins with a group lesson focusing on organization, motivation, and study skills. Emphasis is also placed on critical reading of high-level materials with understanding and application of information. Later in the class period students have opportunities to work on assignments from both Advanced Placement and regular classes.

Students in Critical Thinking Skills meet regularly with the instructor to discuss academic progress and individual needs. Students are expected to work diligently and independently, participate in class discussion, demonstrate effort, and maintain a good attitude. Students are responsible for completing all subject-area assignments on-time and must bring work with them to class each day. Students who have completed all classroom assignments should have a book or other school-related material to read. There is ALWAYS work to be done! (Students, the phrase is: 10,000 Hours. Email Ms. James for extra credit). Grades for the class are based on the student’s ability to meet these requirements to the best of his or her ability.

Gainesville Sun On-Line for Students
Username: student
Password: nie
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 If your child is ill and you anticipate an extended absence there are two ways for you to request missed assignments before your child returns to school:
 
1. Contact your child's teachers directly. Email addresses and teacher websites are listed at   http://www.oncoursesystems.com/school/menu.aspx?id=10155  and  http://ghs.sbac.edu/staff/faculty.html.
 
2. Contact the guidance office at 955-6707 and request a written copy of assignments. Please note, teachers have 24 - 48 hours to provide a written copy of a student's assignments.