Leadership
First Semester 2015-2016
Mrs. Sears
Course Objective:
Although it may not be possible that one single course can create a leader, this course is designed to
help you bring out your own leadership traits, and empower you to hopefully become the best leader
you can be. Through discussion, reading, films, and a great deal of active participation we, as a class,
will strive to learn about what makes leaders successful and bring out those same traits in ourselves
and the Vashon High School student body.
Course Textbook/ Materials:



The Servant – John C. Hunter
The Energy Bus – John Gordon
Selected short readings
Standards & Competencies:
 Project Management – Students will understand that basic principles of project management.
 Personal Time Management - Students will be able to understand the importance of time
management to meet project deadlines.
 Team Building Skills – Students will be able to understand how group dynamics will
contribute either positively or negatively to productivity.
 Project Scope Management – Students will understand how creating a realistic scope and
deliverables is integral to successful completion of projects.
 Project Time Management – Students will understand how effective scheduling is paramount
to a smooth workflow and on time completion.
 Project Quality Management – Students will understand how quality assurance is integral in
meeting peoples’ and students’ needs.
 Project Communications Management – Students will be able to understand how effective
communication contributes to the success of organizations.
 Project Management Process Groups – Students will understand how project management
is a necessary part of business across industries.
 Peer Assessment – Students will understand why peer evaluation is sometimes more effective
than evaluation by a leader.
Classroom Conduct:
Leadership students are expected to…
1. Be an active participant in the activities of the Leadership class.
2. Have an attitude that promotes the success of the Leadership class and its activities.
3. Contribute to groups and teams within the class.
4. At times, work independently.
5. Be a good listener and follow directions.
6. Be prepared for class each day.
7. Please have your cell phones, iPods, and all other media devices put away when you get to
class – you may only use these items only with prior approval from Mrs. Sears. (See VHS
Student Handbook)
Assessment/ Grading:
All assignments will be divided into the following categories:
 50% - Assignments & Class Work = Assignments, homework, quizzes, test, projects.
 50% - Participation = Participation during in-class and out of class activities, class
discussions, participation in team activities.
The grading scale for this course is as published in the Vashon High School Handbook:
A
94-100
C+
77-79
F
59-0
A90-93
C
73-76
B+
87-89
C70-72
B
83-86
D+
67-69
B80-82
D
60-66
Late Work:
LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT.
Absences:
 It is YOUR responsibility to discuss with me any work you miss due to an absence ON THE
DAY YOU RETURN. Work that is missed due to an unexcused absence cannot be made up.

Tests/quizzes and projects that are missed due to excused absences must be made up
within 2 days of the absence or you forfeit your opportunity unless you have discussed an
alternate schedule with me.

Because much of the work done in class is based on participation, in certain cases you will
need to make up the time you missed due to absence. Please discuss alternate
assignments with Mrs. Sears upon return to class.
“Office Hours”:
If you ever have questions or need help with something from class please schedule an appointment
and I will gladly meet with you. You are free to “drop by” however please know that I do coach and I
may not always be in my classroom right after school.
Contact Information:
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Email tends to be the quickest and
easiest way to contact me; however I can be reached by phone during my prep period as well. If I do
not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
 Email: ksears@vashonsd.org
 Phone: (206) 463-8651
 Course Website: www.vashonsd.org/vhs (click on “Teacher Websites”; click on
Kara Sears)
I have carefully read and understand the Leadership course syllabus. I
understand the topics covered in class, and understand my responsibilities as
a student.
Student Name: _______________________________________
Student Signature: ____________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian Name:
__________________________________
___________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian Signature: ____________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian Contact Info:
Home Phone #:
Cell Phone #:
Email:
The best way to contact me is: ________________________
The best time to contact me by phone: __________________