B.E.S.T. ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
ARMY JROTC Leadership Education Training (LET)
Course Syllabus (Fall SY: 2014-2015)
Welcome to the B.E.S.T Academy High School Army’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
(JROTC). This course is designed to teach high school students the value of citizenship,
leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of
accomplishment, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline. Our
mission statement reflects the overall meaning and purpose of JROTC, which is “To Motivate
Young People to be Better citizens” by preparing high school students for responsible
leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as
American citizens. The program promotes graduation from high school by providing
curriculum, Leadership Education and Training (LET), and rewarding opportunities that will
benefit the student, community, and nation in the present and future. As a cadet in this
program, you can look forward to a rewarding and challenging school year by participating
and taking advantage of the many opportunities that JROTC offers.
COURSE TITLES: Army/JROTC - Leadership Education and Training (LET)
INSTRUCTOR NAMES: Colonel (Retired) John Biggs, Senior Army Instructor (B.E.S.T.)
First Sergeant (Retired) Kwame Slaughter, Army Instructor (B.E.S.T.)
PREREQUISITES: LET I – Completion of the eighth grade
LET II – Completion of the LET I
LET III – Completion of the LET I and LET II
LET IV – Completion of the LET I, LET II, and LET III
CLASS LOCATION: Rooms 221 (Room 1) and 222 (Room 2)
Contact Information
TELEPHONE: 404-802-4911
EMAIL: COL John Biggs: jbiggs@atlanta.k12.ga.us
1SG Kwame Slaughter: kslaughter@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Course Outline: Course Outline is based on the Georgia Standards for LET I.
First Semester LET I Outline
Weeks 1 – 3
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Weeks 4 - 6
Foundations of JROTC/Getting
involved
Leadership Skills
Know yourself /Socrates
Learning to learn
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Weeks 7 - 8
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Weeks 10 - 12
Physical Fitness
Foundations of JROTC/Getting
involved
Leadership Lab
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Weeks 13 – 15
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Foundations for JROTC
Being a Leader
Leadership Skills
Course Outline:
Foundations of JROTC/ Getting
involved
Leadership Skills
Know yourself /Socrates
Learning to learn
Getting involved
Study Skills
Leadership Lab
Weeks 16 – 19
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Drug Awareness
Leadership Skills
Being a Leader
Communication Skills
Course Outline is based on the Georgia Standards for LET II
First Semester LET II Outline
Weeks 1 – 3
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Achieving a healthy lifestyle
Treating emergency and nonemergency situations
Leadership Skills
Weeks 4 - 6
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Achieving a healthy lifestyle
Nutrition
Treating emergency and nonemergency situations
Leadership Skills
Weeks 7 - 9
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Weeks 10 - 12
Leadership Applications
Effective Writing (APA)
Managing Conflict
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Weeks 13 – 15
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You the People Citizenship Skills
Leadership Applications
Electives
Course Outline:
Leadership Applications
Drug Awareness
Map Skills
Electives
Weeks 16 - 19
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Foundations of American Political
System
Study Skills
Leadership Applications
Course Outline is based on the Georgia Performance Standards for LET III.
First Semester LET III Outline
Weeks 1 – 3
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Foundations of JROTC/Getting
involved
Leadership Strategies
Leading others
Administrative testing
Weeks 4 - 6
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Weeks 7 - 8
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Managing Conflict
Leadership Applications
Administrative Inspections
Electives
Weeks 10 - 12
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Weeks 13 – 15
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Career Planning
Planning Skills/Social
Responsibility
Leadership Application
Electives
Leading Others
Presenting Skills
Leadership Applications
Electives
Managing Conflict
Career Planning
Leadership Application
Electives
Weeks 16 – 19
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NEFE H.S. Financial Planning
Leadership Applications
Administrative Testing
Course Outline:
Course Outline is based on the Georgia Performance Standards for LET IV.
First Semester LET IV Outline
Weeks 1 – 3
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The Department of Defense
The Active Army
The Army Reserve Components
Administrative testing
Weeks 4 - 6
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Weeks 7 - 8
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Communication
Motivation
Administrative Inspections
Electives
Weeks 10 - 12
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Weeks 13 – 15
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Career Planning
Insurance: Your Protection
Thinking Maps and Graphic
Organizers
Leadership Application
Electives
Power Bases and Influence
Styles of Leadership
Management Skills
Electives
Credit: Buy Now, Pay Later
Career Planning
Leadership Application
Electives
Weeks 16 – 19
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Preparing to Teach
Using and Developing Lesson
Plan
Delivering Instruction
Using Variety in Your Lesson
Plan
Administrative Testing
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS and CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES: This course includes classroom
instruction and laboratory instruction in the history, customs, traditions and purpose of Army
JROTC. It contains the development of basic leadership skills to include leadership principles,
values, and attributes. Development of core skills students should master an appreciation for
diversity, and active learning strategies are integrated throughout the course. The performance
standards in this course are based on the performance standards identified in the Cadet
Command JROTC curriculum. Successful completion of at least three units of credit in the Army
JROTC program will qualify the student for advanced placement credit in a Senior ROTC
program at participating colleges or advanced rank in the Armed Forces.
CORE ABILITIES: The JROTC Core Abilities describe the broad, life-long skills that every cadets
needs for success in future life and career endeavors. The core abilities are a result of the goals
and values that drives JROTC program and are built upon over the program’s four years through
integrating various lesson competencies and skills throughout the JROTC curriculum. The
JROTC Core Abilities are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Build your capacity for life-long learning
Communicate using verbal, non-verbal, visual, and written techniques
Take responsibility for your actions and choices
Do your share as a good citizen in your school, community, country, and the world
Treat self and other with respect
Apply critical thinking techniques
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: All cadets will read and complete the contractual agreement at
enclosure 1 of this syllabus. No cadet may be retained as an enrollee in the JROTC program
without a signed agreement from their parent(s) or guardian(s). Also each cadet must sign that
they agree to the terms of the contractual agreement. There will be no exceptions to this
policy. The signed contract must be returned within one week of enrolling in the JROTC
program. Additionally, all cadets will sign and comply with the standards contained in the
JROTC GUIDELINE information document and student handbook which will be issued by the
homeroom teachers.
CLASS REQUIREMENT FOR CADET: The standards and expectations for each cadet will be made
as clear as possible. All cadets will follow both the intent and the letter of Cadet Command
Regulations. Cadets will be required to listen attentively and do their best to promptly comply
with the instructions or directions from the JROTC instructors and cadet leaders. The chain of
command is responsible for conducting the day-to-day business of supervising attendance and
tardiness, conducting uniform inspections, keeping order and discipline in the classroom and
formation. Cadet leaders will also ensure that cadets are complying with regulation while
outside the classroom or the JROTC area.
Wearing of the Uniform: All cadets will be issued an Army Class A uniform. Uniform day will
be on Wednesday, or any other day designated by the instructor. The uniform is to be worn all
day. If for any reason you are not in school on the scheduled uniform day (with a valid written
excuse signed by your parent or guardian) you are required to wear the uniform the next school
day. Not wearing the uniform will result in demerit. Refer to JROTC GUIDELINES.
Students and parents/guardians will accept responsibility for the uniform clothing items
issued. Both student and parents/guardian agree to reimburse the U.S. Government for the
value of any clothing items, which may be dirty, lost, or mutilated through misconduct or
carelessness. These clothing items are the property of the U.S. Government and they are to be
returned to the JROTC department in a “cleaned and serviceable” condition. Clothing cleaned
by reputable cleaners will be accepted in the protected plastic only.
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR CLASS: Pencils, paper, study assignments and textbooks indicated on
the weekly training schedule are required for each class. It is your responsibility to monitor the
daily/weekly training schedule posted on the bulletin board. Not knowing does not constitute a
valid reason for not being prepared. Check the bulletin board daily!
Required Attendance and Excessive Tardiness: All cadets are required to be present during all
mandatory activities (i.e. Annual Inspection). These events will consist of weighed grades. It is
imperative that you make yourself available for these activities. Cadets can also improve their
grades by participating in other voluntary events such as parades, color guard and drill
competitions, Empty Stocking Fund, and community-service related projects. Refer to JROTC
GUIDELINES.
Tardiness: Every cadet is expected to be in class when the tardy bell rings, unless you have a
written excuse. Excessive tardiness will result in a reduction of rank and position in the
battalion. JROTC cadets are expected to comply with all school rules and policies at all times
which means they should not be tardy for any of their classes without an excuse. The
instructors will dismiss the class and not the bell. Refer to JROTC GUIDELINES.
Class Behavior and Military Courtesy: All cadets are expected to use military courtesy by
saluting: when in uniform and outside and addressing all officers, when visiting officers are in
the area, and when reporting attendance to their instructor. All instructors will be addressed
by their rank, i.e. Colonel Biggs, and First Sergeant Slaughter (not Sergeant Slaughter). While in
the classroom, or in formation, every cadet is expected to use self-control, self-discipline, and
display proper behavior and military courtesy. Eating, drinking, chewing gum or disrupting class
by talking and moving about are not acceptable in JROTC classes. JROTC instructors may
authorize all cadets in a class to eat or drink on a case by case basis. Disruption and
inappropriate behavior in class will not be tolerated. Should such disruption and inappropriate
behavior continue, instructors will notify the cadet’s parents/guardians. If the cadet’s behavior
persists, the cadet will be referred to the principal or assistant principal for action. Refer to
JROTC GUIDELINES.
Academic and Conduct Grades and Attendance: To qualify for an academic grade of 90–100 (A)
you must wear the uniform on all assigned days. The uniform must be pressed, cleaned, and
complete with hat and all accessories (e.g. nametag, black sock, ribbons, and medals).
Additionally, you must have three (3) or less absences and three (3) or less instances of
tardiness per semester. You must be present and in the proper uniform at all major functions
(JROTC Program Accreditation, Cadet Challenge, Service Learning and Awards Day). You must
also perform satisfactory on all assigned and graded exercises (Veteran Day, drill competition,
color guard events, etc.). Finally, you must do your best on all assigned tasks and you must
maintain a positive mental attitude as you complete all assigned tasks. Conduct and
attendance will be in accordance with JROTC Regulations and school policies (see Cadet
Regulations, Section VI, Discipline). Your conduct grade will be affected by your absences and
your tardiness as well as your behavior in the class. Refer to JROTC GUIDELINES and the
school’ tardy/late policy for additional information.
Examinations: There will be at least two major exams every 9 weeks
(Mid-term and Final). Additionally, the cadets will be tested on the annual inspection
questions.
15%
Classwork/Participation/Leadership Lab/Uniform: Cadets will be required to maintain a
portfolio, notebook and participate in and outside the classroom. All cadets will be required to
participate in the Cadet Command Essay writing contest. The essay will be due in February
2015. The title of the essay will be provided by the instructor. Cadets must participate in all
leadership lab activities to include cadet challenge. They must do their best and comply with
instructors and cadet leaders IAW cadet SOP and FM 3-21.5. Uniform Inspections (12 Uniform
days-Uniforms must be worn all day).
30%
Performance Assessment: Unit and lesson test/Projects/Ceremonies:
25%
Homework:
10%
Quizzes: Several quizzes will be administered throughout the school year.
20%
Required forms/affidavits
(1) JROTC Questionnaire
(2) Parental Consent Form
(4) Media Release Form
(5) Private Act Statement
(6) Clothing Record
(7) Statement Regarding Syllabus
(8) Statement Regarding Uniform
Support Activities: Cadets can improve their grades (up to 10%) by fully participating in other
voluntary events such as the Empty Stocking Fund, drill team, rifle team, color guard, JROTC
parent night and community and service learning activities and events.
The grade scale is as follows:
90 – 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
0-69
A
B
C
F
The first graded assignment is how quickly you complete your required forms and return the
signed affidavits listed in this syllabus to your instructor.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: The following JROTC extra-curricular activities are available
for any cadet who desires to participate: Drill Team, Color Guard Team, Raider Team, Rifle
Team.
NOTE: Georgia Athletic Association and State of Georgia “No-pass-No-play” rules apply to all of
the activities (teams) listed above.
Progress Reporting: Progress reports will be issued to all students every three weeks. Students
will receive an Infinite Campus grade report and sign for these reports at the time of
distribution.
Parent Conferences at BEST Academy: Tuesday and Wednesday is the official parent
conference days. Conferences are scheduled with the instructor from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. To
schedule a conference with instructors, please call COL Biggs or 1SG Slaughter at (404) 8024911 or email jbiggs@atlantapublicschools.us or kslaughter@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Attendance Policy:
MAKE-UP WORK:
1. Excused Absences: Students with excused absences will be given three days to make up
work. This is dependent on the number of days the student was absent. Make up work
will be given to the student upon request from the teacher
2. In-School Suspension: Students assigned an in-school suspension may make up work.
However, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain such make-up work from classroom.
The work will be available during teacher planning period. The teacher will provide the
due date depending on the circumstances.
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING THE SYLLABUS
I have read/reviewed and understand the JROTC Syllabus, which contains the rules and
regulations for this course. I will return this certification along with the other forms no later
than Friday, August 15, 2014. I will receive a grade which depends on how timely I return this
signed statement.
___________________________
Cadet’s Printed Name
__________________________
_______________
Signature
Date
I have read and understand the JROTC Syllabus, which contains the course requirements, rules
and regulations that were issued to my son/daughter. I will ensure that my son/daughter
return this certification along with the other forms no later than Friday, August 15, 2014. I
understand that my son/daughter will be graded on the timely return of this signed statement.
______________________________
Parents’/Guardians’ Printed Name
___________________________
Signature
______________
Date
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING UNIFORMS
I understand that the uniforms that I have been issued are regulation U.S. Army uniforms and
as such when worn, represent the reputation of men and women who have worn them so
proudly in the defense of our nation. I pledge never to tarnish this proud reputation by wearing
my uniform in a manner that would bring discredit or embarrassment to the Army JROTC
program, B.E.S.T. High School or to the U.S. Army.
I understand the requirement to wear my uniform once a week (normally on Wednesday
or Thursday) or when advised by my teacher and that it must be cleaned and neatly pressed. I
further understand the requirement to abide by the grooming standards as set forth in the
JROTC Cadet Field manual. These uniform items are the property of the U.S. Government and
they are to be returned to the JROTC department in a “cleaned and protected “condition.
Clothing cleaned by a reputable cleaner will be accepted in the protected plastic only. If I
should lose or damage my uniform, I understand that I will be charged to replace it.
Finally, I understand that failure to adhere to these standards could result in a failing grade
and may jeopardize my chances of promotion and continuation in the Army JROTC program.
Again I understand that my child will be given a grade based upon the timely returning of this
signed statement no later than Friday, August 15, 2014.
___________________________
Cadet’s Printed Name
_________________________
Parents’/Guardians’ Printed Name
__________________________
Signature
___________________________
Signature
_______________
Date
_______________
Date
Uniform Certification
I accept responsibility for the uniform clothing items issued to my son/daughter. I understand
that the clothing items are property of the U.S. Government and they are to be returned to
the JROTC department in a “cleaned and protected” condition. I voluntary agree to reimburse
the U.S. Government for the value of any clothing items, which may be dirty, lost, or mutilated
through misconduct or carelessness.
___________________________
Cadet’s Printed Name
_________________________
Parents’/Guardians’ Printed Name
__________________________
Signature
___________________________
Signature
_______________
Date
_______________
Date