Accounting
Curriculum Letter
Course Description:
Accounting I is an 11th grade course offering for the Business Career Pathway. This one semester course provides students
with a strong foundation in basic accounting theory and procedures. Course work includes the accounting cycle for sole
proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. The course will be delivered in a combination of styles, from lecture,
individual and group assignments, and long-term projects. Successful completion of this course prepares students for
entry-level positions in the field of accounting or the study of higher-level business education.
Textbooks:
Glencoe Accounting, Real World Applications and Connections, First-Year Course
Education Materials:
Students are responsible for bringing notebook, pen, pencil, textbook, working papers, flash drive and personal agenda to
class daily.
Student Evaluation:
Because of the variety of assignments, grades will be organized by assignment type. Each assignment will be given point
values and weighted according to the type of assignment given. Grades will be converted into a traditional scale that will
include plus and minus grades.
The course point weighting is as follows:
Class Participation: 10%
Classwork and participation points cannot be made up. It is expected that students will be present to participate
in class discussions. Students must actively participate in class discussions (and make relevant contributions) to
receive full participation credit. This grade is submitted once at the quarter and once at the semester level.
Students must make frequent and relevant contributions to class discussions to receive full credit. In addition,
efficient and proper use of class time allocating to classwork/homework is factored into this grade. This grade is
determined solely on my observations of your use of class time and your participation in class. If you never
contribute to class discussions, do not be surprised when this grade reflects that. As you can see from the
weighting, it is possible for this grade to influence your final semester grade.
Homework: 25%
Homework will be assigned weekly and is critical to success in this class.
Unit Tests/Quizzes: 35%
This may include end of unit tests, chapter tests, scheduled and non-scheduled quizzes.
Long-term Project(s): 30%
There will be several longer-term projects assigned. These projects will give the students the opportunity to
demonstrate accounting, bookkeeping, and general business skills in a simulation environment.
The grading scale is as follows:
A+ = 100 and above
A = 99-93
A- = 92-90
B+ = 89-87
B = 86-83
B- = 82-80
C+ = 79-77
C = 76-73
C- = 72-70
D+ = 69-67
D = 66-63
D- = 62-60
F = 59 and below
In general, for quarter and semester grades, I do not round grades up. However, for a semester grade, if the student is at
89.5 or above, I may, solely at my discretion, choose to move your grade up. However, the decision to round the grade
will be made solely by me and will be determined by a number of factors, including homework, class participation, etc.
See homework policy below for more information.
Make-up Work:
It is the student’s responsibility to determine what work was completed during their absence and to make up the
assignment(s). Each student should have the phone number of at least two classmates to find out what they have missed. I
plan to use my personal class site extensively to post assignments (https://sites.google.com/site/oarylaarsdam1/home),
however the student should not rely exclusively upon that resource and should check with fellow students to confirm any
assignments. Students who have been absent (excused absence only) will have one school day for every day absent to
make up homework for full credit, after which time no credit will be given. Students who have been absent will have one
school day for every day absent to make up quizzes and exams. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a makeup
quiz or exam.
Late Work:
Late work is not accepted. If you are having trouble completing an assignment you should contact me or a classmate for
assistance before the due date. I check my email daily so you can contact me with questions, problems, or otherwise
anytime. Please email me at mrylaarsdam2k@yahoo.com. On-time work that does not include the student’s name will
receive half credit once it is identified. Even though I do not accept late work, I am aware that sometimes circumstances
arise that would not allow you to turn in homework. Therefore, I will give each student one “homework pass” for the
semester. If, during the semester, you do not have your homework for whatever reason, you may write me a note asking
to use your pass. You MUST turn in that homework pass on the day the assignment is due. If you do not turn in
that homework pass with the assignment, it will be counted as a missing assignment. I will excuse you from that
homework assignment. However, if you find yourself on the grade borderline at the end of the semester, I will NOT
round your grade up if you have used the free pass.
Academic Honesty Policy:
The Oxford Academy Academic Honesty Policy will be followed. You are expected to do your own work. You may find
a study partner will be helpful, but all work turned in must be your own. If you are having trouble understanding or
completing your assignments in a timely manner please come talk to me rather than be tempted to cheat.
Conference:
I am looking forward to the semester and know that this will be a positive, rewarding school year. If you or your parents
have any questions or concerns please call me (714) 220-3055 or email me through the Oxford Academy website and your
call or email will be returned as soon as possible. If you wish to meet with me, a conference can be arranged. Students
may make appointments to meet with me before school, lunch, or after school.
Sincerely,
Mr. Rylaarsdam
Please Cut Here and Return no later than Thursday, September 1st
I have reviewed the curriculum letter with my child and understand all of the policies and procedures including the
grading policy, late homework policy, and makeup work policy.
Student Name:__________________________________________
Parent Name (Print):______________________________________
Parent Signature;_________________________________________
Date:_______________________