General Education Development
Course Syllabus
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
General Education Development (GED) is for the purpose of attaining a High School Equivalency Diploma. Any student in need of this may take the course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is intended to confirm, by means of examination, that the student has the scholastic skills of a high school graduate. The course includes four topic areas: Language Arts, Science, Social Science and Mathematics.
You will confirm, by means of four different exams, that you have the proficiency equivalent to a graduating high school student. You will be given the freedom to study the subjects before commencing the exams and polish up on your knowledge in these subjects.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will be competent in Language Arts skills, such as: grammar and reading comprehension. Science will also be inspected. Subjects like the human body, the universe, climates, classifications and even some chemistry will be investigated. Math is a subject we put into use on a regular basis, so it is also relevant. The student will possess a proficiency with decimals, fractions, geometry, algebra, and logic problems. Social Science subjects will include: world history, economics, geography, cartography, and climate. By the end of this course, the student should:
- Exhibit an ability to comprehend writings
- Be proficient in writing
- Know how the human body functions
- Present facts about the world around us
- Compute everyday math problems
- Relate events in world history
- Demonstrate a proficiency in using maps
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is mandatory for all students. Excellent attendance is imperative for mastery and application of the information dispensed. Whether you are sitting at a desk in a classroom or attending via Skype, your attendance is vital to your success. Late arrivals are distracting and disrespectful. Please refrain from being tardy.
Grades will be affected by absences and tardiness. Participation in class is a prerequisite. You learn from lectures, discussions and presentations.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students are expected to treat all persons with respect. We should all conduct ourselves in a courteous and responsible manner. Be considerate, you can disagree, don’t insult.
Please set all your electronic devices to silent during class so as not to be a disturbance to others in the class.
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE
We maintain an open-door policy for our students. We are absolutely willing to discuss any matter that may arise during the course. If you have any questions, problems, or need help with the course material, we urge you to reach out as soon as the issue arises. If you want to contest a grade, you must do so within 48 hours and put it in writing. Please ask your student advocate for help. If you do not have a student advocate send an email to: tutordept@usilacs.org.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT
All students regardless of age, race, gender, religion, physical disability, class, etc., shall have equal opportunity without harassment in this course. Any problems with or questions about harassment can be discussed confidentially via email at: hr@usilacs.org.
DRESS CODE
For students enrolled who are attending in a classroom or via Skype, please be sure you are dressed modestly and respectfully. Please refer to www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business%20casual. NO short shorts or skirts. Avoid low-cut tops. We want to present ourselves in a dignified manner at all times.
NETIQUETTE
- Always read through all the comments of the class before responding. This will avoid duplicating comments or questions asked.
- Avoid language that could be offensive. All profanity is strictly prohibited. Remember that using all caps when replying online signifies shouting. This would be rude and combative.
- Be sensitive to the fact that there will be fellow students from all parts of the world with many differing backgrounds and languages. Remember that slang and idioms will most likely be misconceived and/or misinterpreted. These should be avoided.
- Respect others views or opinions.
- Be thoughtful of the privacy of others. Ask permission before sharing email addresses or other personal information.
- Do not forward inappropriate material such as: virus warnings, chain letters, jokes, etc. The sharing of pornographic material is strictly prohibited.
- Use good spelling and grammar. Avoid using texting shortcuts.
- Strive to compose your comments in a positive, supportive and constructive manner at all times.
Any of these offenses will be dealt with by the school disciplinary committee.
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
All reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with disabilities. Any student attending USILACS who needs an accommodation due to a chronic challenge (i.e. blindness, deaf or hard of hearing, mobility issues, psychological, or learning disability), register with:
USILACS Registrar’s Office
1221 Brickell Ave.
Miami, FL 33131
1-305-330-2202
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/CHEATING
We encourage collaborating with others, either in person or online, to study and learn. When you complete your assignments or your exams, however, the wording has to be your own.
Plagiarism is the theft of someone else’s work and ideas. You are permitted to cite or even quote someone else, however, you must properly cite them. There are two accepted ways of doing this. They are known as Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA). You can visit www.citationmachine.net for help in correctly citing information.
As a school that strives to maintain high moral standards, we strongly caution our students to be ethical and honest. Endeavor to be honest in conducting yourself in regard to any coursework you accomplish or exams you may take. Cheating is a dishonest practice.
REFERENCE MATERIALS
The vast majority of textbooks are outdated by the time they are published. USILACS education programs are not based upon outdated printed textbooks. USILACS programs are based on the most accurate and reliable knowledge available; specifically, up-to-date vetted internet based information.
For those who would like some reference or Internet search recommendations, we would recommend the following.
There are numerous GED test preparation sites. A very good one is: www.testpreptoolkit.com. This site allows you to watch many short videos on the subjects covered as well as take some practice tests.
MINIMUM REQUIRED SUPPLIES
All students will need all of the following:
- Computer with camera, microphone, and speakers.
- Skype installed on the computer with an active Skype account.
- Internet
- Printer
- Notebook paper
- Pens/pencils
If the student does not have a computer or internet, there will be some available for use at the school in the computer lab.
GRADING SYSTEM
There will be three tests throughout the course. Each test will count for 33.3% of the final grade.
| Grade | Percentage | Grade Point |
| A+ | 99 | 4.0 |
| A | 97 | 3.8 |
| A- | 94 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 89 | 3.3 |
| B | 85 | 3.0 |
| B- | 81 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77 | 2.3 |
| C | 73 | 2.0 |
| C- | 69 | 1.7 |
| D | 66 | 1.0 |
| F | 59 | 0.0 |
All students must earn a minimum of 60% on each exam to earn your GED Certificate.
EXAM # 1: Mathmatics
EXAM # 2: ……..
EXAM # 3:………….