Philosophy of Homework
In Agriculture, most work assignments are completed during class time. In classes that are more academic, there will be times when outside homework will be assigned. There is an emphasis on project work in all agricultural classes, and this by necessity creates a need for students to work on class projects after school and on weekends.

Grading Policy
A major difference between Shop classes and more academic classes is the challenge of rewarding points for skills obtained, proper shop behavior, and completion of tasks assigned. I have chosen to give students 10 points daily for attendance, participation and behavior (APB) for each successful day in the shop. Most students get the 10 points daily, but points will be taken off for violating shop rules, inappropriate behavior, lack of initiative and not cleaning up after themselves.

Shop classes also require time to be spent in the classroom, and quizzes and tests will be given over that classroom material, as well as skills proficiency.

Student projects can vary greatly in difficulty and time spent. Points awarded will vary with the size of the project.

Written assignments must be completed and handed in by the due date. Late assignments are not accepted. Any late assignments handed in receive a zero for a grade.

Students can make up lost shop time, by arrangement.

Extra credit can be given at the discretion of the instructor.

I attempt to post grades in a timely fashion, but this may not happen all the time for a variety of reasons. If you have a question, give me a call.

Schedule
State standards drive the curricula in Agriculture, just as it does in academic areas. The state standards are located at www.state.sd.us/deca/DWCP/agedu/AgCompetencyprofiles2000.pdf.

Many areas in agriculture require higher level thinking skills. This requires an approach to classroom work that emphasizes projects, fieldtrips, and other teaching approaches that promote these skills.

The Ag Department has a local citizen’s advisory committee that helps in setting curriculum. The State Department of Education reviews the department every 4 years and sets improvement goals. Call me if you are interested in being on the board, or have questions about this.

Shop Materials and Equipment
In most cases, students will be responsible for getting their own project materials, safety glasses, shop clothes and special tools.

Shop Rules
There are posted shop rules by the shop. Shop rules are covered at the beginning of the year. Safety is the primary reason behind the rules.

Safety glasses will be worn at all times. For a safety violation, students will not receive the full amount of daily shop points for that day. For further shop violations, students will be told not to use the tool on which the safety violation occurred.

Contact Information
I can be reached at the school, 495-4183. If I'm in class, leave a message with the school office and indicate when I should return your call. My email is Lowel.Perman@k12.sd.us.