The ABLE CLASS

Acquiring and Building Learning Excellence

Permission for new students to enroll in this course must be obtained through the guidance department.

Course Description

ABLE is a class that is open to students grade 9-12 by teacher/counselor recommendation only. The course is designed to assist students with study skills, organization, test-taking skills and tutorial help with classes. Students can earn .25 credits per semester and the students will receive a letter grade for the course. ABLE is a class for students that are serious about wanting to improve their academic skills. ABLE is not just a study hall time, there are requirements one must meet in order to earn credit and a grade.

Course Requirements

Students need a designated daily assignment planner that should be brought to each class. There are requirements involved for the completion of the daily planner. Part of the student’s grade is based on the meeting the assignment planner requirements.

Students also need to demonstrate that they are using the learning strategies taught and encouraged in ABLE into their daily preparation. I will need to observe that the student is completing homework on a regular basis and using the ABLE period primarily for test and quiz preparation. Showing initiative is something the student must demonstrate in order to remain in the ABLE class.

Weekly Assignment-Students will be required to complete one weekly assignment which needs to be turned in each Friday at the start of the ABLE class. (It can be turned in early) The assignment is called a “Learning Creation” and involves preparation for one of their other classes. Students are to prepare some sort of “study-tool” for one of their classes. This can include flashcards, notes, practice test-questions, putting information into a visual such as a chart, diagram or map, recopying notes as a way to study and more. There are many possibilities for learning creations and those will be discussed. The purpose is for students to take a “hands-on” approach to studying and it will help them be better prepared for future tests and quizzes.

Use of Class Time-Students are required to use the ABLE time productively by working on class assignments and tests only-that is why students have the opportunity to earn credit for the class. Students are to bring at least 3 different subjects to ABLE as locker trips are very limited. Even if homework assignments are finished, students need to use the time for advance preparation. This is a great opportunity to be better prepared and avoid the last-minute panic of cramming for a test.