NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

  

Course   Title:	Personal Finance
Course Prefix & Number:		BUSG  1304	Section Number:	400	Semester/Year:	FA/22
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	48	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):    A study of the financial principles when managing financial affairs.  Includes topics such as budgeting, retirement, property ownership, savings and investment planning.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required Course Materials:                                                                                                                        Required Text: Focus on Personal Finance, 7th Edition  Author: Kapor, Diabay, Hughes & Hart  Publisher: McGraw Hill  eBook w/CONNECT  (Required)

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION 

Name of Instructor:	Richard W. Walker
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth campus—Rm. 201 Cubicles
Telephone Number:	(214) 507-4610—text, phone
E-mail Address:	Course Canvas mail preferred.

  

OFFICE HOURS 

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
8:30-9:30 a.m.	8:30-9:30 a.m	8:30-9:30 a.m	8:30-9:30 a.m	By Appt.
11-noon	11-noon	11-noon	11-noon	By Appt.
By Appt.	By Appt.	By Appt.	By Appt.	By Appt.

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce

Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog  

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
LO1	Identify the concepts associated with the time value of money
LO2	Identify the differences among various savings and investment programs and classes of securities
LO3	Identify the options for insurance
LO4	Describe retirement and estate planning techniques
LO5	Explain owning versus renting real property
LO6	Describe consumer protection legislation

 

GRADING CRITERIA 

# of Graded   Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
14	CONNECT Chapter Quiz	40%
15	In-class Discussions & Attendance	10%
14	Application-based Activities	20%
1	Final Exam	10%
1	Stock Market Game	20%
	Total points	100%

 

A	90% - 100%		D	60% - 69%
B	80% - 89%		F	0 – 59%
C	70% - 79%

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

 

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL) 

ATTENDANCE Classroom Sections:  

Attendance will be taken via Class Discussion Forum participation for each class session.

Students must attend more than 75% of all class sessions to successfully complete this course. There are 30 class sessions in the Semester. The final grade will be reduced by 5% for seven (7) or more absences.  Habitual absence will result in being dropped from the course.

Grade Appeals and Incomplete Grades: Students can read more about the college's grade appeal processes and procedures for assigning incomplete grades by visiting the Academic Catalog: https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/academic-policies/grades-reports/student-gradeappeal.html

(Links to an external site.) and https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/academicpolicies/gradesreports/incomplete-grades.html (Links to an external site.).  

   

Withdrawing from a Course: Students can learn more about the withdraw policy and procedure by http://www.nctc.edu/current-students/drop-withdraw-class.html (Links to an external site.).  

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is October 31, 2022.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)  

 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).  

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.  

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville. 

  

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_

              

       Communication 

 

        Mathematics                        Government/Political Science

 

        Life and Physical Science Social and Behavioral Sciences 

         Language, Philosophy & Culture Component Area Option 

        Creative Arts                                                  

        American History 

  

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)  

               Critical Thinking                                                        Teamwork 

               Communication                                                          Personal Responsibility  

               Empirical and Quantitative                                         Social Responsibility

 

 

 COURSE TYPE  

       Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)          Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course   

X           WECM Course 

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK  

 

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online. 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY  

 

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.   

 

CAPSTONE COURSES:  

The capstone for the Business Management Certificate is BUSG 2300 – Business Leadership Application. It should be taken after all business management courses have been taken or by instructor approval.  

   

The capstone requirement for the Business Management AAS Degree is BUSG 2380 –  

Cooperative Education General Business. It should be taken the last semester before graduation. This course may not be substituted.  

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS:  

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Teresa Laman
Office Location:	Corinth Campus
Telephone Number:	940-498-6238
E-mail Address:	tlaman@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

Orientation 

You are required to complete an orientation quiz.  Completing the orientation quiz ensures that you have read the syllabus and fully understands everything that is required.  Upon completing the quiz, you will receive up to 5 extra credit points. Before sending an email asking a question, please read your syllabus.  You will also be required to complete an orientation for CONNECT, ABA Activities and SMARTBOOK Prior to starting the course.

 

Assignments Location 

All assignments are located under modules.  You must click on module to see instructions and all assignments.  Do not depend on the to-do-list or calendar to let you know what is due.  It is vital to always go into your weekly modules along with reading your class calendar.  If you are confused about any assignments, contact the instructor for more clarity.   

  

Respondus Lockdown Browser & a Webcam

You must download the Respondus Lock down browser in order to access the exams and quizzes.  The final exam will use  this browser.  If you have problems downloading the browser, please contact Canvas support or IT support immediately. There is a tutorial video in Respondus that will help you navigate this program successfully. It is the student’s responsibility to have access to the required technology for online classes.  

 

Instructor’s Availability 

The online environment can be a little confusing and many of you may feel that because the class is online and is available 24/7, the instructor is also available 24/7. I am usually in the office every day.  Please adhere to the office hours above.   

 

*Although my office hours are listed above, as stated, there may be times when I am in a meeting, attending a conference, or at an off-campus event.  If possible, please send me an email or call before coming by

  

Online Office hours 

Virtual Office hours are conducted using Cisco Webex. Download the browser app at the start of the course. Students can sign up for office hours by clicking on Cisco Webex and the day and time desired.  The chat and conference rooms can be accessed by clicking on the links labeled “chat” or “conference” on the left side of the course page under module.  If you need a private online conference outside of office hours, you will need to schedule by sending an email or calling.  If you are having issues understanding the reading assignments, please feel free to schedule a time to meet with me.  

   

Technology 

Access to computer with a webcam and reliable Internet connection is required for all online courses. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the computer with a webcam and internet connection used is reliable.  The instructor cannot help with technical issues.  

 

Contacting the Instructor 

You may contact the instructor via email or by calling the number listed in this syllabus.  Please use the CANVAS email to ask general questions.  The instructor teaches multiple classes; therefore, please include your name and the class you are enrolled in.  If are enrolled in more than one of the instructor’s classes, please initiate the email from the correct course and include the title of the class you are inquiring about. 

 

Emails 

Instructor will respond to all emails within 24 hours.  The only exception would be on the weekend and/or holiday; but even then, every effort to respond within 24 hours.   

 

Emails must be sent through Canvas. Do not email from personal email accounts.  Instructors will not respond to emails sent from personal email accounts.  Please use Canvas email for class questions. Make sure you are emailing from the correct course, if enrolled in more than one. FERPA regulations do not permit instructors to answer questions about grades via email.  If you would like to discuss your grade, please schedule a time to come meet with the instructor. 

 

Make-up work and late assignments 

In order to be fair to all students, I do not accept late work with the exception of a documented medical illness or family emergency.  Students have 7 days to complete assignments.  Please take advantage of the time allotted.  The instructor is the sole determiner. If you have a problem uploading an assignment and choose to email the assignment to the instructor, it must be time stamped before 11:00 p.m. on Sunday or whatever the due date is.  All assignments are important so please do not discount them.   

  

Extra Credit – (up to 2% of Grade) 

Extra credit will be given at the instructor’s discretion.  Please do not send a request asking for extra credit. An email will be sent to the class when an extra credit assignment if offered, other than the ones listed in Canvas.  It is very important that you complete and be successful on the required assignments and not depend on extra credit.  Students who complete all assignments are highly likely to be successful in the class. 

  

Lectures and readings 

It is the student’s responsibility to read the chapters and take notes.  Lectures are provided to give additional support to students to aid in understanding. Do not depend solely on the posted

notes and the Power Point presentations.  Use the Power Points as a guide.  The  Powerpoint files and lectures are located in each module.  

 

YOU WILL NEED YOUR BOOK & CONNECT ACCESS.  

Chapter quizzes, SmartBook assignments and ABA Activities will not only come from the PowerPoint presentations but also from the entire chapter.  Please take advantage of the tools in CONNECT. If students get financial aid they can get a voucher for books from their advisor the first week of class or financial aid. A complimentary 2-week access is available to students from McGraw Hill.  

  

Program and learning outcomes 

Throughout the course, there will be quizzes and assignments that are related directly to the outcomes required for the course.  These assignments will be part of the Final exam. The Learning Outcomes can be found above or in the START HERE module in Canvas.

 

Assignments 

The instructor reserves the right to change group assignments, group members, course assignments, grading policies, and assignment schedules at any time. 

 

Assignments will be posted in the appropriate module in Canvas.  It is the student’s responsibility to check on a regular basis the course content in Canvas. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades.  Grades for each of the assignments and exams will be posted in Canvas.  If you believe the grade posted is in error, please contact your instructor immediately.  

 

Instructions for all assignments 

  

Grading Turn-Around Time 

Most CONNECT assignments will be graded automatically; however, there are some that will take a little more time.   Your paper and project will be graded be within 1 week.  I will send an email when all grades are posted.  

  

Final Exam – 10% of Grade  

There will be 1 exam that will cover the learning objectives for this course. It will be comprised of six (6) essay questions. Detailed responses are expected. 

 

NO STUDY GUIDE WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE EXAMS. You be able to review all

CONNECT quizzes.  You must compile good notes which will prepare you.   You will need to keep good notes during your readings and keep copies of the PowerPoints and lecture notes to do well on the exam. You may review the chapter homework assignments in CONNECT for review also.   

 

CONNECT Chapter Quizzes – 40% of Grade 

Each chapter will have a quiz assigned.  The quizzes are designed to give you a review of the material.  They will also prepare you for the unit exam. These assignments have three (3) attempts and unlimited time.  The points available for each of these assignments varies. The lowest score will be dropped from the final grade. 

 

They can ONLY be accessed only through the McGraw-Hill Connect link in the course. Students will need to obtain access either through a code included with the course textbook purchased from the bookstore or directly from the McGraw-Hill website. These assignments are auto graded with the exception of essay questions which will be graded manually by the instructor. 

 

SmartBook Assignments – Optional

Each chapter has a SmartBook assignment. SmartBook,is an adaptive learning and reading tool that tailors content to your unique learning style. Your time is important. We all have to balance multiple priorities on our time like family, work and school. SmartBook technology creates an ideal study path for you so every minute you spend studying is as effective as possible. SmartBook highlights the areas you should concentrate on, and gives you links to additional learning materials like slideshows and videos so they can master their key learning objectives. These are set up to take an average of 45-60 minutes each. It learns what you know and where you are struggling, highlighting topics that require a deeper understanding. This adaptive technology creates a personalized learning path so you are successful.  In fact, studies have shown when students use the SmartBook, on average they get 1 grade higher than students that didn't use it. It gives you the chapter material in small chunks so you can absorb it better and check your understanding.

 

Application Based Activities – 20% of Grade

There are 8 of these role-play activities. It's not just for class or a grade. What you learn in this class will directly apply to you personal life. These assignments give you the opportunity to apply what you learned to real-world scenarios.  These are highly interactive, automatically graded exercises provide you a safe space to practice using problem-solving skills to apply their knowledge to realistic scenarios. Each scenario is a role-play that addresses key concepts and skills that you must use to work through and solve course specific problems, resulting in improved critical thinking and relevant workplace skills. Plus, you get instant feedback. You will have unlimited time and two (2) attempts for each of these assignments. 

   

Virtual Stock Exchange Simulation – 20% of Grade 

The purpose of using Virtual Stock Exchange Simulation is to give students a better understanding of trading strategies and portfolio management as it relates to financial literacy. Students will also learn a variety of financial instruments and their risks and rewards as they apply to asset management.  

 

Overview and Goals: Students will be acting as a prospective portfolio manager for NCTC clients, potential clients have entrusted each student with $100,000 to invest at their discretion for a period of 10 weeks. Active participation in the simulation is required. A minimum of 6 trading session (not trades)  must be made throughout the simulation. 

 

Two (2) papers are required for this assignment.  

Philosophy, Process and Portfolio Statement 

This will be a 2-3 page paper due week #3.  It should contain a brief introduction, discussion of investment philosophy and an explanation of investment process/strategy to be used. In addition to the philosophy and process/strategy, the paper must include the initial/starting positions for the portfolio assets and allocations to each asset within the constraints listed in the assignment guidelines. (Samples are available in Canvas Modules).

  

Formatting: Use Times Roman 12 pt typeface, with 1" margins, 1.5 line spaced - but do NOT double-double space between paragraphs.  

 

Grammar & Mechanics: Use a direct style and third person narrative. Do NOT use any first person pronouns in the paper. This should be a comprehensive and scholarly discussion of the topic. Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation are required. 

 

  

Criteria	Exceeds Expectation	Meets Expectation	Needs Improvement	Does Not Meet Expectation
Brief Introduction	Includes a concise one paragraph introduction of paper contents.	Includes a brief introduction which covers a majority of the important contents of the paper.	Includes a brief introduction that is superficial or inadequately introduces the paper.	Does not include a brief introduction.
Investment Philosophy	Well-reasoned, logical & relevant philosophy. Investment philosophy has a basis of the investor's goals, their timeline or horizon, their tolerance for risks of various types, and their individual capital status or needs.  Covers all aspects thoroughly with thoughtful application of investment concepts.	Solid, well-thought out        &              relevant philosophy.   Investment philosophy has a basis of the investor's goals, their timeline or horizon, their tolerance for risks of various types, and their individual capital status or needs.  Covers many aspects thoroughly with thoughtful application of investment concepts. One is left out or lack detail.	Shallow philosophy discussion. Investment philosophy does not align with some of the required factors: a basis of the investor's goals, their timeline or horizon, their tolerance for risks of various types, and their individual capital status or needs. A two are left out or lack detail.	Superficial Investment philosophy does not align with most of the required factors: a basis of the investor's goals, their timeline or horizon, their tolerance for risks of various types, and their individual capital status or needs. Lacks understanding of investment concepts.
Investment Process / Strategy to be used.	Detailed discussion of all aspects of the investment strategy: Understanding the client, asset allocation types and %s, strategy selection type, asset choice criteria and performance evaluation criteria. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of investment types and processes.	Detailed discussion of 4 of 5 aspects of the investment strategy: Understanding the client, asset allocation types and %s, strategy selection type, asset choice criteria and performance evaluation criteria. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of most investment types and processes.	Detailed discussion of 3 of 5 aspects of the investment strategy: Understanding the client, asset allocation types and %s, strategy selection type, asset choice criteria and     performance  evaluation criteria. Demonstrates  a thorough               understanding of some investment types and processes.	Detailed discussion of 2 or lfewer aspects of the investment strategy: Understanding the client, asset allocation types and %s, strategy selection type, asset choice criteria and performance evaluation criteria. Does not demonstrate a thorough understanding of investment types and processes.
Portfolio Assets &   Allocations	Includes a detailed and logically organized table of the portfolios assets including the asset, type, amount, and starting value.	Includes a detailed and logically organized table of the portfolios assets that includes most of the required information: the asset, type, amount, and starting value.	Includes a table that lacks detail or is not logically organized table of the portfolios assets that includes some of the required information: the asset, type, amount, and starting value.	Includes a table that lacks detail or is not logically organized table of the portfolios assets that includes few of the required information: the asset, type, amount, and starting value..
Writing Skills/    Professional    Presentation. (0- 5 pts)	Writing is generally free of grammar and spelling errors.  Clear, concise and creative presentation of ideas and properly referenced if needed	There are few spelling or grammatical errors.  Most ideas are clearly presented and references are used if needed.	There are spelling or grammatical errors but they do not impact               readability significantly.  Some ideas are not clearly presented.	There are many spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.  Ideas are hard to follow.  References are not used when needed.

  

Final Virtual Stock Exchange Debrief Paper 

Students will write a 2-4 page, 1,5 line spaced paper about the Virtual Stock Exchange experience will be due at the end of the semester.  The paper will address the following:  

• What is the final value of the portfolio and the returns? 
• Which assets exceeded your expectations?  What conditions caused this? 
• Which assets underperformed for you?  What factors created the performance gap? 
• What are the key things you learned from your Virtual Stock Exchange experience?   
• How will your Virtual Stock Exchange experience influence your personal investing in the future? 

 

Formatting: Use Times Roman 12 pt typeface, with 1" margins, double spaced - but do NOT double-double space between paragraphs.  

 

Grammar & Mechanics: Use a direct style and third person narrative. Do NOT use any first person pronouns in the paper. This should be a comprehensive and scholarly discussion of the topic. Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation are required. 

 

  

Criteria	Exceeds Expectation	Meets Expectation	Needs Improvement	Does Not Meet Expectation
Brief Introduction	Includes a concise one paragraph introduction of paper contents and summary of portfolio valuation.	Includes a brief introduction and summary of portfolio valuation. which covers a majority of the important contents of the paper.	Includes a brief introduction that is superficial or inadequately introduces the paper and summary of portfolio valuation.	Does not include a brief introduction.
Asset Discussion:   Exceeded Expectation	Well-reasoned, logical   & relevant discussion. Covers all aspects thoroughly with thoughtful application of investment concepts. Demonstrates a thorough  understanding of factors influencing performance.	Solid, well thought out & relevant discussion   Covers most aspects thoroughly with application of  investment concepts. Demonstrates a basic understanding of factors influencing performance. Some are left out or lack detail.	Shallow discussion  Covers few aspects thoroughly with application of investment concepts.  Demonstrates a superficial  understanding of factors influencing performance. Many are left out or lack detail.	Inadequate discussion  Covers very few aspects thoroughly with application of investment concepts. Dose not demonstrate an understanding of factors influencing performance. Lacks detail in most or all areas.
Asset Discussion:   Under performance	Well-reasoned, logical   & relevant discussion.  Covers all aspects thoroughly with thoughtful application of investment concepts. Demonstrates a thorough  understanding of factors influencing performance	Solid, well-thought out & relevant discussion    Covers most aspects thoroughly with application of investment concepts. Demonstrates a basic understanding of factors influencing performance. Some are left out or lack detail.	Shallow discussion  Covers few aspects thoroughly with application of investment concepts. Demonstrates a superficial  understanding of factors influencing performance. Many are left out or lack detail.	Inadequate discussion  Covers very few aspects thoroughly with application of investment concepts. Dose not demonstrate an understanding of  factors influencing performance. Lacks detail in most or all areas.
Personal Reflections &   Applications	Includes a personal reflection of simulation and applies to self in a meaningful and significant manner that demonstrates self-awareness. Detailed, in-depth discussion of future uses.	Includes a personal reflection of the simulation and applies to self in a somewhat meaningful and significant manner that demonstrates limited self-awareness. Some discussion of future uses.	Includes a personal reflection of the simulation and applies to self in a limited manner that demonstrates very little self-awareness or no discussion of future uses.	Includes a personal reflection of the simulation and applies to self in a superficial level. Lacks detailed discussion of future uses.
Writing Skills/    Professional    Presentation. (0- 5 pts)	Writing is generally free of grammar and  spelling errors.  Clear, concise and creative presentation of ideas and properly referenced if needed	There are few spelling or grammatical errors.  Most ideas are clearly presented and references are used if needed.	There are spelling or grammatical errors but they do not impact readability significantly.  Some ideas are not clearly presented.	There are many spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.  Ideas are hard to follow.  References are not used when needed.

  

  

Lectures and reading  

You will have weekly reading assignments, PowerPoint and other weekly assignments (in Canvas).  Do not just try and get by with the PowerPoints only.  The exams will pull from the book also, so you do need to read the assigned chapters. The SmartBook assignments are in CONNECT and have a “Recharge” feature for study resources.

 

In Class Discussions & Attendance – 10% of Grade 

Because active participation in the classroom and attendance have a high correlation to higher course grades, each class section will be logged as attendance and participation will be graded. There will be 14 In-class discussions and 28 class session in this course.

 

In Class Discussion & Attendance Rubric

 

Criteria	Ratings
Attendance	3 pts Full Marks Attended both classroom sessions. Actively participated in discussion. Interacted with classmates in a professional manner. 2 pts Partial Credit Attended one classroom session. Actively participated in discussions. Interacted with classmates in a professional manner. 1 pts Needs Improvement Attended 1 class session but did not actively participate.
Frequency of Contributions	4 pts Exemplary Student initiates contributions more than once in each classroom session. 3 pts Satisfactory Student initiates contributions at least once in each classroom session. 2 pts Developing Student initiates contributions in half of the classroom sessions. 1 pts Needs Improvement Student does not initiate contribution & relies on instructor to solicit input.
Quality of Comments	4 pts Exemplary Comments always insightful & constructive; uses appropriate terminology. Contributions reflect critical application of concepts. Comments balanced between general impressions, opinions & specific, thoughtful criticisms or contributions. 3 pts Satisfactory Comments mostly insightful & constructive; mostly uses appropriate terminology. Sometimes reflect critical application of material. Occasionally comments are too general or not relevant to the discussion. 2 pts Developing Comments are sometimes constructive, with occasional signs of insight. Student does not use appropriate terminology; comments not always relevant to the discussion or are superficial in nature. 1 pts Needs Improvement Comments are uninformative, lacking in appropriate terminology. Does not reflect critical application of chapter material. Heavy reliance on unsupported opinion & personal taste, e.g., “I love it”, “I hate it”, “It’s bad” etc. with no elaboration.
Listening Skills	4 pts Exemplary Student listens attentively when others present materials, perspectives, as indicated by comments that build on others’ remarks, i.e., student hears what others say & contributes to the discussion. Consistently demonstrates Open-mindedness and tolerance of others viewpoints. 3 pts Satisfactory Student is mostly attentive when others present ideas, materials, as indicated by comments that reflect & build on others’ remarks. Usually open-minded and tolerant of others' viewpoints. Occasionally needs encouragement or reminder to focus of comment. 2 pts Developing Student is often inattentive and needs reminder of focus of class. Occasionally makes disruptive comments while others are speaking. Sometimes intolerant of others' viewpoints. Frequently on mobile device. 1 pts Needs Improvement Does not listen to others; regularly talks while others speak or does not pay attention while others speak; detracts from discussion; sleeps, mobile device usage, etc. Or bully's conversation.