This class is taught in English.

POSSIBLE LEARNING GOALS (to be covered at the learner’s pace):
--Identify and apply effective writing strategies for various types of writing activities
--Planning and outlining strategies for deeper level writing that will express articulated ideas AND demonstrate critical thinking
--Meet grade-level sentence structure and syntax expectations for the classroom and formal assessments
--Evaluate text for expression of ideas, and support of those ideas, based on rubrics
--Integrate support from multiple sources, including but not limited to interviews and AI-assisted sources
--Assess vocabulary and improve language skills that best articulate expression
--Develop an appreciation and know-how for writing based on purpose
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  • Understand the importance of communication skills in personal and professional contexts. 
  • Learn techniques for active listening and empathetic communication.
  • Develop clarity and confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.
  • Adapt communication styles to different situations and audiences.
  • Understand the value and benefits of collaboration and teamwork.
  • Develop skills for effective team communication and cooperation.
  • Discover ways to leverage individual strengths within a team setting.
  • Understand the importance of time management in achieving personal and academic goals.
  • Learn techniques for prioritization, goal setting, and task organization.
  • Develop strategies for overcoming procrastination and managing distractions.
  • Establish habits for maintaining a healthy school-life/school-work-life/work-life balance.
  • Understand the qualities and attributes of successful leaders.
  • Learn different leadership styles and when to apply them.
  • Develop skills for effective decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Explore techniques for motivating and influencing others positively.
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  • Develop an understanding of how perception dictates reality
  • Acknowledge differences between our perception of self, how others perceive us, and how we perceive others’ perception of us
  • Realize one's true self through recognition of one’s strengths, accomplishments, and talents 
  • Access the power w/n to be comfortable, proud, and confident by making strides to be who they are meant to be
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  •  How to access safe and neutral topics
  •  The vital role verbal cues play in conversation (for both speaker and listener)
  •  How to be more aware of own tone and word choice when conversing
  •  The role nonverbal cues play in effective communication 
  •  How to be more aware of own body language in various situations
  •  How to enter/end a conversation
  •  How/when to mirror or match another speaker
  •  The four secrets to better communication

Mr. LeCara brings more than three decades of diverse educational experience to the table, spanning all grade levels, adult training, and experience with learners of special needs. An educator, recognized trainer, published author, and Master Certified Life Coach, Mr. L has devoted his life to nurturing the personal, professional, and academic achievements of his students.

With an instructional journey that has transcended geographical boundaries, encompassing both traditional classroom settings and online environments, Mr. L's firm belief is that authentic living and learning are the keys to both academic success and personal fulfillment. Encouraging individuals—especially at a young age—to embrace their true selves fosters resilience, motivation, effective communication, and enduring happiness because they are learning to align their pursuits with their authentic values.

This is why Mr. L is so committed to transformative education, helping young people discover their true selves, and enabling them to find meaning, purpose, and clarity amid today's multitude of triggers and distractions.

Homework Offered
Activities will be diverse, aiming to complement classroom curricula rather than burden learners with additional work. Therefore, the majority of the tasks will be completed during designated meeting times.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Progress will be assessed as follows:

--Learner Questions: Learners will be encouraged to ask questions about the topics they are covering, which can help their approach to the material and tasks.
--Discussion: The instructor will facilitate discussion about the text or topic being covered, and the process, encouraging learners to share their thoughts and ideas, thus assessing each learner's ability to analyze and interpret the material for the sake of developing a stance, position, thesis, etc.
--Inferences: Learners will be asked to make inferences based on the text to assess their ability to draw conclusions and make connections between different parts of the material.
--Personal Connections: Learners will work through ways to connect with the characters on a personal level, and assess their ability to empathize and relate to the material. 
--Articulating Importance: The instructor may ask learners to articulate why the material is important and why others should care about it, assessing their ability to analyze and synthesize information in a critical way.
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  • Learner self-reflections on progress and growth in each soft skill area to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Participation and engagement in class discussions and activities. 
  • Role-plays and simulations where learners can explore soft skills in realistic situations. 
  • Knowledge checks to assess learners' understanding of soft skills concepts, theories, and best practices.
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  • Interaction (prompted/unprompted) with presenter/peers in session 
  • Completion of class activities for the purpose of reflection and class discussion
  • Completion of home activities thoughtfully and thoroughly for the sake of reflection and class discussion
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  • Interaction (prompted/unprompted) during sessions 
  • End of session reflections (exit card)
  • Completion of observations thoughtfully and thoroughly 
Grades Offered