• CTE -- Esports Essentials
    Lathrop Intermediate 2025/2026
    Mr. Compton Room 201/202

    COURSE DESCRIPTION:
    This full-year Career Technical Education (CTE) course is designed for students who are
    passionate about gaming and esports and want to explore the rapidly growing careers in and
    around the industry. Students will learn about a wide range of roles — from professional players
    and coaches to event organizers, broadcasters, marketers, game designers, and more.
    Through hands-on projects, students will develop teamwork, leadership, and communication
    skills while learning how to promote teams, manage events, and organize successful esports
    tournaments. Guest speakers from the industry will share real-world insights, and students will
    have the opportunity to help run district-wide esports events. By the end of the course, students
    will have a deeper understanding of the esports ecosystem, career pathways, and the
    professional skills needed to succeed in this exciting field.

    GAME TITLES & ACCOUNT ACCESS:
    Parent/guardian permission is required for students to use their own gaming accounts in
    class.
    Throughout this course, we will focus on the following esports and competitive game titles:
    League of Legends Fall Guys
    Valorant Rocket League
    Fortnite Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
    Street Fighter Tekken
    Mario Kart

    To fully participate in gameplay and class activities, students should, with parent/guardian
    permission, have access to accounts for the following platforms:
    Riot Games – for League of Legends and Valorant
    Epic Games – for Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys, and other titles
    Steam – for Street Fighter, Tekken, and other titles

    If a student does not have one or more of these accounts, the school will provide access to a
    class account so they can participate.

    All gameplay will follow school-appropriate guidelines and be conducted in a supervised,
    educational environment.

    RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND WEBSITES
    In this course, we acknowledge the importance of technology and its role in enhancing our
    learning experiences. The use of websites, online resources, and digital tools can significantly
    contribute to our academic growth and understanding of the subject matter. However, it is
    essential to exercise responsibility and adhere to the following guidelines to maintain a positive
    and productive learning environment:

    Academic Integrity: All students are expected to uphold high standards of academic integrity.
    Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of dishonesty in using online resources or websites is strictly
    prohibited. Properly cite and attribute any information obtained from external sources to give
    credit where it is due.

    Respectful Communication: When using technology to interact with classmates, instructors, or
    online communities related to the course, ensure that all communication is respectful and
    courteous. Disagreements and debates are welcome but should be conducted in a constructive
    manner.

    Appropriate Content: Be mindful of the content shared on websites, discussion forums, or any
    online platforms related to the course. Do not post offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate
    material that could harm the learning experience of others.

    Data Privacy: Protect your personal information and respect the privacy of others. Do not share
    sensitive data on public platforms and be cautious about the data you provide when using
    external
    websites.

    Copyright Compliance: Respect copyright laws when using online resources, websites, or any
    digital materials. Obtain proper permissions or licenses when required to use copyrighted
    content.

    Adherence to SAUSD Policies: Follow all SAUSD policies and guidelines related to
    technology use, website access, and online activities. If you are not sure: ASK.

    Balanced Technology Usage: While technology can be a valuable tool, it's crucial to strike a
    balance. Avoid excessive multitasking, distraction, or unrelated internet browsing during class
    time to stay focused and engaged in the learning process.

    By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively create a respectful, inclusive, and
    supportive online learning environment. Remember that the use of technology is a privilege, and
    with that privilege comes the responsibility to use it thoughtfully and ethically.

    SPECIFIC CLASSROOM POLICIES

    Punctuality: Arriving on time is equally important. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of the class and
    may result in missing crucial information. Numerous tardies and unexcused absences will result
    in an S or lower for their Work Habits grade.

    Absences: I understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise from time to time. If you must
    miss a class due to illness, personal emergencies, or other valid reasons, please let me know
    as soon as possible. You are responsible for any work that is missed due to absences.

    Testing: All quizzes/exams may be retaken to allow maximum understanding of our content.
    Students will be given 2 attempts at each exam. The highest score of the 2 will be the one
    entered into the gradebook. Comprehensive Projects/Assessments may only be taken once.

    Group Work Policy: Students are expected to do all group work activities. If a student is absent
    or does not complete the work in class they are still responsible for completing the assignment.
    Each individual in the group is expected to turn in their own work unless told otherwise.

    GRADING POLICY/ASSESSMENT:

    All assignments will have a rubric attached to them. Please refer to these rubrics so that
    you have a firm understanding of how the assignment will be graded.
    Weighting System of Grade Calculation:
    ● Tests and Quizzes are worth 15% of the course grade.
    ● Classroom Activities are worth 15% of the course grade.
    ● Class Participation and Behaviour is worth 10% of the course grade.
    ● Comprehensive Projects/Exams are worth 45% of the course grade.
    ● Final Exams (2) are worth 15% of the course grade
    VI. Other Misc. Course Procedures:
    ● No phones are allowed during class. They must be stowed in a backpack and not in
    pockets, on laps, desktops, etc.
    ● Students will not be allowed to work on homework from any other class unless your
    course work is complete.
    ● Students must be in their assigned seats at the end of class in order to be dismissed.
    The teacher will dismiss the students, not the clock.
    ● Bathroom/Water breaks: Only one student at a time may leave to use the restroom. A
    student is responsible for any information missed while out of the classroom, so choose
    wisely when to leave the classroom.
    ● Earbuds/headphones must be out/off of ears during class.
    NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM OR ARENA!

    NO GUM! SERIOUSLY! NO GUM!

    I am looking forward to an amazing year! I’m at school every day before and after school, and I
    am always willing to work with students during these times to answer questions and go over
    course material. I do not offer a specific tutoring hours, instead let me know in advance if
    you need help and we will work out a time that works.

    The best way to get a hold of me is through email: david.compton@sausdlearns.net or through
    Google Classroom.

    This class only works if we work as a team to achieve all that we can. The knowledge and skills
    you will learn will be transferable throughout your time in school and beyond into the
    professional world. Esports and Traditional Sports share all the core principles and strategies.
    Teamwork is the Key!

    Being part of a team gives all involved a sense of belonging, and a second family to rely on. I’m
    honored to have you be part of this esports family. I can’t wait to see all that you bring to our
    team and how much we can achieve.

    Remember to say something nice to someone each day. It just may change their life!