United StatesGovernment
Jim Wiseley
Goal of Class:
United States Government class involves students understanding their own rights and how they can impact political decisions. Students will also gain an understanding of how our democracy was influenced by important political values.
Student Responsibility:
This class is not set up for me to just lecture, while there will be times where I present background material to students, their participation is vital to the effectiveness and/or performance of this class. The concept of US Government is to have students live history through discussion, feedback, classroom readiness, and research. Evaluations of content mastery will take place frequently. Prior preparation is very important for success in this class. Organization of material is expected and reinforced with the use of a three ring binder. Set-up will be covered during class.
Attitude: Your attitude will be a direct reflection to how well you do in United States Government. While stereotypes may perceive history as being boring and/or not as important as other subject areas, this statement is false. Without the use of history, medical vaccines, minority rights, women’s rights, and basic human rights would be altered dramatically. Students have the opportunity to examine history in a multiple of avenues.
Text:
American Government; Prentice Hall by William A. McClenaghan
(PHSchool.com)
Gideon’s Trumpet; by Anthony Lewis
Other books will be introduced for readings
Grading Scale: 90-100 A 70-79 C Test & Quizzes will be redone one time for rescore
80-89 B 60-69 D Test & Quizzes will be redone 1 time for rescore
50-59 Failing
RETAKES:
There are a few changes to the retake policy.
* Anything 59% and below will be kept and recorded.
* If you do not turn in your study guide you are unable to make up test.
* If you have a 59% or below on a test you will write a research paper on the content. This paper will be worth the same amount as the test.
Make-ups:
It is the student’s responsibility to check with instructor to obtain make-up work. The make-up
Policy in this class will reflect that covered in the school handbook. Quizzes will be given weekly and tests are constructed on a comprehensive basis. In the case of planned absences, it would be beneficial to obtain the necessary material prior to the absence. There is no way to replace hands on participation; so quality grades will always mirror good attendance. All make-up work will reflect that of the student handbook unless stated by instructor.
Class Requirements:
1. 3 Ring Binder
2. 3 Hole Note Paper
3. Pencils and erasers
4. Colored Pencils
5. Ruler
6. Binder Dividers and Labels
7. Index Cards
8. Handouts and review sheets
Class Procedures:
Class lectures will be kept to a minimum. When lectures do take place we will use a discussion environment. It will be necessary to give students a background of contextual information. Through readings and relevant projects students will be expected to participate in classroom discussions. Discussions will be aided through the use of PowerPoint and other visual aids. These can include geographic maps, political cartoons, movies, internet research, and prior knowledge.
· Numerous classes will be devoted to class discussions and interactive exercises
· Technology will also play a large role in the environment of this class
Class Setup:
A three ring binder will be used daily to help students organize the information given. This project will play an important role in their success and will be weighted accordingly when graded. A rubric will be given to students itemizing the information needed in their binders. Examples of items that will be included in their three ring binders are:
1. Class Notes (Including Worksheets)
2. Interactive activities (Group Activities)
3. Chapter and Unit Quizzes
4. Study Guides
5. Exams
6. Electronic Projects (Printout and Hard Copies Ex: PowerPoint’s)
Attendance: As stated above those students who have many absences do not do as well in school as those who
Attend regularly. Much of the information covered on test and quizzes will be reviewed in class. It is very important that you attend. Refer to student handbook for in-depth explanation of attendance policy.
Tardy: You are now young adults and hence I will treat you in a Manner that reflects this. Students should be seated and prepared for class when the bell rings. Walking down the hall on the way to class designates you as tardy. Remember, your conduct and professionalism will directly reflect the ability of the class to venture into different avenues of learning. Everything you need (Sharpening pencils, paper, mingling, or any other young adult traditions) should be done prior to this point.
Discipline Policy: For the most part discipline in this class will be self-contained. For Students who have not
acted as expected, they will spend time with me after school. I will determine what day and time. Upon infraction, you and your parent or guardian will be notified of the time and date. Failure to follow-up by the student’s will coincide with a referral to the office. Major conflicts (Fighting, vulgarity, destruction of school property, etc…) will reflect the student handbook... If you want to be treated like an adult, act like one.
Extra Help: Printouts covering notes can and will be made available for those students who apply. Makeup work is the student’s responsibility and they must inquire about missed assignments. If you need help, ASK!
If you need help, please come and talk with me. There is time available before school, after 1st hour, and after school. Make sure you check before coming in.
Teacher, Students, and Parent follow-up: I will obtain email addresses from both students and parents to send upcoming assignments, progress reports, concerns and achievements. We will be beginning a History Web site that will contain homework assignments, class due dates, research information, notes, study guides and helpful facts. If there are any interested persons who would like to construct and maintain our website, please contact me as soon as possible. This will be a vital attribute for the History Department at Gobles.
Study Groups: An important aspect of future college students is creating study groups. This will also be useful in this class. Whether meeting before school, at lunch, or after school this could be a worthwhile road to venture down. Study groups allow those who are struggling to gain a better understanding and others to continue their success. We will be establishing small study groups in class.
Dress Code: Please refer to student handbook for explanation.
Late Work: Later work will be aloud only where the student handbook describes. Please read your student
handbook if you are unsure of the policy regarding late work.
United StatesGovernment
Jim Wiseley
Goal of Class:
United States Government class involves students understanding their own rights and how they can impact political decisions. Students will also gain an understanding of how our democracy was influenced by important political values.
Student Responsibility:
This class is not set up for me to just lecture, while there will be times where I present background material to students, their participation is vital to the effectiveness and/or performance of this class. The concept of US Government is to have students live history through discussion, feedback, classroom readiness, and research. Evaluations of content mastery will take place frequently. Prior preparation is very important for success in this class. Organization of material is expected and reinforced with the use of a three ring binder. Set-up will be covered during class.
Attitude: Your attitude will be a direct reflection to how well you do in United States Government. While stereotypes may perceive history as being boring and/or not as important as other subject areas, this statement is false. Without the use of history, medical vaccines, minority rights, women’s rights, and basic human rights would be altered dramatically. Students have the opportunity to examine history in a multiple of avenues.
Text:
American Government; Prentice Hall by William A. McClenaghan
(PHSchool.com)
Gideon’s Trumpet; by Anthony Lewis
Other books will be introduced for readings
Grading Scale: 90-100 A 70-79 C Test & Quizzes will be redone one time for rescore
80-89 B 60-69 D Test & Quizzes will be redone 1 time for rescore
50-59 Failing
RETAKES:
There are a few changes to the retake policy.
* Anything 59% and below will be kept and recorded.
* If you do not turn in your study guide you are unable to make up test.
* If you have a 59% or below on a test you will write a research paper on the content. This paper will be worth the same amount as the test.
Make-ups:
It is the student’s responsibility to check with instructor to obtain make-up work. The make-up
Policy in this class will reflect that covered in the school handbook. Quizzes will be given weekly and tests are constructed on a comprehensive basis. In the case of planned absences, it would be beneficial to obtain the necessary material prior to the absence. There is no way to replace hands on participation; so quality grades will always mirror good attendance. All make-up work will reflect that of the student handbook unless stated by instructor.
Class Requirements:
1. 3 Ring Binder
2. 3 Hole Note Paper
3. Pencils and erasers
4. Colored Pencils
5. Ruler
6. Binder Dividers and Labels
7. Index Cards
8. Handouts and review sheets
Class Procedures:
Class lectures will be kept to a minimum. When lectures do take place we will use a discussion environment. It will be necessary to give students a background of contextual information. Through readings and relevant projects students will be expected to participate in classroom discussions. Discussions will be aided through the use of PowerPoint and other visual aids. These can include geographic maps, political cartoons, movies, internet research, and prior knowledge.
· Numerous classes will be devoted to class discussions and interactive exercises
· Technology will also play a large role in the environment of this class
Class Setup:
A three ring binder will be used daily to help students organize the information given. This project will play an important role in their success and will be weighted accordingly when graded. A rubric will be given to students itemizing the information needed in their binders. Examples of items that will be included in their three ring binders are:
1. Class Notes (Including Worksheets)
2. Interactive activities (Group Activities)
3. Chapter and Unit Quizzes
4. Study Guides
5. Exams
6. Electronic Projects (Printout and Hard Copies Ex: PowerPoint’s)
Attendance: As stated above those students who have many absences do not do as well in school as those who
Attend regularly. Much of the information covered on test and quizzes will be reviewed in class. It is very important that you attend. Refer to student handbook for in-depth explanation of attendance policy.
Tardy: You are now young adults and hence I will treat you in a Manner that reflects this. Students should be seated and prepared for class when the bell rings. Walking down the hall on the way to class designates you as tardy. Remember, your conduct and professionalism will directly reflect the ability of the class to venture into different avenues of learning. Everything you need (Sharpening pencils, paper, mingling, or any other young adult traditions) should be done prior to this point.
Discipline Policy: For the most part discipline in this class will be self-contained. For Students who have not
acted as expected, they will spend time with me after school. I will determine what day and time. Upon infraction, you and your parent or guardian will be notified of the time and date. Failure to follow-up by the student’s will coincide with a referral to the office. Major conflicts (Fighting, vulgarity, destruction of school property, etc…) will reflect the student handbook... If you want to be treated like an adult, act like one.
Extra Help: Printouts covering notes can and will be made available for those students who apply. Makeup work is the student’s responsibility and they must inquire about missed assignments. If you need help, ASK!
If you need help, please come and talk with me. There is time available before school, after 1st hour, and after school. Make sure you check before coming in.
Teacher, Students, and Parent follow-up: I will obtain email addresses from both students and parents to send upcoming assignments, progress reports, concerns and achievements. We will be beginning a History Web site that will contain homework assignments, class due dates, research information, notes, study guides and helpful facts. If there are any interested persons who would like to construct and maintain our website, please contact me as soon as possible. This will be a vital attribute for the History Department at Gobles.
Study Groups: An important aspect of future college students is creating study groups. This will also be useful in this class. Whether meeting before school, at lunch, or after school this could be a worthwhile road to venture down. Study groups allow those who are struggling to gain a better understanding and others to continue their success. We will be establishing small study groups in class.
Dress Code: Please refer to student handbook for explanation.
Late Work: Later work will be aloud only where the student handbook describes. Please read your student
handbook if you are unsure of the policy regarding late work.