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Course Policies
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Advanced Placement United States Government
Textbooks:
American Government, Wilson & Dilulio
The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity, Serow & Ladd
Class Activities
Teacher presentations & Discussion Free Response Questions (Essays) Student Presentations
Class work; Homework Group Work Projects
Grading Policies
1.* Your grade will be based on points earned in three weighted categories:
Homework (20%) will be assigned on a regular basis and collected/scored at random.
Examinations (40%) Quiz and test topics include class lectures, readings, and homework. Students should review all assigned work at least once before coming to the next class in preparation for a quiz. Tests will be based primarily upon the Norton text and classroom lectures.
Writings (40%) Free response essays and reaction papers will be completed throughout the year. Free response essays will be presented and scored using the College Board’s format and rubric. It is my hope that you can complete a free response question on each test day. Additional free response events will be scheduled and may be necessary throughout the course. Reaction papers will be 1 – 2 page papers reacting to assigned readings.
2.* The evaluation of all student work will be based upon points within each weighted category. Grade updates will be distributed weekly throughout the quarter. The following scale will apply to your average:
90 – 100 = A, 80 – 89 = B, 70 – 79 = C, 60 – 69 = D. This scale may be adjusted at the end of each quarter.
3. You are responsible for any assignments missed due to class absence for any reason. Make-up work will be accepted up to the number of days of excused absence, for full credit. Make-up work for unexcused absences will be accepted as being late.
4. All work is to be completed before the beginning of class on the day due. Late work will be accepted (a 20% penalty is assessed for each day late). Students who have an excused early dismissal or school-sponsored field trip are expected to turn in assignments before leaving for the trip!
5. Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will result in a zero for the work involved, for all involved. The appropriate school personnel will be notified.
6. The use of cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices during an in-class examination or writing will result in a zero on that activity. It is expected that students will resist the temptation to use any electronic device during any class period. Repeated use of electronic devices may result in disciplinary action being taken.
7. All work must have your name on it. No name, no credit, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Makeup Examinations/Writings: In cases of excused absence, students have two make-up days in which to complete a missed test or essay. The makeup test value will be set at the curve value for the missed test. Makeup tests and essays will be administered on Tuesdays (Help Night) after school.
* Please note: I am considering using Power Teacher, the new on-line CPS grading program. If I use this program, it may necessitate discontinuing grade weighting practices. I will keep you posted.
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