GRADING:

I will assign a point value for each assignment.

Students will be given a grade sheet where they should keep track of all points earned for each assignment.  This will enable students to keep track of their progress in the course.

Example for a semester:  630/700 points = 90%= A-

Assessments:                                 

1.      Tests/quizzes

2.      Homework

3.      Class assignments                

4.      Research Papers

5.      Projects               

6.      Class participation/behavior                                                             

Grading Scale

A   100-95

A-   94-90

B+  89-87

B    86-84

B-  83-80

C+ 79-77

C   76-74

C-  73-70

D+ 69-67

D- 63-60

E below 60
   

ATTENDANCE:

I encourage you to attend every class session.  All unexcused absences will be assessed a 2% reduction in your grade per unexcused absence (s). No makeup work will be given for unexcused absences.

CLASS STRUCTURE:

You will be expected to complete all assignments and actively participate in the class. Class will consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, group work, presentations, videos and online activities.  It’s not expected that you participate on a daily basis but participating regularly will help your grade. The more you participate and ask questions, the more enjoyable the class!

ACADEMIC POLICIES:

Homework assignments are due the next class day or on the stated date. You will lose 10% for each day that it is late.  After the third day, the assignment will not be accepted.

Assignments, tests/quizzes must be completed and handed in on time. Late assignments will be assessed a grade reduction of 10% per day.  After the third day, the assignment will not be accepted.  If an absence is excused, the student will have as many days to make up the assignment, as they were absent.  In order to make up tests/quizzes, the absence must be excused.  This should be done as soon as possible before or after school. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangement when they have to makeup a test or quiz.

All major assignments will be announced in advance, and I will grade papers, quizzes, and tests within a reasonable amount of time. 

Please note that all essays and papers must be typed, double-spaced using 12 point size font. Grade deductions will be made for all assignments that are not typed as required. All assignments must have your name (first and last), name of class, hour and date.

The quality of your work is very important to me. Therefore, I expect that all work is neat and legible.  Your assignments should not have scratch out marks.  I will deduct 10 % if this is not adhered to. If you are answering a question, please type the question and state your answer using complete sentence(s). It is important that all assignments for this class be completed as instructed.

Plagiarism/cheating are unacceptable. When doing research, you must properly cite sources used and quoted from.  If I suspect you have plagiarized a paper, I will speak to you privately and will abide by all school rules regarding the seriousness of plagiarism. It is not hard for me to tell when something is not in your own words.

If you miss a quiz or test you will be required to make it up as soon as possible, but within one week (if you have been absent for awhile see me and we can discuss this). Remember it is your responsibility to see me regarding all make up work when you are absent. It is not my job to track you down! Failure to make up work will result in your receiving a grade of 0 (zero).

Supplies:

You will need the following supplies for this class and should bring them with you each day:

Textbook 

Binder/notebook (for notes and to hold your assignments)

Pen and No. 2 Pencil

Colored Pencils (for maps)

EXTRA CREDIT:

If you are doing the assignments and trying your best, then chances are you are not going to need extra credit work. On occasion, I may give an extra credit assignment to the entire class but that is at my discretion. So, I encourage you to work hard and take responsibility for your work.

 NOTE TAKING:

You are expected to take notes in class! Taking notes is a way for you to focus on what is going on in class and to have something to study from for quizzes and tests. If you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain from a classmate or to see me for missed work.

BEHAVIOR:

Remember that you are a high school student! With that comes more responsibilities, work, and social opportunities in and out of the class.   Being disruptive, disrespectful/rude, and/or insubordinate will not be tolerated in my classroom.  Students who are a frequent behavior problem will be dealt with accordingly (i.e., detentions, referrals, conferences with your parents and/or school administrators). I will usually warn you the first time if you are out of line (depending on the offense).

You are expected to read and abide by all rules and regulations in the Student Handbook. I will enforce all school rules and regulations regarding student conduct, attendance, tardiness, etc..

KEY TO SUCCESS:

ü      Be organized and plan ahead

ü      Always come to class prepared

ü      Work hard and pay attention in class

ü      Complete all assignments, doing your best and handing them in on time

ü      See the teacher if you have any questions, concerns or need some help

ü      Don’t expect to understand every topic the first time it is presented; review often; spend as much timed as necessary to master the material

ü      Stay positive and enjoy the class!

AVAILABILITY:

I am available to conference with you before or after school regarding any concerns.  It is up to you to ask for the time.

HEALTH CONCERNS AND SPECIAL NEED ACCOMMODATIONS:

Notify me about any heath conditions that might create a classroom emergency (i.e. seizure disorders, diabetes, heart conditions etc.).  Also, notify me of any special accommodations that you might need in my classroom.