American Democratic Institutions Syllabus
Teacher: Ms. N. Grignani
Conference Hour: Third Hour
School Phone Number: 667-2418
Email Address: ngrignani@hotmail.com
Textbook: Civics - Responsibilities and Citizenship David C. Saffel, 1996
This required tenth grade course provides students with a knowledgeable background of our national government system. This course has been specially designed to meet the Michigan high school proficiency test standards. The course will emphasize government institutions, the economy, citizenship, and law as they exist within the United States. The impact of geography on the economy in international trade as well as ecological issues is also included. Current Events will be discussed weekly.
Evaluation Criteria
This class will be graded on a point system, everything will be assigned a point value - homework, projects, journals, essays, notebooks, quizzes, tests, ect. Extra credit work may be made available to students. ***Semester grades are an average of the two marking period percentages and the semester final exam.
Grading Scale
100-90% - A Range
80-89% - B Range
70-79% - C Range
60- 69% - D Range
0-59% - E
Homework Policy
Homework assignments will be given throughout a regular school week. Late work will NOT BE ACCEPTED! Students should talk to the teacher about special circumstances. Late assignments may be accepted on major class projects at a rate of 30% off the maximum points. Major projects will be identified in the class and students will always know the due date. It will be the students responsibility to check the late work folder and get any of the work that they have missed. A student will have two days to make up work.
*** The teacher will be available to aid and help students with assignments after or before school on a pre-scheduled basis. National Honors Society also offers tutoring weekly.
Preparedness
Students will need to attend class prepared and ready to learn each day. Participation in class discussions and activities will be necessary for the development of responsible citizens for a democratic society. Students need to bring their textbook, pencil, journal, agenda book, and due assignments to class each day.
Required Materials
Notebooks: All students will be responsible for keeping a notebook. Notes, handouts, and graded assignments are to be kept in the notebook. Notebooks may be collected and graded quarterly.
Classroom Rules/Disipline
1. To give your best... your best skills and your best attitude every day.
2. To be dependable and prepared for class each day ( bring books, journals, homework, pen/pencil).
3. To be a good conciderate person... hard working, kind, willing to help others, respectful, of individual differences and supportive of classmates. Please raise your hand to be recognized before speaking.
4. To be on time, all the time. In your seat and ready to start when the bell rings.
5. To make this classroom and optimal environment for learning.
* It is the students responsibility to communicate special needs, problems, or concerns to the teacher.
*** Parents will be notified of inappropriate behavior in the classroom. Inappropriate actions in the classroom will be handled according to the student handbook. Detention after class will be given if necessary.
Discipline Procedure:
1. Warning
2. Conference with student
3. Detention
4. Detention and call home to parents
5. Referral to principals office
* This is a progressive discipline process.
Miscellaneous
Grades will be posted often in the classroom using the students code or id number. Also, progress reports will be handed out on a regular basis. Students should always know their progress in my classroom.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. I will return your call as soon as possible. E-mail is also a great way to contact me.