AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Disclosure Document
Instructor: J. Kelley Full Year--Social Studies Credit--1.0
Room 700, Ext. 700 Email – kellj786@alpine.k12.ut.us Consultation: M - Th, 2:15-3:00
l. TEXTBOOK
David M. Kennedy, et. al., American Pageant. The student may purchase this book for $75.00. This option is a great advantage to the student because then she or he may highlight their reading and make annotated notes in the margins. If done properly, this will serve as a huge benefit while preparing for the class requirements and the AP exam on May 11, 2007. If the student chooses not to buy the textbook, then the school will provide one for them. The student must make sure they do not devalue this book.
2. COURSE INTRODUCTION
WHY AP, AND WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME? The College Board has conducted several thorough surveys over the years and they have concluded that only 29% of high school students who never take an AP class will actually graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree in four years or less. The percentage jumps to 45% for those students who take only one AP class and 61% of those who take two or more classes will graduate with a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the surveys revealed that students who complete AP courses (not pass AP tests) are better prepared academically. With these factors in minds, welcome to AP U.S. History.
3. COURSE OBJECTIVES
WHAT WILL THE STUDENT LEARN? This class is taught at a collegiate level and collegiate work will be expected. Consequently, this class will prepare the student to confidently take the advanced placement examination at the end of the school year (fee required) and successfully complete it. Concurrent enrollment credit is pending through Salt Lake Community College. We will cover the entire spectrum of U.S. History from early exploration and settlement to the present. Through this process the student will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of our national ancestry and events that made it possible for use to be here today. Also, the student will continue to enjoy our country’s history and have fun in the process. Yet, remember that in this class the realization of these objectives depends upon individual commitment, discipline and perseverance to learn the material. The student should spend at least a minimum of five hours each week for homework preparation.
4. PROCEDURAL POLICIES
A. ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES
Timpanogos High School has established an attendance policy to promote increased opportunities for learning and for a reduction in classroom interruptions. This attendance policy will be enforced, (see pages 18 - 24 in your student handbook for a complete explanation of this policy). A short synopsis of this new policy follows:
• Students are allowed three tardies per class each term.
• Students are allowed three excused absences per class each term.
• Students are not allowed any unexcused absences or truancies each term.
• School-approved extracurricular absences do not count as one of the three allowed.
• The 4th tardy or excused absence results in a NC (No Credit), until the grade is restored through attendance at the Attendance Restoration Class (ARC).
• An NC (No Credit) in any class that has not been restored by the end of the term will result in no credit for that term.
B. STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
If the student wants to get the most out of regular class attendance, she/he must do the reading, with it’s corresponding assignment and be prepared to discuss it each day. Students are responsible for completing all tests, quizzes, homework, reading and writing assignments; participating in class activities and discussion; and keeping a journal of class notes and handouts. Students need to come prepared to work the full period, keeping in mind that they will not be allowed to return to their lockers because they have failed to bring materials to class. Also, periodically they will have the opportunity to evaluate the work of other students. Electronic devices are not permitted in the classroom, any disruptive devise will be confiscated and retained for one week. Do not make this a problem for you. If parents have an emergency, they can notify you through the office. Your teacher and fellow students have the right to learn in a friendly and safe environment, if at any time you do not provide that to them, you will be asked to leave and forfeit your ability to make-up any work missed. Any flagrant violation(s) could result in expulsion from the class.
C. KNOWLEDGE BOWL
For review purposes, a knowledge bowl will be held most Monday - Thursday’s on A-Days during lunch. Students will formulate teams and compete answering a variety of questions, extra credit and participation points can be earned.
5. LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. WRITINGS, PROJECTS, ASSIGNMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, BOOK REPORTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE
A wide variety of historical experiences and/or group debates with individual responsibilities will be required during the year. These projects and/or debates will be an integral portion of successful completion of this course. Each student will be given a text workbook that coincides with the chapter readings, they will be required to complete two sections from sections A, B, C or D. Students are expected to turn in assignments on time. If an assignment is not received before the bell rings, it will not be accepted. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED! Those students that have an excused absence–what constitutes an excused absence is clearly outlined in the student handbook--will be assigned a make-up assignment which must be completed one class period after returning to school. Students will be required to do six hours of community service per semester. This will be a portion of your assignments grade and is required for successful completion of this course. Students will be required to maintain a journal with all reading, writings, notes, etc., this will be critical for preparation for the AP exam. A minimum of three hours of community service will be required per quarter, (this will be explained in greater detail). All students are encouraged to complete these assignments, since they will help them succeed in the class. Assignments will constitute 40% of your grade.
B. TESTS AND QUIZZES
Reading quizzes worth twenty points will be given almost every class period. Quiz questions will be taken directly from the assigned chapter readings. These quizzes may not be made up for any reason. One quiz score may be dropped from the quarter grade. Test material will be taken from the chapters, worksheets and notes given in class. Students who are excused for school activities should make arrangements to take the test before the scheduled activity. Students with extended illness will be given time to obtain test materials so they can be prepared to take the test. TESTS MUST BE TAKEN IN THE TESTING CENTER WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE TEST DATE. All major tests will be returned within one week. Essays will be returned within two weeks. There is a zero tolerance for cheating in this classroom, any student found cheating on any assignment or exam will receive an unsatisfactory citizenship grade and will take a zero on the activity, a second offense will result in automatic failure of the quarter grade. Tests and Quizzes will account for approximately 30% of your quarter grade.
C. ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
All students will be expected to engage in all classroom discussions and activities. Student opinion and feedback will help them and others in the class to formulate their own theories and opinions. Participation will be awarded for individual and group participation. Each class period, students will be asked questions from chapter readings, critical thinking activities, writings, notes, current events, etc., they will receive participation points for successfully answering these questions. At the teacher’s discretion, points may be withheld for classroom disturbances, inattention, violation of rules, inappropriate behavior, or any lack of participation. Participation will be approximately 30% of your quarter grade.
D.EXTRA CREDIT
A total of 25 points can be earned each quarter. All extra credit must be approved by the instructor. Extra credit is not required and should only be used if a student needs a few extra points. Students in the classroom will not be graded against other students extra credit.
6. GRADING PROCEDURE
For the purpose of grading, a point system will be used. All assignments, activities, projects, quizzes and examinations will be assigned a point value. Points will be added, categorized and placed on the following scale:
100 - 90 = A 86 - 83 = B 79 - 77 = C+ 72 - 70 = C- Note: Students must get
89 - 87 = B+ 82 - 80 = B- 76 - 73 = C Below 70 = F 70% to pass
STUDENTS: This document has been prepared to help you/your student understand what this course is all about and what will be expected of you/your student. A review or tutoring class will be held one day a week from 2:45 to 4:00. I'm here to help, if you ever have any questions or would like some extra help or if there's anything else I can do, please let me know.
We have read all of the above and understand it fully. We agree to follow the guidelines as stated.
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