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
THE AMERICANS: Danzer, Klor De Alva, Krieger, Wilson, & Woloch--2003 Edition
2. COURSE INTRODUCTION
This course is a survey study of the history of the United States. Emphasis is on the major characters, events, problems, controversies and solutions which have shaped our nation. Students will learn to synthesize, evaluate history and make valid historical decisions. This class will try to help each student learn their citizenship responsibilities and to actively participate in our democratic process.
3. COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. You will gain a formal knowledge of American History.
B. You will hopefully gain an appreciation of the richness and diversity of American political and cultural expression, and a deeper sense of what it means to live in this ever-changing nation.
C. You will be prepared to confront contemporary problems and issues in a confident and positive manner.
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 student with no absences and no tardies during the entire quarter will receive a one-step grade raise. A short synopsis of the new attendance 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.CONDUCT IN THE CLASSROOM
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. 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. The school’s discipline policy will be enforced.
5. LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. RESEARCH, GROUP PROJECTS, DEBATES, 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.
B. ASSIGNMENTS, HANDOUTS and TESTS
Many of the assignments and handouts will directly follow the course outline. Students are expected to turn in assignments on time. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED! If an assignment is not received before the bell rings, it will not be accepted. All students are encouraged to complete these assignments, since they will help them succeed in the class. Approximately one hour of homework will be assigned each class period and usually should be completed the following class session. Those students that have an excused absence will be assigned a make-up assignment which must be completed one class period after returning to school.
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, assignments, & activities will account for approximately 75% of your quarter grade.
C. ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Student involvement is a very important part of this class Student opinion and feedback will help them and others in the class to formulate their own theories and opinions. Please remember that if a student has an educated opinion that does not concur with your own, it's O.K. and we will learn from that difference of opinion. These points will include a variety of critical thinking skill activities, chapter information and also current events. Each student must earn 300 points for INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION. In addition to participation points, each student will be required to do six hours of community service. This will be a portion of your participation grade and is required for successful completion of this course. A minimum of three hours of community service will be required per quarter, (this will be explained in greater detail). Participation will be approximately 25% of your quarter grade.
D.EXTRA CREDIT
A total of 50 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:
PERCENT 100 - 94 = A 86 - 83 = B 76 - 73 = C Note: Students must get
93 - 90 = A- 82 - 80 = B- 72 - 70 = C- at least 70% to pass
89 - 87 = B+ 79 - 77 = C+ Below 70 = F the class.
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. 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.
_________________________________ ___________________________________ ________________
Signature of the Student Print Your Name Date
_________________________________ ___________________________________ ________________
Signature of the Parent/Guardian Print Your Name Date
_________________________________ ___________________________________
Parent Email Address Student Email Address