Welcome to American Govt/Civic Class! My name is Mrs. Bassey and I am excited to be involved in your son/daughter's education this Second Semester, 2008/2009 school year. I am responsible for teaching your child American Govt./Civics 1st, 2nd, and 4th blocks. I will be teaching this class this semester with Mrs. B. Bowen (1st BLK) and Mr. J. Davis (2nd and 4th BLKs)in a co-taught setting.
If you wish to contact me, you can do so from this web site or by using MCSD e-mail ubassey @mcsdga.net. Please do not forget to indicate your e-mail address if you want a response to your message.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTION:
This class will assist your child acquire a basic knowledge of the development and workings of the United States government. Students will learn about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Political Parties, Voting, Elections, Criminal/Civil law, Right, Duties, and Responsibilities of citizens. The foundations of democracy, legislative, judicial and executive branches of govt. will also be our primary focus. Concepts concerning character education, volunteerism and study skills will be discussed. Basic geography skills viz map reading, interpretation of datas and drawing conclusions will be emphasized..
ATTENDANCE/MAKE-UP WORK:
Attendance is essential to success!!!! it is the student's responsibility to get/ask about make-up work or test they have missed, if their absence was excused. Generally, this must be done as soon as possible, but it must be within 3 days upon return. Work or test not made up at the specified time will result in a grade of zero. If a student misses more than 7 days in any course, they will NOT receive credit for that course. Students MUST be on time to class daily. Students need to go to their lockers before/after school or between classes. Understandably, it is sometimes necessary to go to the restroom, but this should not occur in our class on a daily basis. School rule regarding the students leaving the classroom will be strictly enforced. MCSD code of conduct, school rules and classroom rules are discussed at the beginning of the semester and students contracted to comply with the rules by signing documents to that effect. Parents are encouraged to review the rules with students periodically to ensure continued compliance throughout the course of the semester.
STUDENT EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
This class is set up on the point system. Not all assignments will be worth 100 points. The following is an example of an approximate point distribution for a nine week grading period:
Assignments:
Chapter tests @ 100 points each
Class work-notebook Check @ 50 points each
Daily class participation @ 10 points per active role
Other special assignments or projects etc.
On the whole, tests make up about 50% of the grade with class work/notebook checks (this includes homework and daily essential question entry), special assignments 50%. the above applies to only 1st block. the 2nd and 4th blocks (Repeaters class) has a slightly different grading system. In a nutshell, the bulk of the grade depends on class tasks, assignments, homework, projects etc. The final exam and tests only constitute 20% of the total grade. Eash student was given details of the grading scales for these classes and contents were discussed at the beginning of the semester. Cheating or talking during test/notebook check will result in a ZERO.
Students can make up missed work upto three days after the date they are absent. It is the sole responsibility of the student to ask for and complete missed assignments/quizzes/tests and projects.
Both teachers are available every Wednesday after school and other school days as schedule permits for make up assistance and support to students. we have open policy and parents are welcomed to sit in our classes if they so chose to do so.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
Textbook: Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics and You
Students can also use the internet to access the contents in this textbook by going to civ.glencoe.com They can review quiz section, and familiarize themselves with chapter tests to enhance their learning. The following codes will assist them gain access to the book:
Username: CT2005; Password 45rutapr
Films: 1-4 per semester with Civics content
Supplementary text/materials; Mastering Social Studies Skills, Maps, question sheets, lecture notes, newspapers and library materials. Students will also need a book cover, three ring binder with dividers, pen, pencils, paper and optional book cover to preserve our new textbooks.
NOTE: This is an inclusion class and is being taught by two teachers who are qualified to provide the necessary instruction to the students at their different levels of comprehension. Different strategies are utilized to accomodate every student without altering the content or curriculum.
Your child received a copy of the class syllabus, letter to parent, classroom expectations, procedures and consequences for this class at the beginning of the semester. You are free to sit in for observation in our class at anytime.
My schedule is as follows:
1st Block American Govt./Civics RM 405 with B. Bowen)
2ND BLOCK American Govt./Civics(RM 401 wit Mr. J Davis)
3RD BLOCK Planning
4th BLOCK AMERICAN GOVT/CIVICS(RM 405 with Mr.J. Davis)
Students can view their progress reports and/or be provided with a copy of their progress report upon request.
Parents are encouraged to assist the students prepare ahead for the class by viewing the weekly lesson plans on RUBICON and/or contacting the teacher via e-mail or phone call to the school. Students will always be informed of the topics to be covered in advance. It is the student's responsibility to keep track of covered topics in class and to read daily for details and mastery. Studens have been assigned textbooks and they are encouraged to take the books home to help them prepare for class in advance.
Other details concerning this class can be obtained from the other two teachers' sites. (Mrs. B.Bowen and Mr. J Davis). class participation, chapter tests, project and fact-finding presentations.
Strategies to be utilized include but are not limited to vocabulary puzzle, projects, lectures/discussions, notestaking, peer tutoring, and current affairs, presentations of fact-finding excercise,critical thinking excercises, interpretation of cartoons, maps, tables etc.
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