J.P. Knapp Early College High School Home of the Spartans!
CIVICS & ECONOMICS FALL SEMESTER 2014
Course Syllabus
Course Instructor: Mrs. C. Bowyer Contact Information:
[email protected] Or by phone 252-232-3107 ext. 1508 Meeting Location: Room A1 – Main Campus Bldg. A
Office Hours & Academic Support Availability Regular Office Hours will be available to students by request (teacher or student) each day from 11:00 – 11:30 A.M. and 12:10 – 12:40 P.M. with the exception of Fridays and designated Academic Seminar days. Morning Office Hours are offered from 7:45 A.M. – 8:15 A.M. and available to all students. Scheduling an appointment in advance is recommended. Additional Office Hours (online or after school) may be scheduled as well.
Honors Civics and Economics ~ Course Information Civics and Economics has been developed as a course that provides a framework for understanding the basic Tenets of American democracy, practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution, basic concepts of American politics and citizenship and concepts in macro and micro economics and personal finance. The essential standards of this course are organized under three strands – Civics and Government, Personal Financial Literacy and Economics. The Civics and Government strand is framed to develop students’ increased understanding of the institutions of constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded, the skills necessary to participate as effective and responsible citizens and the knowledge of how to use democratic procedures for making decisions and managing conflict. The Economic and Personal Financial Literacy strands are framed to provide students with an understanding of the role economic factors play in making economic decisions, the ability to reason logically about key and mic issues the knowledge and skills needed to manage personal financial resources effectively for lifetime financial security. Taken together these three strands should help to prepare students to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world. The essential standards and clarifying objectives of this course build on the civic and economic strands taught in grades kindergarten through eight and align with the National Standards for Civics and Government, the National Standards for Economics and the National Standards of Personal Financial Literacy. The standards of this course seek to address key provisions in North Carolina Public School Law G.S. 115C-81 that call for all students to learn about the governments of the United States and North Carolina, the free enterprise system and the manner in which it is actually practiced. Additionally, this course seeks to address the Session Law 2005-276, Section 7.59 amendment to G.S. 115C-81 that requires public schools to provide instruction in personal financial literacy for all high school students and the North Carolina State Board of Education’s decision that personal financial literacy standards be integrated into the Civics and Economics course. Finally, this course has been aligned to the requirements of Session Law 2011-273 House Bill 588 The Founding Principles Act. The essential standards in themselves are not intended to be the curriculum, nor do they indicate the whole of the curriculum that will be written by an LEA. The essential standards have been developed to serve as the minimum baseline standards that will guide each local school district in the development of their standard and honors level Civics and Economics courses. The essential standards for Civics and Economics have been written conceptually and identify the most critical knowledge and skills that students need to learn in this course.
NC Essential Standards & Common Core Clarifying Objectives - This Civics and Economics Course of Study will be based on the NC Essential Standards/Common Core as set forth by DPI. CE.C&G.1 - Analyze the foundations and development of American government in terms of principles and values. CE.C&G.2 - Analyze government systems within the United States in terms of their structure, function and relationships. CE.C&G.3 - Analyze the legal system within the United States in terms of the development, execution and protection of citizenship rights at all levels of government. CE.C&G.4 - Understand how democracy depends upon the active participation of citizens. CE.C&G.5 - Analyze how political and legal systems within and outside of the United States provide a means to balance competing interests and resolve conflicts. CE.PFL.1 - Analyze the concepts and factors that enable individuals to make informed financial decisions for effective resource planning. CE.PFL.2 - Understand how risk management strategies empower and protect consumers. CE.E.1 - Understand economies, markets and the role economic factors play in making economic decisions. CE.E.2 - Understand factors of economic interdependence and their impact on nations. More information on Essential Standards (including Clarifying Objectives) can be found at: The above description comes from the North Carolina Department of Instruction website: Click Here for Standards and Course Information
Required Materials & Additional Supplies Civics Textbooks: Textbooks will not be assigned to students. Textbooks are available in the Media Center for student check out as needed. Supplemental Reading Materials: Supplemental reading materials, such as novels, may be used throughout the course and will be provided to students online or through check out in the Media Center. Students are encouraged to purchase their own copies of novels if they wish to do so. Course Project Materials: Students may need to purchase additional materials throughout the semester to complete assigned projects. Students will receive advance notice of projects and materials. Required materials for students to bring to class EACH DAY: • • • • •
USB device (flashdrive for storing electronic documents) 3 ring binder and Loose Leaf Notebook paper Writing Utensils (Pens in blue or black ink and/or pencils) Composition Notebook Laptop (school provided or student may provide own) *Students may wish to bring their own colored pencils, highlighters and/or markers to class; however, these items are optional.
CLASSROOM "WISH LIST" ITEMS As a part of daily classroom use, for hygiene and project purposes, Classroom “W WISH LIST” items are included below. These items are optional for students to bring in and are especially appreciated at any time throughout the school year. If dropping "Wish List" Items in the front office, please be sure to indicate the intended classroom (ex: Mrs. C. Bowyer - A1): Highlighters – Glue Sticks – Index Cards - Hand Sanitizer – Tissues - Clorox/Lysol/Off-Brand Wipes - Dry Erase Markers Ziploc Bags (Quart and Gallon) - Any Arts/Crafts materials (i.e. fabric, felt, glitter, paint, hot glue sticks, etc.)
Grading Policies The following percentages will be used to determine each student’s grade:
Grade Breakdown
Students will be informed of due date(s), expectation(s), grading weight(s) and any other specific requirements as work is assigned.
Major Assignments: 55% Including Tests/Assessments, Projects, Essays and Research Papers
Other Assignments: 45% Including, but not limited to: Journals, Quick Writes, Current Events, Quizzes, Classwork and Homework
Grading Scale 93-100 = A 85-92 = B 77-84 = C 70-76 = D 69 & below = F
Mastery Assessment Scale Most assignments are assessed based on the following authentic mastery scale and converted to the weighted GPA scale for a numerical value: 4 = Substantial/Exceptional evidence of mastery/specified concept 3 = Moderate/Elaborated evidence of mastery/specified concept 2 = Some/Minimal evidence of mastery/specified concept 1 = No evidence/In Error of mastery/specified concept Students receiving a “1” will be asked to revisit their work for corrections and improvement. Academic support will be available to students during Office Hours/Seminar. **The grade point average scale is located in the Spartan Student & Parent Handbook & Course Directory.
Civics and Economics Final Course Exam Students will take a final exam at the end of this course. The exam is created by DPI (The Department of Instruction) and based on the course standards. It will be administered during the Fall Semester Exam Week (December 15-19). Please note: The final course exam will count as 20% of the student’s final course grade. There are no exemptions for the course final exam. Grading and Absences Please be advised that students that are absent more than 7 (seven) class periods during this semester course, excused or unexcused, will receive a failing grade (FF) for the course.
Reporting Grades Please refer to the J.P. Knapp Student & Parent Handbook for specific Report Cards issue dates as well as conference dates.
Grading Period End Dates: October 10, 2014 December 19, 2014
Progress Reports will be issued (at a minimum) at the 4.5 week mark each grading period; however, it is my goal to send home reports every 2 weeks. Parents are encouraged to be on the lookout for regular progress reports.
Academic Integrity & Course Work Expectations Honor Code Parents and students are asked to please read over and familiarize yourselves with the J. P. Knapp Early College Honor Code, which all students are expected to follow at all times:
J.P. Knapp Early College Honor Code Any student who knowingly engages in or attempts to engage in plagiarism or falsification shall be subject to disciplinary action. The following actions specifically are prohibited: 1. cheating, including the giving or receiving of any unauthorized assistance or unfair advantage on any form of academic work; 2. plagiarism, including the copying of the language, structure ideas and/or thought of another and representing it as one’s own original work; and 3. falsification, including a verbal or written statement that is knowingly untrue but is represented as the truth.
Due Dates & Missing Work Students are expected to adhere to due dates and encouraged to pace themselves accordingly. Above all, students are expected to complete all assigned work to the best of their abilities. In the case of missing assignments, students will be placed on the Office Hours list. interventions:
Additional
1st Missed Assignment - Teacher Warning (students will be asked to complete the work & submit immediately) 2nd Missed Assignment - Parent Contact 3rd Missed Assignment - Parent Contact
Should a student reach a 3rd Missing Assignment (or more), the circumstance(s) will be evaluated and additional interventions may be used, including, but not limited to: required attendance during Office Hours, After School Detention, Friday Afternoon Detention, a Student/Parent Conference, a Student/Principal Conference and/or a Referral.
As mentioned previously, students are expected to adhere to due dates. Late assignments are subject to a deduction in points or a loss in assignment credit. Make-Up Work - Due to Absence(s) In the case of an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to retrieve his or her make-up work from the designated area in the classroom. Students are given three (3) days to complete and submit make-up work. Absent students who have missed a test or quiz must make arrangements to make up the missing assessment(s). Students are asked to provide as much advance notice as possible if an extended absence from class is planned. A written note or email from a parent/guardian indicating the dates and reason(s) for the extended absence are acceptable. At least 48 hours notice is needed to prepare work for students to complete during an extended absence.
Classroom Expectations Classroom Agreements At the beginning of the course, students will review the Civics standard “Classroom Agreements”. 1) Proceed with Perseverance – Keep TRYING! 2) Have Humor. 3) Operate with an Open Mind & Acceptance. 4) Treat others as you wish to be treated! Remember, Recognize & Return Respect. 5) PARTICIPATE…Confidently, Equally & Fairly! 6) Do Your Best!
Students are invited to make suggestions and add to the “agreements”. These “agreements” are posted in the class and expected to be followed by all students. The school and county handbook policies and procedures are expected to be followed at all times as well. If a student chooses to break an “agreement” disciplinary action(s) will be as follows: 1) Verbal Warning - 2) Teacher/Student Conference - 3) Parent Contact - 4) Referral to Office *Please refer to the Student Handbook for complete information on the Discipline Referral Process.
Electronic Devices Students may not use electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, iPods, MP3 Players, CD players, game devices, etc.) during class unless authorized by an early college staff member. Failure to comply with this policy will result in confiscation of the electronic device. Parents will be required to pick up the device from the main office. Students are required to bring laptops to class each day. It is each student’s responsibility to ensure his or her laptop is charged and ready for use in class. Students are strongly encouraged to have power cords with them each day and to utilize down times, such as lunch, to charge laptops.
Laptops will not always be used at the beginning of class; therefore, students are required to wait for directions prior to powering up and/or logging on to laptops.
Additional Information Class Tardiness: Students are expected to be in the classroom, seated, prepared for class and ready to work at the designated class period start time. Students tardy to class three (3) times will be referred to the main office for disciplinary action.
Field Trips: Students may take field trips during this course. Field trips are subject to change and/or cancellation at any time. Once field trips are planned and approved, students will receive a permission slip to include date(s), costs and specific field trip information. Parents are encouraged to participate in field trip activities. If you are interested in attending to help chaperone, please contact Mrs. Bowyer for more information.
Important Resources/Links: District Website: http://www.currituck.k12.nc.us/ School Website: http://www.currituck.k12.nc.us/Domain/180 OpenClass: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/openclass/ NCWiseOWL: http://www.ncwiseowl.org/ Destiny (Library Catalog): http://destiny.currituck.k12.nc.us/ SAS Curriculum Pathways: http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/ **Additional resources will be included on Mrs. Bowyer’s Teacher Webpage and in the “Resources” in OpenClass
Communication: Open communication is very important! Parents may be contacted throughout the year by email or telephone. Please provide your most updated information for this purpose. Parents, guardians and students are invited to contact me with comments, questions and/or concerns at any time. I can be reached during office hours at the school at 252-232-3107 ext. 1508 or by email. Please remember to frequently visit the school website and Openclass, as these too serve as great tools for communication! After reviewing the syllabus please sign and return the last page of this form no later than August 13th. Thank you for your support! I look forward to a fun, fantastic year! Thank you,
Mrs. Christina Bowyer
Please complete & return this page to Mrs. Bowyer no later than August 13th!
VIDEO RELEASE PERMISSION Short clips, or at times an entire program, to illustrate content, themes or issues being discussed in class may be shown during instructional time and in conjunction with assessment activities. Viewings may include, but are not limited to, documentaries, History Channel programs, and various theatrical films. Please sign below indicating if you wish to allow your child to watch videos used in the classroom. Should you indicate that you do not wish your child to view videos alternative academic work will be provided to your child to be completed in the Media Center during class viewings. Thank you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 252-232-3107 ext. 1508 My child, ________________________________ (please print), has permission does not have permission (please check only one box) to view videos, clips and/or full length, used in class for the purpose of instruction. Parent/Guardian signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date:__________________
GENERAL SYLLABUS SIGNATURES Student: By signing this Syllabus Acknowledgment Page you are indicating your understanding and acceptance of the J.P. Knapp ECHS Honor Code and all other guidelines, discipline, and class procedures. Student name (please print): ________________________________________________ Period# _________ Student signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date:__________________
Parent/Guardian: By signing this Syllabus Acknowledgment Page you are indicating your understanding and acceptance of all guidelines, discipline, and class procedures of your child’s participation in this course. Parent/Guardian name (please print): ________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date:__________________
STUDENT/PARENT INFORMATION Student Name: ____________________________________________
(
)_________________________ (Cell)
**Students’ cell numbers are requested for the purposes of field trips, homework or project text notices and/or other instructional purposes only.
Parent(s) or Guardian(s) Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address City State Zip Phone Numbers: Home: (_______) _______________________ Cell(s): (_______) _______________________ Work: (_______) _______________________ (_______) _______________________ Email Address(es): ___________________________________________________________________________________
Please include area code!
Special Notes for Mrs. Bowyer: ______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
