I. GRADING SYSTEM:
This class will be graded on the total amount of points earned during a terms work. The amount of points possible will range from 1800 to 2500. You will be graded on the following: participation and attendance 900 pts., daily assignments 800 pts., quizzes 200 pts., tests 1000 pts., and projects 200 pts. The following is the breakdown and percentages for grades A through F.
A = 96% - 100%
A- = 94% - 95%
B+ = 92% - 93%
B = 87% - 91%
B- = 85% - 86%
C+ = 83% - 84%
C = 74% - 82%
C- = 72% - 73%
D+ = 70% - 71%
D = 67% - 69%
D- = 60% - 66%
F = below 60%
II. REQUIREMENTS
A. Projects: All students are required to research and prepare a project. The projects will be decided by the class and may be selected from the following list (or other suggestions):
a. Speeches/Debates
b. Term Papers
c. Mock Trials
d. Mock Congress
e. History Web Page
f. Genealogies
Details regarding the projects will be given once the class has chosen the projects. (200 pts.)
B. Notebooks: All students will keep a three-ring notebook for his/her notes. Each page of the student’s notes should have the student’s name and the date that the notes were taken. All sections of the notebook should be indexed. All important papers and documents should be placed in this notebook and will be graded periodically throughout the course. (100 pts.)
C. Section Summaries: Students will be responsible for writing brief section summaries for each section of a chapter. Summaries should highlight the major concepts of each section. Each summary should be no longer then three-quarters of a page or half a page if it is typed. The summaries will be graded on content as well as proper grammar and spelling. (25 pts. each)
D. Article Reviews: Articles will be assigned periodically out of newspaper or magazines. Each article must contain a summary and a comment from each student. This comment should briefly state what the student thought of the article, propose any possible solutions, and any time a student raises a question, he should try to answer it, always answer the question, why. This should at least be 2+ pages.
(50 pts. each)
E. Participation and Attendance:
Participation is an essential part of the classroom environment and is encouraged at all times. It is, therefore, a requirement that a percentage of each student’s final grade will be based on participation. Participation is defined as the student’s presence in class. If you do not participate in class, you and your parent will be notified in writing. You and your parents will also be notified when you accumulate five, and ten days of absence. Distinctions between excused and unexcused absences are of no consequence to the following grading minimums. Make-up work will be granted upon your request, and must be returned in a timely manner, (two days for each day absent). If you are not in class because you are involved in a co-curricular activity then you are defined as absent in class, but activities do not affect your attendance percentage. Homework must be returned in a timely manner in order to receive full credit. Each student will be graded as follows:
1. If a student has perfect attendance, which means no absences, he will receive 5% added to their final grade.
2. If a student misses one day during a term he will receive 4% added to his final grade.
3. If a student has any absences which equals two during a term, he will receive 3% added to his final grade.
4. If a student has any absences which equals three during a term, he will receive 2% added to his final grade.
5. If a student has any absences which equals four during a term, his will receive 1% added to his final grade.
6. If a student has any absences that equal five during a term, his final grade will not be altered.
7. Participation and being present in class everyday is important to a student’s success in school. I place a high expectation on each of my students regarding attendance and participation. If the student received advanced notice of an assignment then he will turn in make-up work, including tests, on the date given. If the student received advance notice of the homework and is absent on the due date he will turn in the make-up on the first day of his return. If a student has prior knowledge of a due date and is not going to present on the due date then the student is responsible to turn in the work before the due date. If the time limit is exceeded no credit will be given. If more time is needed, prior arrangements may be made with me.
F. Quizzes: Quizzes may or may not be announced in advance, but always be prepared. Use of notes and point value of questions will be announced. (200 pts)
G. Test: Test will be announced in advance and will usually be worth anywhere from 80 to 200 pts. Tests may cover anywhere from 1 to 3 chapters. Questions on the test may range from true and false to essay. If the student received advanced notice then he will take the test or quiz on the date given. If the student received advanced notice of the test and is absent on the test date he will take the test or quiz on the first day they return. If the student did not receive advanced notice of the test or quiz he will be given two days for each day absent in order to complete the work. Make up test will be complete essay and very difficult. (1800 pts)
H. Daily Work: Most assignments can be finished in class, although homework will be assigned, it will not be excessive. Homework will be graded on an item for item format and points will be designated for each assignment. Completing the daily work and assignments can be the difference between passing and failing. Please make sure that every assignment is complete and turn in for full credit. (pts. unknown)
I. Culminating Project: This project will be a comprehensive assignment that will encompass your social science class for the entire semester. Work on this project can begin immediately. The types of projects that will be accepted may include portfolios, research papers, genealogies, case briefs, web pages, local history, or your own creative ideas. (300 pts.)
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STUDENT AND PARENT AGREEMENT
I have read the following Class Outline and understand the grading procedure, attendance policy, and other items contained in the course outline. I have also read the Class Expectations and understand the rules of the classroom.
Student Signature _________________________
Parent Signature __________________________
Date ___________________