SAN MARCOS HIGH SCHOOL

4750 Hollister Avenue

Santa Barbara, CA 93110

(805) 967-4581

American Government Mrs. Wood

SYLLABUS

Welcome to American Government! This course will afford you the opportunity to learn more about the development and inner-workings of the government of the United States. In keeping with the California Public Schools Frameworks, emphasis will fall on the structure and function of our government, from inception to current issues. Units of study will include purpose of government, comparative governments and economic systems, the creation of our federal government, the Constitution and Federalism, the three branches of government, state and local governments, and contemporary issues in America today.

A variety of learning methods will be utilized to supplement the text, including cooperative group and pairs activities, role-playing, oral presentations, audio-visual instruction, lecture, debate, research, and writing exercises. Students will complete individual projects, including a term paper, short essay, and letter to representative. In addition to individual projects, students will work cooperatively on class assignments and presentations.

HOW TO REACH MRS. WOOD

· My telephone extension is 307. I will make every effort to return your call as soon as possible. My conference period is: _____________. I am generally available to take phone calls or meet with parents and students at that time.

· My website address is: www.sbhistory.org Click on “homework” for daily updates.

· My work email address is: nwood@smroyals.org

· My home email address is: nwood@sbhistory.com

TEXT

Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall, 2006.

MATERIALS

Please bring the following to class EVERY day:

· 3-ring binder, notebook paper

· pens, pencils

· book (only when I direct you to do so)

· optional: highlighter, white out, art supplies

GRADES

Grades will be determined by the percentage of points accumulated during the term from homework, quizzes, tests, papers, in-class assignments, projects, and occasional extra-credit opportunities:

90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 0-59% = F

· I want every one of my students to succeed in expanding his/her governmental perspective. To do so effectively, ALL assignments must be given your best effort, and be completed ON TIME. Full credit will not be given to work that is turned in late. Portfolios and Term Projects turned in late will be accepted as follows: 1 day late = 20% deduction, 2 days late = 50% deduction, no credit thereafter. All other assignments: 1 day late = 50% deduction, no credit thereafter.

· Students with excused absences will receive full credit for make-up work, provided that they contact me on the day of their return. At that time, we will arrange for the completion of class and homework assignments. Be sure to place a blank piece of paper with your name and date in the “make-up” box (after you have read my daily makeup summary, passed around at the beginning of the period), noting the hand-outs you need. Unless prior arrangements have been made, make-up work must be completed within one week, in order to receive credit.

· Sick students belong at home, but I would urge you to limit your absences – it is very easy to fall behind, and you are responsible for all missed work.

· I am more than willing to make accommodations for students with special needs. Please speak to me if there is anything at all that I should be aware of regarding academic or personal needs.

HOMEWORK

The amount of homework will vary, according to the unit of study. As a general rule, expect homework to be assigned Monday through Thursday nights. Students with excused absences may make up assignments. There are two ways to check assignments:

· The homework assignments list posted in class (also announced by me each day in class)

· Mrs. Wood’s website: http://www.sbhistory.org (for daily and special assignments)

ASSESSMENTS

· Students will be given frequent in-class quizzes and writing assignments, in order to assess learning. Tests or quizzes will be given at the conclusion of each unit of study. Make-up exams should be scheduled (for students with excused absences) immediately upon returning to school.

· Selected topics will be assessed through papers, projects, and/or oral presentations. I will provide details at the beginning of these units.

CLASS MANAGEMENT

You can maintain good grades and have an enjoyable history class experience by adhering to the following principles:

· Be Respectful – Raise your hand when appropriate, talk in turn, respect the opinions of others. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated at San Marcos High School. Offenders will be referred to the Administration Office immediately.

· Maintain A Learning Environment – Clean up after yourself, and be kind to all classroom furniture and equipment. Please don’t eat or drink in the room – it is messy, disruptive, and encourages visits from ants and other critters.

· Be Prepared – Arrive on time. Three tardies = detention. Visit the restroom before class. Remember to bring your supplies, homework, etc. Give every task your best effort. Do your homework/classwork, study for exams, participate in class activities and discussions. YOU ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GRADE THAT YOU RECEIVE.

STANDARDS AND LESSON ALIGNMENT

At the beginning of each day, during announcements, the posted daily lesson/matching State Standard/ESLRs will be reviewed orally. Students will thus be able to articulate the relevance of daily lessons.

MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

I will strive to provide the most academically enriching curriculum possible, in order to assist students in becoming productive citizens who are effective thinkers and communicators. Clear goals, high academic and behavioral expectations, a supportive school climate, and the promotion of healthy self-esteem and respect for all people and cultures will aid me in achieving these goals.

WELCOME TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENTJ