Mr.  Decker                           Mrs. Vail                                          Mr. Diamond         

Room H111                           Room H109                       Room G114

          Phone: 987-5973 Ext 5915           Ext: 5404                                          Ext:-5900

Email: tdecker@qcusd.org           cvail@qcusd.org                          tdiamond@qcusd.org                                         

Queen Creek High School

Syllabus/Classroom Policies & Procedures:

United States & Arizona Government

2009-10

 

 Overview: This one-semester course is required for graduation from Queen Creek High School. The class follows the Arizona State Standards for Social Studies and focuses on the foundations, structure, functions and powers of American government, the structure and content of the US Constitution, the structure and functions of the government of Arizona and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Emphasis will be placed on determining relevance, synthesizing and analyzing information and on constructing clear, well-documented arguments – both oral and written. Current events will also be an integral part of the course. Throughout the semester, there will be regular homework assignments as well as projects and oral presentations. Tests and quizzes will be announced in advance so that students can prepare for them thoroughly. Most class discussions will be based on homework and textbook reading so it is imperative that students stay up-to-date with their assignments. Regular class participation is expected and, in order to maintain an effective dialogue, each student needs to listen respectfully to others and keep an open mind. Disrespect for others will not be tolerated.

 

 Students: If you are confused or have questions about the material being studied, please schedule a conference with me. I am here to help you and I will be available before school, at lunch, after school and during my prep period.

 

 Textbook: United States Government: Democracy in Action, Remy, Glencoe McGraw Hill Publishing.

 

 Basic Rules:

Be prepared for class daily. (Each day you will need to bring a pen, paper, notebook and completed homework unless specifically instructed differently.)

Be respectful of others and the items in the classroom.

Follow all school rules and procedures.

     ID’s must be worn and visible at all times.

     Cell phones and ipods may not be used in the classroom at any time.

 

 Assignments and absences:

Assignments are to be complete, legibly written, and turned in on their assigned date. Since homework frequently is used to supplement our class discussions, late work will be penalized. If you have an excused absence, please turn in your homework as soon as you return to class. Missed tests must be made up within two days of your return to school unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.

 

 Grading:

90-100%     = A                 Tests & quizzes = approx. 30-40%; Projects/presentations = approx. 20%;

80-89%       = B                 Homework & in class participation =approx. 20-30%

70-79%       = C                  Cumulative semester exam = 20%

60-69%       = D                

Below 60% = F                 

 

 Discipline Procedures:

Warning

Meeting with student

Meet w/student &/or phone call to parents

 

 **Note: Based on the nature of the offense, the initial consequences could result in a referral to the office or a modification of the original steps.

 

 This course is designed so that you can succeed. Please do not hesitate to meet with me if you need help.  An informed citizenry is essential to any democracy. I hope that by the end of this semester, you will understand what you, as ONE citizen, can do to make a difference in the government of this country.

 

 STUDENT AND PARENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Students:

I have read and understand the classroom Policies and Procedures for Government class and I agree to follow them. I understand the consequences if I choose not to comply with them. I know if I have a problem or need help to be successful in this class, I will see my teacher before or after school or arrange a time to meet..

 

 

 ______________________________________                 ______________________________________

     Student Name (PRINT)                                          Student Signature/Date

 

 

 

 Parents:

Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the expectations, policies and procedures that are outlined and provide your contact numbers so we may have effective communication throughout the year. .

 

 Note: To extend the information given in the textbook, videos will be shown in this class from time to time.  All films shown will be relevant to course content. Your signature here also acknowledges your permission to show your child films with ratings of “NR” (pre 1967), “G”, PG and/or “PG-13” only. If you wish to have advance notification for each video/DVD used in this class, please indicate that below and provide your email and daytime phone number.

 

 Thank you.

 

 

 ____________________________________  ______________________________________

Parent Name (PRINT)  Parent Signature/Date

 

 Email: ______________________________________________________________

 

 Phone: ___________________________________________________

 

 ______ I wish to be notified in advance of any video/DVD that is shown in this class

 

 Note: Students: If you return this signed form to your teacher within the next 3 days, you will receive 15 points homework credit. (An easy way to earn an “A”!)

US Government Syllabus

Front Office Phone: 480-987-5973

Attendance: 480-987-5967

Counseling Clerk: 480-987-5976

Fax: 480-882-1276
Email: tdecker@qcusd.org