American Government

2014 15 Course Syllabus

COURSE OVERVIEW:
The purpose of this course is to encourage thoughtful
examination of American Government and the
Constitution. This will be accomplished by focusing on
the visions, documents, practices, and
accomplishments of particular individuals and groups
as they helped shape Americas Government.
COURSE COMPETANCIES:
The Independence School District outlines six goals
for students who complete this course, otherwise
known as course competencies. In short, the
competencies are designed to measure your
understanding of both content and skills. As outlined
in these competencies, students who complete
American Government will be able to:
1)
Identify major themes within the Missouri and
U.S. Constitutions;
2)
Evaluate the rights and responsibilities of
members of local, state, and national
communities;
3)
Analyze the three branches of government as
they affect individuals in our society;
4)
Examine major milestones in the development
of U.S. democracy
Unit Outline and Timeline:
Unit 1 Foundations of Government Week 1-3: Why do
governments exist and what are their functions? What
are the reasons why governments change? It is better
to have a strong central government or strong state
governments?
Unit 2 Structures of Government Week 4-11: How did
compromise lead to the structure of our government?
What are the powers and responsibilities of the 3
branches of government? How does the system of
check and balances prevent the abuse of power? How
is power shared between central and state
governments? What liberties are protected by the
Constitutional amendments?
Unit 3 Government in Action Weeks 12-18: How can
citizens participate in civic life? What are the
purposes and goals of political parties and interest
groups in the electoral process? What are the
different types and purposes of elections? How do
people use power?
Respect:
Act responsibly, respectfully and appropriately to all
students, staff and visitors to our room. Respect our
classroom, its members, books, supplies and yourself.
We are here to learn and we will be exposed to many
opinions about culture, religion, morals, values, family

and so much more. It is fine to disagree. Please

refrain from any put-downs or name calling. Everyone
has a right to believe what they want. We do not have
a right to ridicule them in our class. We are here to
learn first, which means we have to build a safe
learning community for every student.
If you dont understand what the classroom definition
of respect is, please see me. We all have our own
opinion of how to show and get respect.
Electronic Devices:
Have all electronic devices put away before the bell
rings. I do not want to see or hear your phone.
Checking the time is not an excuse (we have a clock).
Extreme cases: if it becomes an issue, I will require
you to turn your phone in daily. If asked, you will hand
me your electronic device, the first time, and you will
get no consequence except the loss of device for the
hour. If you refuse or if you habitually use the device;
see above sentence on extreme cases.
Tardy Policy:
If you are not in the classroom when the bell has rung
you ARE tardy. Dont be tardy. The VH tardy policy
requires me to report habitual offenders. The policies
will be posted on the VH Info board in our class.
Absences:
It is very difficult to learn if you are not here. Although
I understand everyone gets sick, please make positive
choices. Come to class, pay attention, have some fun,
learn something and graduate a productive citizen.
Attendance is the key to your success at Van Horn.
Board policy will be posted.
Inappropriate language or comments:
DONT DO IT! This includes any racial words you may
call your friends. It may be ok w/ them, but not me.
Leaving Class:
There will be no passes written the first and last 20
minutes of class. That is an expectation of VAN HORN.
Dont ask me, I will not break school rules. I will not
ignore school/district/board policies. Never, under any
circumstances, will you leave class without a signed
pass from me. Use your time before class wisely.
Academic Honesty:
Academic honesty means do it on your own, as a
group or however else I SPECIFY. If you dont get it,
ask. If you still dont, ask again. Dont sit and stare
into space because you are lost and afraid to ask. It is
school. We learn new things. Everyone will need help.
Even me. Dont give your work to others. I know you
want to be nice and help, but you are not helping. If I
suspect any academic dishonesty both parties will
receive a zero.
Plagiarism- taking another persons ideas and
presenting them as your own- this includes copying
and pasting information for a paper from another
publication or the internet
Failing to cite sources of information in a bibliography
and within the text of the paper (learn to cite work
and plagiarism is not a problem)
Paraphrasing-taking ideas from another work without
citing that work. (Dont add or delete a word and call
it your own)

Grading Scale: + and is generated by PowerSchool

A 100-90%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-60%
F <59%
Ways to Succeed:
1. Come to class regularly <4 absences
2. Work and become involved in your education. Ask questions, answer questions and participate.
3. Complete all assignments even if they are late.
4. Use your time wisely. If I give you time in class to work, WORK!
5. Be prepared every day to learn
Assessments: Quizzes and Unit Tests 20%, Final EOC 30%= 50% of your final grade
There will be a minimum of one type of assessment a week. The information covered can come from
any of the material covered in class, webinars, notes, clips, readings, presentations, etc. I am not
looking to fail you. I will prepare you for success. I will do my part, you have to do yours.
In Class Assignments 40%
We will have daily assignments that can be finished in class. We will interact with the SMARTBOARD,
read aloud, analyze graphs, write A LOT, present, annotate, discuss, debate and listen to each other.
All of these activities are designed to keep you active and engaged in the learning process. For you,
and the activity, to be a success, everyone must participate.
Homework: 10%
HW policy is fluid.
Late Work Policy:
If your assignment is not turned in on time (homework or daily work) it will result in the following:
Loss of valuable information that may save your life and/or necessary to pass Government and
graduate from High School
All work must be completed in 2 days. The maximum % allotted for late work over 2 days is 75%.
After 10 days, 50%. I will accept work up to 1 week before semester ends. Classwork cant be made
up. Alternate assignments will be given if absence is excused. If you fail to do anything, it will be a 0.
If we are working in class and have ample time to complete an assignment and you choose not to
work, NO MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENT WILL BE GIVEN. PRODUCTIVE class time is mandatory. If you dont
do classwork and are disruptive or sleeping, you skip directly to a zero for the assignment. Hint;
WORK IN CLASS!!
Assessments can be made up by appointment within 5 days.
EOC End of Course Exam
As part of a Missouri State requirement, ALL American Government students will take an End of
Course Exam at the end of each semester. The expectation is for all students to score a proficient or
above on the EOC. All Proficient and Advanced scores will result in a passing grade in Government.
Supplies:
1- Dry erase marker in visible dark color. (Black/Blue/Red)
1-composition notebook or similar for daily notes and bell work
1-folder for handouts
A writing utensil of your choosing
If you have a Smart Phone, please download a FREE Constitutional APP. (not required)
Items must be in class Monday, Jan. 12th.
Need Help?
ASK FOR HELP! I cant read your mind. ADVOCATE for yourself! I will be respectful, confidential, and
considerate to all student needs. I will accommodate ALL students. If you are an IEP, ELL or 504
student, I will accommodate your needs and follow your plan. If you have any concerns about my
modifications or plan implementation, please see me immediately so we can work out a solution.
Angela Weatherford
Phone: 816.521.5360
angela_weatherford@isdschools.org
You can reach me before and after school or during 4th hour
I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns