APUSH info and Expectations

Welcome to AP US History! It's going to be a great year! This site is a great start to help you uncover some of the many tools that are out there to help you be successful. Please visit OFTEN for info on reading expectations, test dates, and multiple resources to help you get to your best possible score!

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Upon successful completion of this course, you can receive college credit at your future college or university. Please check with that institution for their credit acceptance criteria of AP scores. The material is to be presented in a familiar fashion to college coursework, it will be more demanding than typical US History courses offered. This will demand significant time outside of class devoted to reading and writing, several days a week, approximately 4-5 hours per week. Your ability to manage your time well and act independently is important and key to your success. It is IMPERATIVE that you keep up on the reading expectations. Class discussions and activities assume you will come with the assigned reading completed, your failure to do so will not allow for you to successfully participate in our activities. They include the following:

• Lectures, discussion (both small group and full-class) and note taking
• Investigation and query of primary and secondary sources of a diverse type (readings, art, artifacts, and many other sources)
• Quizzes from assigned readings--via google forms/classroom

Meeting the expectations above will prepare you for success on this AP exam and beyond. The AP experience may place greater demand on you than you are accustomed. It is likely you will need to consult with me one on one from time to time. I welcome the opportunity to help you and urge you to make arrangements to see me ASAP if you are experiencing difficulties with the course. I also encourage you to purchase the AMSCO version of the text (see above) and borrow or buy the AP review guides for this course.

CLASS POLICIES

Class discussion will be an integral part of this course. I will question you, you will question me, as well as one another. For our discussions to be productive, everyone has the right to respectfully express an opinion, backed with credible evidence and details to support it. Opinions are supported by facts. Some general guidelines:

• Treat one another with kindness, respect, and patience
• Keep the volume appropriate. Shouting over a classmate does not make your view more correct or pertinent
• Come prepared--have your reading completed so you can fully participate

Other Policies to Consider

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Most written work will be submitted via Google Classroom or turnitin.com to help minimize the likelihood of plagiarism. Please refer to the student planner for specific consequences.

CELL PHONES

Folks, I can't compete with your snap streaks. Unless specifically requested, your phone is AWAY: in your bag, pocket, or charging station at front of class. Notifications off. That's it. Ask your science teachers: the T-Rex is dead due to texting. FACT.

Grading

80% of your grade will be from summative tests. You will have practice formative quizzes via website. You need to achieve 70% or better on prior to the summative test. Quizzes can be taken multiple times until your highest score. They are not worth points for your grade, but REQUIRED for testing and remediation. Other required assignments, such as the district final and written work will also contribute to your grade, 10% each.

Additional policies to consider:

• It is your responsibility to see me promptly regarding absences in a timely manner and arranging a time to meet. This would include scheduled and unscheduled absences.
• Field trip attendance is at the discretion of the teacher
• Completed, thorough work is accepted. You will be asked to remediate less than quality work.
• All school and district handbook policies are enforced in this classroom.

Be advised the teacher is under no obligation to accept late work after the assigned due date.

Skills Needed for Class

1. Maintain the reading schedule and take useful notes.
2. Be able to work in groups-this includes the social skills of good communication, respect for others, and doing your share of the work
3. Express your own opinions using evidence and facts, and listen to opposing points of view with respect of others
4. Be prepared for class discussions and get you work completed on time
5. Learn new and modify old study skills to best meet your desired level of success (graphic organizers, vocab flashcards, study groups, whatever else works for you)

COMMUNICATION

An approximation of your grade will be found on AH Connect, shortly after the conclusion of each unit. Final grades and learning will be assessed using all evidence of the quality of your work provided.

CONTACT ME if you are absent or if you have questions or concerns. You can reach us via school email at Lucas.Slizewski@ahschools.us or Heather.LoefflerRostad@ahschools.us or tweet me @therealHLR

You can find me either in my SSRC office (Sliz) or the Achievement Coach office (LR)