Honors Civics and Economics

August, 2014

HONORS CIVICS AND ECONOMICS – Mr. Hiemstra                                                      

     It is essential that you acquire economic and political knowledge and skills in order to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world.  The study of civics and economics will help you gain a practical understanding of those systems and will provide you with the essential skills to make smart and informed choices as consumers and citizens.  You will study basic economic concepts, economic institutions, and reasoned approaches for analyzing and evaluating economic responsibilities as citizens.  We will also analyze the structure of the legal and governmental systems within which you live, and how these systems influence your life.  We will also study the Constitution, political parties and elections, and current events, among many other interesting topics.

Textbook: Civics in Practice – Principles of Government and Economics, by Massing.

Course Scope & Sequence

1st Quarter:  Citizenship & Immigration; Political Parties & Elections; Foundations of Government

2nd Quarter:  Constitution; Criminal Justice System; Judicial Branch; Legislative Branch

3rd Quarter:  Executive Branch; Microeconomics & Personal Finance

4th Quarter:  Macroeconomics & Personal Finance; State and Local Government

What do I need to do to get a good grade in this course?

• You will need to show RESPECT for each other during class discussions and debates – RAISE YOUR HAND TO SPEAK.  Please do not talk while I am talking or another student is talking.

• You will be expected to do your homework and study for your quizzes and tests.

• Arrive to class ON TIME – that means before the bell rings.  If you are late, you sign in.  If you are late 3 times, you will be assigned detention.  If you are late more than that, you will be sent to your administrator.

• Turn in your work ON TIME.

• If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and then complete your work. 

• Class participation is critical.  If you participate responsibly it will help your grade.  If you detract from the learning environment, your grade will suffer.

Grading Practices:

Honor Code Pledge:  All students are subject to, and expected to know and abide by, the provisions of the school’s honor code.  Students must sign the ECHHS Honor Pledge when submitting work.  The pledge states:

            “I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized help on this assignment; I am aware of the consequences for doing so, and I will act upon violations of the Honor Code.”

Grading Scale & Posting of Grades:  All individual, quarter, and final grades for students will be calculated using the following scale:  100-93 A; 92-85 B; 84-77 C; 76-70 D; 69-0 F.  All grades will be made available to students and parents in PowerSchool.  Efforts will be made to update student progress every two weeks.

Final Exam & Final Grade and Marking Period Weights:  All students will take the Civics and Economics NC Final Exam.  It will be worth 20% of a student’s final grade.  The remaining 80% will be determined by assigning equal weight (20% percent) to a student’s performance in each of the four grading periods.

Assignment Types & Weights:   Each nine weeks students will receive a combination of classwork/homework, assessments, projects, and writing assignments.  Brief descriptions of the types of assignments and the corresponding percentage that each will comprise are provided below:

·         Classwork (20-30% of nine week grad): may include reading, preparation, practice, document analysis, written assignments, group work, participation

·         Homework (15-20% of nine week grade): May include reading, preparation, practice, document analysis, and written assignments that students will work on at home.  Assignments will be distributed in-class and/or posted to teacher websites.

·         Assessments (50-60% of nine week grade):  Student (progress towards) mastery of course content and skills will be measured both formatively and summatively through the use of assessments.  Assessments include but are not limited to quizzes, essays, projects, and tests. All summative assessments (end of unit) will be announced in advance.

·         Projects:  Students will be asked to create “performance pieces”, either individually or in groups, that demonstrates and extends their understanding of course skills and concepts.  These can encompass a wide variety of formats (videos, presentations, posters, simulations, etc.).   Projects will always be announced in advance and written instruction and grading criteria will be provided in-class/posted online.

·         Writing Assignments:  Emphasis will be placed on teaching writing this year.  Students will be asked to understand and analyze primary and secondary sources.  Students then will evaluate and apply their understanding of these documents in formalized writing assignments (analytical, persuasive, narrative, etc.).  Some writings may be timed, require multiple drafts, and/or take place outside of the classroom.  Whenever possible rubrics will be used to guide and provide feedback on student efforts.

Late Work: Students are responsible for getting and completing all assignments by the date they are due.  If a student is absent he/she should review the class website and reach out to fellow classmates to obtain missed work.   

Penalty:  All late work (unless due to illness or other excused absence) will be penalized.  Any assignment submitted within three schools days of the due date will be assessed a penalty of 10% points per day.  An assignment received more than three schools days after the due date may not receive a score higher than 60%.  An assignment may not be submitted for ANY credit more than two weeks (10 school days) after the due date.

What happens if I do poorly on a test?

     Test Retakes/Corrections: Students who score a 76% or below on tests will have an opportunity to re-demonstrate proficiency in the content in a method deemed appropriate by his or her teacher. Credit may be recovered up to a 77%.  All retakes/corrections must be completed within 2 weeks (10 school days) of the date of the exam or 1 week (five school days) from the date the exam is returned, whichever is longer.

Rewards:

• Praise (daily).

• Positive notes home (random).

• Various positive perks (throughout the school year).

Consequences or penalties:

• If your name is written on the clipboard 3 times for being tardy, you will serve detention Thursday at lunch with me.

• If your behavior is unacceptable, I will talk with you individually.  If that does not help the situation, I will call home.  If we still don't get to where we need to be, I will complete an administrative write-up.

What materials will I need?

• A 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper or a separate spiral notebook.

• Pens (black or blue).

• Colored pencils.

Late Policy:

·         Students must be in class before the bell rings.

·         Students who are late must sign in.

·         If your name is on the sign in list 3 times you will receive detention.

Leaving the room policy:

• Students may not leave the room without a pass from the teacher.

Classroom phone policy:

• The classroom phone is not for student use unless you are calling home.

• CELL PHONES ARE NOT TO BE USED IN CLASS AND YOUR CELL PHONES MUST HAVE ITS’ RINGER OFF AND BE IN YOUR BACKPACK OR BAG.

• YOU WILL GET ONE WARNING, AND THEN YOUR CELL PHONE WILL BE TAKEN AWAY AND YOUR PARENTS WILL HAVE TO PICK THEM UP.

Homework policy:

• Students are expected to write down HW assignments.

• Students must begin homework during class when given time to do so.

• All rules on late work apply.

COURSE AGREEMENT (HONORS CIVICS AND ECONOMICS)

Dear Parents:

     We are going to have a great year and I am relishing the opportunity to work with your children.  The students and I will be learning about relevant topics for the kids to evaluate – whether it is the current political climate and current events or discussing the Founding Fathers, it will be an invigorating learning experience.  I look forward to working with you to help motivate and infuse your child with an interest in Civics and Economics and current events.  I will endeavor to use my experience as a Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill and as a lobbyist to bring real-world experiences into the classroom.  Please read the syllabus below and sign the “Course Agreement” for your child to return to me.  Also, please keep an eye on my website to see what we are doing in class or contact me via email at hhiemstra@chccs.k12.nc.us or by phone at 969-2482, ext. 27035.

     For parents wanting weekly updates from me about class activities and events, please print clearly your name and e-mail below.

Sincerely,

Hans G. Hiemstra

Hans G. Hiemstra

_______________________________________ (parent’s e-mail address)

     We the undersigned have reviewed the course description and guidelines for Mr. Hiemstra’s class.  We agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the handout.  Additional copies of this handout can be accessed by visiting Mr. Hiemstra’s page on the school’s website.

     If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Hiemstra at hhiemstra@chccs.k12.nc.us or 969-2482, ext. 27035.

Parent’s name: __________________________Parent’s Signature: __________________________

Student’s name: _________________________Student’s Signature: ____________________________