Homework
Academic inquiry in AP African American Studies is an endeavor that builds upon its own foundation. The vocabulary, concepts and skills covered in each lesson need to be reviewed and mastered. Moreover, due to the limited amount of time afforded to instruction within our day-to-day schedule, students must engage in opportunities for inquiry and mastery outside of instructional periods. Therefore, homework will be assigned daily and will typically range from 30-60 minutes in length (and in some cases, 90-120 minutes). Homework assignments range from reading comprehension activities, evaluation of visual images and videos, review of journalistic texts that are relevant to course topics, multiple-choice question practice, free-response question practice, and argumentative writing activities. If a student happens to face circumstances that prevent them from completing their homework by the next class session, they are encouraged to contact Mr. Mathieu to notify him in order to receive an appropriate accommodation.
Assessments and Projects
Timed, written assessments administered during instructional periods will consist of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. These particular assessments are designed to reflect the structure and timing of the AP Exam itself and will be administered routinely throughout the facilitation of instructional units. Projects will also be assigned to afford students an opportunity to engage in critical inquiry surrounding the evaluation of different sources, themes, and historical periods related to the study of African Americans.
Make-Up and Late Work Policy
Deadlines for formative and summative assignments will be applied and communicated to students. Students who require an extension on assignments must request one at least 24 hours in advance of an assignment deadline. The length of an extension will be determined depending on the circumstances preventing the student from completing the assignment on time.
If a student does not complete a formative assessment by its pertinent deadline, the student will have 24 hours to complete the assignment for partial credit (50% of the total assignment value). If the assignment is not completed within the 24 hour period following the original deadline, the student will receive no credit for the assignment.
In the event that a student is absent, the student will be allowed 2 days to make up work for each day they were absent. For example, if a student is absent for 2 days, they will have 4 additional days to complete an assignment for full credit. This applies to both formative assessments (classwork and homework) and summative assessments (multiple-choice/free-response question assessments and projects). Students are expected to make up summative assessments during a Study Hall or after school office hours if they are not present during the session that a summative assessment is administered.
Students who experience extended absences throughout the year should coordinate a schedule for completing assignments with Mr. Mathieu and their guidance counselor.
Professionalism and Class Participation
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner while enrolled at Boston Latin Academy. This includes (but is not limited to) arriving to class on time, maintaining consistent day-to-day attendance, communicating ideas respectfully, completing classwork assignments at the time they are administered, bringing required materials to class, and dressing in a way that appropriately meets school-wide expectations as described in the Code of Conduct.