This site is designed to assist students in studying for their U.S. Government tests. I have high goals for this site in the future, but for now I will merely try to have review materials available here. Many things keep me busy so I can't guarantee that this will always be up-to-date, but I will do my best.
Mr. Kotman
Issue Responses
Occasionally we will watch short videos on relevant issues that our government faces. Following these videos will be a class discussion in which we talk over both sides of the issue. Some of the issues we may look at this year include: Gun Control, Education System, Bicycle Helmet Laws, Immigration, and Homelessness.
Response Format: Responses should be one full page in length (written or typed) and well-written using complete sentences. In the response be sure that you are writing your thoughts - not a summary of the video/discussion. Responses are typically due two days after viewing the video.
Crossword Puzzles
Before many tests I will give students a crossword puzzle review of the material. Many of the clues in the crossword puzzles are test questions themselves (with only slight wording differences). To make sure that students take advantage of this useful review, they are not to receive help from others (students, parents, or myself). If a student figures out the answer but not the wording, I will give the exact wording.
Crossword Puzzle Format: Crossword puzzles are given at the end of a unit and usually have around 20 to 25 questions. Students can use books, notes, or the internet (just not another person). Crossword puzzles are typically due the day of the test at the beginning of class .
Tests
At the end of every unit I give a test. I try to keep the amount of information manageable by having frequent small tests. Review sheets are handed out a day or two prior to the test but are not necessarily complete. If this is not enough time, I recommend taking notes and studying a small amount each night. Some of the material taught in class may not appear on the review sheet or in the book so it is crucial that you pay attention in class and ask questions when confused.
Test Format: Tests are typically one page in length (both sides). I tend to ask short answer questions with some fill in the blank (almost never do I have multiple choice). I require students to answer questions with complete sentences unless the answer is sufficiently answered with one word. Examples:
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson (good)
Who becomes President after the Vice-President? Speaker of the House OR John Boehner (good)
Who gained the right to vote through the 19th Amendment? Women (good)
How many U.S. Supreme Court Judges are there? Nine (good)
Why does the Constitution allow for Supreme Court Judges to serve for life?
The Founding Fathers didn't want Judges to make court decisions just to please others to win a re-election. (good)
NOT...
To not please others for re-election (bad)