Welcome to Back to School Night!
~ Ms. Wagner ~
AP U.S. Government and Politics
About the Teacher
The 2014-15 school year is my 17th year as a teacher, and I’ve been here at
SPFHS for all of those years! Currently I teach one section of AP U.S.
Government and Politics, two sections of You and the Law, and two sections of
Global Perspectives. In the past I have also taught U.S. History I and World
History/Cultures.
I have a B.A. in history with a concentration in law from Muhlenberg College
where I graduated with honors and was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the
national history honor society. I have also completed coursework towards a
Masters Degree in Criminal Justice through an online program at Boston
University. Additionally, I have completed the James Madison Fellowship in
American History through Princeton University. This past summer I became a
Choices Teaching Fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies at
Brown University.
In addition to my teaching duties, I also serve as the advisor to SPFHS’ Youth
and Government (YAG) club. Previously, I served as the JV Cheerleading coach
for 5 years and the advisor to Junior State of America (JSA) for 2.5 years. In
addition, I have been an AP reader/grader for the U.S. Government and Politics
test - a job that is given to only 700 teachers throughout the entire United
States. A few years ago I wrote a curriculum for AP Government and Politics
that is now being used in charter schools in the South. I also used to work in a
juvenile detention center during summers.
Technology is Great!
Here are some helpful websites and apps to help you keep up-to-date with the
class:
 Ms. Wagner’s teacher page: http://www.spfk12.org/Page/963 (this can
also be accessed by going to Teacher Pages on the high school’s website)
 Class handouts, notes, guidelines, and more can be found here.
 Updated several times a week
 Direct Email: bwagner@spfk12.org
 This is the best way to contact me
 PowerSchool: https://spfk12.powerschool.com/public/home.html (Also
accessible on the school’s homepage)
 Remind 101
 Text @apusgop to (484) 392-8830 to receive messages and updates
about the class
AP U.S. Government & Politics
About the Course
This is a year-long Advanced Placement elective course offered by the Social Studies
Department. As an AP course, students are taught at a college level throughout the year.
Students are expected, but not required, to take the AP Test in May. As a survey course,
students will learn about a variety of topics concerning American government and politics.
Students will participate in a myriad of learning techniques as we cover the six major units of
the course. The major units are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Constitutional Underpinnings of American Government
Political Culture and Participation
Linkage Institutions
Institutions of National Government
U.S. Policies: Public Policy, Economic Policy, Social Policy, and Military Policy
Civil Rights and Liberties
Assessment Techniques
Throughout the course of the year, students will be assessed in a variety of ways. The official
grading policy for the class can be found in the class guidelines, located in the AP GoPo
Handouts section on the website. Listed below are the most common assessments for this
class:
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Tests/Quizzes
Project Based Assessments
Essays
Debates and Graded Discussions
Class Participation
The AP Test
The AP Test for U.S. Government and Politics is scheduled to take place on May 12, 2015.
Students who choose to take this test may qualify for college credit based on their score. We
will complete in-class review leading up to the AP Test; however, it is recommended that
students purchase a study guidebook such as Baron’s AP U.S. Government and Politics Test
Review.
Some statistics from the 2013 AP Test:
- Average score for SPFHS students: 3.63
- 42% of SPFHS students scored a 4 or 5
- 85% of SPFHS students scored a 3 or higher
Special Topics
 Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
 Guest Speakers