9th GRADE Civics
MR. WOODLEY
E-MAIL: bryan.woodley@anoka.k12.mn.us
Phone: 763-506-6980
CLASS GOALS:
 To provide you with a knowledge of our government and your role as a citizen within in it.
 To understand democracy, and how it benefits you.
COURSE TEXT: American Government Author: Holt, Rinehart, Winston
ANY DAMAGE TO THE TEXT WILL BE FINED. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A GRADE FOR THIS CLASS UNTIL
BOOKS ARE RETURNED AND OR FINES ARE PAID.
COURSE CONTENTS:
TRI 1
A. PATH TO DEMOCRACY
1. What is Government
2. Types of Government
B. FOUNDING OF US GOVERNMENT
1. History of the Constitution/Early government
2. Articles of Confederation vs. Constitution
3. Principles of Government
4. Amendment Rights
C. CITIZENSHIP
1. Rights and Responsibilities
D. ELECTIONS & Civic Participation
1. Political Parties
2. Elections & Voting
GRADING:
Final grades will be based on attendance, participation, homework, in-class assignments, tests, and projects.
*Youth Service/Civic Participation is a major portion of this class and will be 10 % of your final
grade. You will need to perform 5 hours of community service for Civics 9
*District Final Test is also 10% of your grade.
Grading scale:
A = 90-100% B = 80-89 % C = 70-79 % D = 60-69% F = 59 % or less
PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE = 40 POINTS PER TERM: Positive classroom participation and
consistent attendance will improve your grade and will be worth a 40-point test grade. These points will be
added at the end of each term and may move a student up or down a full grade.
Late to class = 5 points off
Sleeping = 5 points off
Unexcused absence =10 points off
In addition, students who come late to class will be required to stay after:
 First tardy- free but only 0ne
 Second tardy-2 minutes after class
 Third tardy- 4 minutes after class
 Fourth tardy – talk with your house office/detention/Saturday School
LATE AND MAKE-UP WORK
ASSIGNMENTS: It is your job to be a good student by completing all assignments and by keeping track of
late or missing work. When you miss class it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed. You
may turn in work a day late with a maximum grade of 75%. Work that is turned in more than one day late
will be graded at a max of 50%.
TESTS/QUIZZES: I expect that you will make up a missed test the day you return from your absence.
*No Extra credit will be given.
EXPECTATIONS
STUDENT SUCCESS: Success is defined as “the achievement of something planned or attempted.”
You will determine your own achievement by how hard you try. I expect each student to maximize his
or her potential in this class.
BE RESPECTFUL
 Our class will run on respect: You will respect school policy, the teacher, and your fellow classmates.
 Actively pay attention and show me you are learning until I dismiss you. Food, pop, candy,
headphones or any other distraction not related to government class will not be allowed in class.
 Clean up after yourself.
BE RESPONSIBLE
 When the bell rings, class begins. Be in the room making progress towards your chair.
 Take care of personal needs between classes. Only two passes given per term.
 Bring your daily planner to class to record and organize assignments and their due dates.
 Turn in assignments on time.
BE READY
 Hold yourself to high standards of quality for all work.
 Bring necessary materials each day: notebook, three ring binder, pens/pencils, and daily journal.
 Keep an open mind to new ideas, activities, and each other. Learning can be fun!
 Bring questions to class so you can ask for help when you need it.
VIDEO NOTIFICATION
During this course we will be viewing some “PG-13” rated movies (e.g. American President) that are
considered to be appropriate and educational by our social studies department. If there are any questions or
concerns about movie ratings, please contact me and I will arrange an alternate activity.
Please indicate that you and your student have read and understand the course
guidelines of Mr. Woodley’s 9th Grade Government class as well as the class video
notification.
_________________________
Student’s name (Print)
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Parent/guardian signature
Additional comments/Things I should know:
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E-mail address of parent/guardian