American Government/ Civics
Stadium High School
Mr. Jeffery Black
Planning 3rd period 9:35 - 10:25
Phone 253.571.3058
E-mail jblack@tacoma.k12.wa.us
SWIFT - http://classrooms.tacoma.k12.wa.us/stadium/jblack
Overview
Civics is a semester long class examining United States and Washington State government. At the beginning of each unit, the students
in this course will receive unit requirements for the assignments and projects. At the end of each unit the student will be tested. At
the beginning of the course we will review the beginnings of government in the United States, then transitioning towards the
Constitution and political behavior. We will look at the three branches of government, along with state, local, and tribal government.
The state mandated Classroom Based Assessments (CBA) will be first semester.
Critical thinking, interaction, reading and note taking will be a focus of this class. I do my best to keep the SWIFT site current. It has
all the information regarding this class.
Classroom Procedures
1)
2)
3)
4)
Assignments are due at a specific time. The late work policy is posted on my SWIFT site
Effort is important. Attempt every assignment. No person has ever failed this class that has honestly done their best.
Life happens. Responsibility and honesty are important. I am much more receptive to an honest person acting responsibly.
Be prepared. Always have paper, pen/pencil, and book. A few strongly suggested items would include: colored pencils and a
computer data storage device (flash/thumb drive).
5) Ask questions. If you need help… ASK. Do not suffer in silence.
Grading
Grades are based on points that are in turn converted to percentages. Grades will be based on the following criteria and then
follow a standard grading scale.
Assignments
Tests/Quizzes
Projects
Performance
Final Exam
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
90% and above
80% and above
70% and above
60% and above
59% and below
A
B
C
D
E
Every test comes home for the parents/guardians to view the results. The chapter/unit tests are to be corrected, then signed,
and returned the next day. Because these are worth additional points they are due on or before the required day, with no exceptions.
This consistently seems to be an issue, but here or not, corrections are due the assigned day. The test coming home serve as progress
reports for the students, as well as, test of responsibility for the students. If there are issues regarding the parent/guardian
component…talk to me for arrangements. Email with photographs attached is acceptable as long as they are submitted on the due date
by 11:59PM.
Classroom Performance
The students will be graded weekly on their classroom behavior and participation (performance). The students will receive a
weekly score based on a five point rubric. Participation/volunteering, assignment preparedness, appropriate behavior, displaying extra
effort, and attendance will be factors for this grade. Inappropriate behaviors will result in negative documentation and affect the
weekly score. These grades will be posted every week (using the student’s identification numbers) so that the students can observe
their weekly score.
“Life happens” is a favorite saying of mine. There are opportunities during the semester that gives the student an opportunity
to make-up/ improve their weekly performance grade due to absences and/or their behavior(s). This opportunity to enhance their
performance grade is available for three different weeks during each semester. Students must submit a news article that identifies a
government issue (local, state, or federal) and accompany this with a minimum of three paragraphs. The writing must summarize the
article, identify and explain the government statute, and then give a personal reaction to it. Attach the filled out colored “Performance
Enhancement” sheet to the article and writing.
Classroom Rules
Consequences
1) Be on time - Prompt
2) Respect the room (and its rules)
3) “Do” your best
1) Oral warning
2) Weekly Performance documentation/deduction
3) Time out in the hall
4) Detention (tardies)
4) Home contact
5) Office referral
***NOTE*** This is all dependent of the situation
This is the student/parent copy, and is also available on the SWIFT site