Contact Information:
School Phone: 622-4119.
School email: bradley.hood@allen.kyschools.us
Course Objective: The goal of education in civics and government is informed, responsible participation in political life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles of the constitutional democracy which established the republic of the United States of America. These standards incorporate the strands of economics, geography, and political science. They address representative democracy, law, personal economics, and civic responsibility.
Course Description:
Civics is a multi-tiered course designed to give the student an enhanced base of social studies knowledge. It incorporates both a review of basic skills and exposure to new material. Student will be exposed to a variety of basic curriculum in the areas of Geography, Government, and Economics. Students will rotate in 12 week sessions for each of the three areas.
Students will participate in learning strategies that will include: the interpretation of graphs and charts, reading strategies, cooperative group activities, critical thinking skills, open-ended responses, and portfolio writing activities.
Required Materials EVERYDAY:
• Notebook with 150-200 pages or Three-ring binder (for this subject only)
• Pencil/Pen (you are responsible for always having a writing utensil)
Grade Calculation:
• I use the “point” system. Take total points earned and divide by total points possible. All points have equal value. EX: 20 points on homework equals 20 points on a test. In this case it would take five homework assignments to equal one test.
• Assignment categories are list below. The proportions are estimates only.
Homework, class work.......................... (Usually between 10-20 points)
Quizzes…………………………………. (Minimum 1 per section/chapter 20-30 points each.)
Tests......................................................... (Unit tests, 1 final exam. 100 points each)
Open Response Questions........................ (Minimum 1 ORQs per unit. 20 points each)
Projects...................................................... (3 or 4 assignments. 50 points each)

Teacher-Student Relationship: (I want you to have pride and be
successful)
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I want each student to be successful! That is what I am here for.
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The key to being successful is to apply the principles of PATRIOT P.R.I.D.E.
I am usually at school about 30 minutes to an hour before school, and can be available to be at other times. You may see me at these times for individual help and personal issues.
I will enforce the ACSHS code of conduct fully.
Daily Work Ethic: (Be prepared)
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I have never met a student who tried and was not successful in my class.
Have all work, materials and supplies everyday.
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Use your planner daily. This will help you to organize your assignments
FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS IS THE MOST CONSISTENT BARRIER TO
SUCCESS.
Class Behavior:
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The most important rules are to be PREPARED & RESPECTFUL.
Always be attentive in class and LISTEN. Don’t talk unless it is your turn.
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Do not even try to sleep – NO EXCEPTIONS. There is NEVER a “free day”.
Cell phones, CD players, MP3 players, PSPs, etc. are absolutely forbidden and must be kept OFF and OUT OF SITE to avoid confiscation.
Participate as though your grade depends on it: (Be involved)
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Good attendance is VERY important. We cover a lot of material every day. Ask questions & volunteer.
You are expected to be IN THE CLASSROOM BEFORE the tardy bell rings. It would be best to get here early and get your materials ready for class.
Be open minded, and willing to learn.
Please remain seated until I dismiss you.
Do what needs to be done consistently: (Be dependable)
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Whenever you need help – ASK! I want to help you succeed.
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We work everyday, so if you are absent YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL
MAKEUP WORK.
Any assignment may be turned in late during the current grading period for a maximum of half the original point value.
When you return from an absence, you are responsible for getting your makeup work. Assignments, notes, and handouts are available. Additional copies are filed in the appropriate folders.

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Class time will not be taken to discuss make-up work with an individual student but I will gladly meet with students before or after class to discuss make-up work.
Do the right thing: (Be ethical)
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Everyone makes mistakes: the key is what you do afterwards. In order to recover from a mistake, you should accept responsibility for it, apologize if you
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 wronged someone, find out what you can do to fix the mistake, and then fix it.
Doing this allows everyone involved to put the mistake in the past.
Keep in mind that mistakes done on purpose are much different than mistakes done on accident.
Student’s who purposely create a difficult or hostile learning environment will be dealt with.
It is NEVER acceptable to copy the words of another student on a graded assignment. This is plagiarism.
Work that is copied in whole or in part is not acceptable. Cheating on a test will result in a zero grade.
Cheating on another assignment will result in having to redo the assignment for a late grade.
Make-up Work for Tests
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Make-up tests are altered versions of the original test.
Students who score poorly on a test may take the “REDO.” This is a shortened version of the original test given on ONE DAY ONLY. Students who pass the
REDO will get their test grade raised to a 65%. Students who make an A or B on the REDO will get their test score raised to a 75% (the maximum).
Everyone present on test day MUST take the test regardless of prior absences.
Academic Interventions:
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If a student earns a “zero” grade and this drops the student’s grade to a 60% or below the student will be scheduled to make up the assignment in a mandatory tutorial. These will be scheduled either before or after school. If you do not attend the mandatory tutorial, you will be assigned two tutorials. If you do not attend these, you will be referred to the principal.
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Other interventions (extra credit, contracts, mentoring, parent conferences, letters home, etc.) will be implemented, as the teacher believes is appropriate
Miscellaneous:
• No drinks are allowed with the exception of water in a closed container.

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No food or candy except gum (quiet and unseen). Snack time is during class change – not class.
No perfumes or scented lotions may be used in class.
No personal grooming during class. This should be done on your own time.
Drills (fire, severe weather, security, etc.) are to be taken seriously. If we must go outside, stay with me. Attendance will be taken.
If an assignment is due or a test is scheduled and school is cancelled because of severe weather, that assignment will be due or the test taken on the next scheduled class day.
• DO label your papers properly with full name, date, and class period.
• DO write neatly.
• DO respect our supplies and not vandalize or take items from the classroom.
Note: These rules represent the climate and culture of the class. As such, it is not a complete list and can never be a complete list. They are subject to change.
When in doubt, students should reflect upon the core principles of PRIDE...