This course is a chronological study of eras in American history, with an emphasis on the structure and function of American government.  Each unit focuses on significant events, individuals and constitutional principals that have had an impact on American society.  At the end of this course, students are required to pass the New York State Regents Examination in US History & Government.

United States History & Government 

2017-2018

Course Description:  New York State Regents course in American History, from the Revolutionary War to the Present.  The new Common Core Learning Standards will be integrated into the current Regents Curriculum.

Supplies Needed for Class:

•  2-3” three-ring binder or accordion-style folder (you will be building a portfolio as part of your final grade for this class – see below)
•  Binder dividers (if applicable)
•  Writing implement/notebook paper, DAILY
•  highlighters
•  You must have all supplies by Monday, September 11th.  If this is going to be an issue, please see me a.s.a.p.

Daily Expectations for the Classroom: 

• Come to class prepared and ready to go when the bell rings.  Refer to the daily agenda on the board, and comply with the instructions. 
• Have your binder and course work/packets with you every day.  Class will not wait for you and you are still accountable for what you miss. 
• Also be prepared to participate in class discussions (all three are part of your effort/participation grade).
• I expect all members of the class to show respect to one another (this includes me).
• If you want your voice to be heard, please RAISE YOUR HAND!!! 
• No assigned seating…unless it becomes necessary.  
• Do not assume that I’ll say “write this down” every time I want you to record something important.  Pay close attention in class, and write down everything that you feel is important.  All topics discussed in class are fair game to be on an evaluation/assignment later.  This includes important comments/questions posed by myself and your classmates.
• Most class work will be completed with a partner/group.  If you are unable to be productive, mature, and participate in this manner, this privilege may be temporarily taken away.  This means that you would then be doing twice the work – alone.  L
• Have ChromeBooks with you every day!  Cell phones are not to be out unless being used for insructional purposes - ask permission first.

Grading:  The number and nature of assignments will vary each marking period.  Therefore, it is essential that you consistently put forth maximum effort.  Grades will be calculated as follows: points earned/possible points

Plagiarism or cheating on any assignment, quiz, or test will result in a zero for that assignment, and possible disciplinary action, including a call home to your parents.  If you complete as assignment with the help of a partner, your answers must still be your own – no credit will be given for carbon copied answers.

• ALL students will receive weekly progress reports, on Fridays, unless noted on my website. Please keep an eye on the Parent Portal, or ask to see your student's progress reports for a weekly update.  Any report with a grade below an 80 needs to be signed by a parent and returned on the next school day.  If a signed progress report is not returned (or I have not received correspondence from a parent or guardian) on the next class day the student will owe detention.  Multiple occurrences will result in specifically assigned detentions, contact home and/or a request for a parent-teacher conference.

Portfolio Assignment:  Success in this course is achieved in part by being able to review periodically throughout the year.  This is most successful if all materials given to you are kept in an organized fashion.  You have two options for organizing your portfolio:

• By Unit: I, II, III, etc.
• By Item:  Notes, Writing Prompts, Homework, Tests, etc.

You will be told in advance what work you will be required to keep in your portfolio.  Portfolios will be graded at the end of each marking period.

Miscellaneous Stuff:

• Be sure to keep an eye on the homework board (and my website/Google Classroom) – any assignments/daily quiz questions you have will be on the board the Friday before the week the work is due (as much as possible) – work turned in early is a beautiful thing!!!
• Check my website on a regular basis for cool extra-credit opportunities!  J
• Extra help is always available – see me to work out a time that’s best for you.
• Your attitudes set the tone for this class – this is your class.  There are rewards for superior effort and participation.  This also applies to the amount of work you are required to complete outside of class!  You are Juniors now, and definitely have the ability to act responsibly, and make appropriate and responsible choices.  This cIass will be what you make it.  I will always be upholding my end of the bargain to help you achieve success in this class – you have to be willing to uphold yours.

My goals for this course:

• To help prepare you for the rigors of college and the “real world” after high school.
• To encourage you to “challenge the textbook” and form your own views and opinions regarding our nation’s history.
• To assist you in analyzing modern political events and the connections they have to the past, as well as the relevance that they will have to you in the future.
• To demonstrate to you the importance of having an opinion…and a voice.

Your first assignment:

•       Take this home and review it with your parent/guardian, and have them sign this page.  Please note that there is also a message for them to read before signing this page.  After signing, keep the course outline sheet in the front of your binder (Parent signature due by Monday, September 11^th for a 100).

Dear Parent/Guardian:

After reviewing our course introduction with your student, please sign below.  I have included my classroom phone number and my e-mail address below.  Please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss your student’s progress or any questions that may arise.  Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to working with you in helping your student attain their highest level of achievement in United States History!

Sincerely,

Mrs. LaFave

495-1926

nlafave@stockbridgevalley.org

Student Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________