Civics and Economics-Honors/Fall of 2017
Mr. David Fleischer-Room 545
School Phone 910-989-2048
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” JFK
TEACHER GOALS:
Civics: To improve the understanding of the American Constitution and the American political process. Attention will be paid to how the United States Constitution has allowed our government to operate successfully the last 200+ years. This course will focus on individual themes of government, for example:Growth of Democracy, Federalism, Civil Liberties, Separation of Powers, Citizenship, Personal Finance, and Economics. These themes will help the students understand the impact our government has had on our society and the entire world. We will also examine current affairs at the national, state and local level.
Economics: Less than half of high school seniors qualify as financially literate, and more than 7 million borrowers are in default on student loans for college. Students are facing tremendous financial challenges without the basic knowledge needed to thrive in today's economy. Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance: High School Editionwill change the financial future of our studentsand set them on a path to win with money. Throughout this portion of the course, students will be empowered, equipped and entertained while building confidence in their own financial decision-making.
HONORS VS. STANDARD: Honors Civics extends beyond a basic understanding of content and is taught with a greater level of complexity. Students are required to take greater responsibility for the acquisition of content as much of class will be spent delving into analysis and evaluation. Honors Civics is distinguished by a difference in the quality of the work expected, not merely an increase in quantity. The Honors course also requires civic participation/volunteering or a research project.
COURSE OBJECTIVES set by NCSCOS:
GRADING POLICY:
Tests, quizzes, participation, online blogging, personal notebook, and class projects will make up the students overall grade. The highest score is 100%. The lowest score is 50%.
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
59 Below = F
All work is expected to be turned in on time. Use your calendar and agenda to keep up with due dates. I will also post information on the school website/Edmodo classroom to keep you informed.
Late work CAN be turned in for a 60%.
NOTEBOOKS:
Each student will keep a notebook that will be utilized daily to; journal, take notes, complete classroom assignments, and learn and review content. These notebooks will be graded at the end of each six weeks. If you are absent, you are responsible to make-up the assignments for that day before the notebooks are collected for grading. The assignments will be posted on my teacher web page. Notebooks should be in the form of a binder, but you may prefer to include a spiral or composition notebook for your notes.
ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY:
Students will be completing many in/out of school assignments on the web via edmodo.com. Through Edmodo, students will link to learning activities, discussion forums, and assignment submission locations. Students will be given instructions on which lessons to complete, which assignments to submit, and how to participate in discussions for the week. In addition, students will also find links to all the learning resources available on this page, links to other helpful webpages, a location to contact the teacher, a calendar of assignments, and their own personal grades.
Students without internet access at home are expected to come in before school, stay after school, during lunch, or go to the library to complete these assignments. An online learning community is a great way for our class to stay connected at all times. Students will be able to share their thoughts and ideas about a variety of issues respectfully under their own personal profile. On Edmodo HW assignments, students will have a 2-3 day window to complete their work. No late work will be accepted after the assignment has “closed”. Students who are absent are expected to check Edmodo daily and stay up to date on their work whether they are present in class or not.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. After an absence, you are responsible for checking the EDMODO CALENDAR and getting missed assignments.
2. Students are expected to be in class with all materials and working on the opening assignment when the bell rings. JHS policy states that students who arrive late will be sent to late class!!!
3. All school and classroom rules will be enforced!
CLASS RULES
1. Be on time and prepared for class.
2. Be tolerant and respectful.
3. Listen carefully and follow directions.
4. Have a positive attitude.
5. Remember that all other rules and regulations in the county and school handbooks apply at all times.
CONSEQUENCES
First Offense= Warning
Second Offense= Warning + Call Home
Third Offense= Call Home + After School Detention
Fourth Offense= Call Home + After School Detention + Parent Conference
REQUIREMENTS
· 2” - 3” three-ring binder for class work
· Notebook paper and Writing Utensils
· Assignment planner
MAJOR UNITS
Unit 1: Foundations of American Citizenship (weeks 1-2)
Unit 2: The National Government (weeks 3-4)
Unit 3: The Law and Supreme Court Cases (weeks 5-7)
Unit 4: Political Parties and Interest Groups (week 8)
Unit 5: The Tarheel State/Local Government (week 9)
Unit 6: The Economy and Individual (weeks 10-12)
Unit 7: The Free Enterprise System (weeks 13-15)
Unit 8: Personal Finance (week 16)
REVIEW: Class review to prepare for NC FINAL!
I have read and understand Mr. Fleischer’s classroom information and policies.
CONTACT INFO: PLEASE SEPARATE AND TURN THIS SHEET IN….KEEP SYLLABUS!
Student Name (Please Print):
Student Signature:
Parent-Guardian Name (Please Print):
Parent-Guardian Signature:
Parent-Guardian Email Address:
Parent-Guardian Emergency Contact #:
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I am available daily for phone calls and conferences during my planning period, or after school. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SEMESTER!!!
Responsible Electronic Device Usage Contract
I, ______will adhere to the following electronic device rules and regulations in Mr. Fleischer’s classroom. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions from both Mr. Fleischer and Jacksonville High School administration.
· Students will not use electronic devices, for any purpose, during teacher led instruction
· Students electronic devices will be stowed and locked up each day unless otherwise stated by teacher
· Students will be granted usage permission at the discretion of the teacher
· In cases of personal or family emergencies, the teacher must be notified prior to the beginning of class
· Failure to comply with the above rules and regulations with result in the following:
· 1st offense: Electronic device will be confiscated and placed in “electronic device jail.” Student-teacher conference will immediately follow
· 2nd offense: Electronic device will be confiscated and placed in “electronic device jail.” Contact between the teacher and parent/guardian will be made. Student will also attend detention at the teacher’s discretion.
· 3rd offense: Electronic device will be confiscated and placed in “electronic device jail.” Student will lose electronic device(s) privileges for the remainder of the semester. Student will be required to place device(s) in “electronic device jail” upon entering the classroom daily. Contact between the teacher and parent/guardian will be made. Office referral will be completed and sent to the proper administrator.
· Failure to comply with the “3 Strike Rule” will result in an office referral for each offense that follows.
Students may regain device(s) privileges based on “good behavior” at the teacher’s discretion. If you have not met the “3 strike” limit upon the completion of each successive 6 week grading period, your strikes will reset.
** Failure to sign and return results in automatic acceptance **
Student Signature: ______Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date:______