Klein Forest Government Syllabus: Fall 2016

Government is the study of the U.S. political and governmental formation, structure, foundations, laws and court system. The course will examine the history of and changing structures within the federal, state and local governments of America. Upon completion of the semester-long course, students will be able to understand the history of political policy, ideology and democracy in our country, as well as the basic tenants of American citizenship. This course is a graduation requirement for all students!!!!!

I. Class Format:

The course will consist of lectures, class discussions, writing assignments, group activities, reading assignments, viewing relevant videos, and classroom debates. Students will be given opportunities to learn independently, as well as in small group activities. All students are expected to come to class each day with their assignments completed and prepared to participate in the lesson. We will use Magruder’s American Government textbook available on-line at

II. Grading Guidelines:

Six weeks averages will be calculated in the following way:

  • Major Avg. = 60% (3 per six weeks)
  • Daily Avg.= 40% (6+ per six weeks)

**There will be a minimum of 3 major grades per six weeks (except in marking periods with less than 28 days). These major grades will take the form of objective tests and may include short answer, free-response or essays.

**Extra-credit will be made available by teacher each six weeks.

III. Supplies:

All students are required to bring the following supplies to class everyday.

  • notebook or binder to keep assignments organized
  • fully charged student laptop computer…to be used daily
  • notebook paper for notes…lots of notes!
  • digital textbook will be accessible on your student laptop only
  • pens and pencils

All students are to come to class prepared and ready to work. The more prepared and organized each student is when class begins, the more we can accomplish together.

KISD Grade Repair Policy: Students will have the opportunity to receive instruction to recover six weeks grades. When a student enrolls in the Grade Recovery Class, the students will receive quality instruction. The curriculum will recapture any skills they are lacking so that they are prepared to receive credit and also be prepared for the EOC/TAKS in April or May. This intervention plan may include students attending after school Grade Recovery or Grade Recovery during the day. The highest grade a student can earn is 75. This grade will replace the lower grade. Students enrolled in Pre-AP courses may enroll in grade repair and receive Pre-AP credit for up to 1 six weeks per semester. Students enrolled in AP courses may enroll in grade repair and receive AP credit for up to 1 six weeks per semester. AP courses will have additional writing requirements in order to recover the grade and GPA point value.

IV. Assignments:

Written and oral assignments will be given on a daily basis. Homework will be assigned 2-3 nights a week, and is expected to be completed by the next day. Late work will be accepted one day after it is due for a 20-point deduction off the grade, 2 days late for a 40-point deduction. After 2 late days, the assignment will result in a zero.

Three major grades will be given each six weeks. Students will have at least one week notice before any test is given. Tutorial sessions will be offered prior to every testing situation. Tests will be given on the designated Social Studies testing days....Mondays and Wednesdays. Make-ups and retakes need to be scheduled with the teacher if needed.

V. Averages:

Averages will be distributed to students every 3 weeks. Progress reports are sent home to all students during the 4th week of each six weeks grading period. Report cards are sent home with students on the Friday following the last day of the six weeks. Parents and students may check grades, averages and missing assignments daily by creating an account on Skyward (new on-line grade book).

VI. Parent Phone Calls:

Contact with parents will be made under the following circumstances:

  • if a student receives a failing six weeks average
  • if a student’s grade declines from the previous six weeks
  • if discipline problems arise
  • if specific issues need to be discussed

VII. Conduct:

I expect all of the following class rules to be observed and respected by each student.

  • Bring notebook/binder and all required supplies to class every day.
  • Be seated when the tardy bell rings.
  • Be polite and respectful of each other and to me.
  • No eating, grooming, sleeping, or any non-government related activity without permission.
  • No cell phones, ear buds or headphones audible or visible at any time during class.
  • Dress code will be enforced as stated in the student handbook on pages 54-55.
  • Academic honesty and integrity will be strictly enforced!!! Any cheating, copying, sharing answers, or plagiarism will be swiftly dealt with resulting in a U in conduct, a zero on the assignment and a discipline referral to the student’s house principal.

VIII. Units of Study:

1st Six Weeks: Unit 1: Foundations of American Government

(08/24-09/23) Unit 2: United States Constitution

Unit 3: Political Parties, Interest Groups

2nd Six Weeks: Unit 4: Elections and Mass Media

(09/26-10/28) Unit 5: Congress

Unit 6: The Presidency

3rd Six Weeks: Unit 7: The Federal Courts

(10/31-12/16) Unit 8: U.S. Citizenship and American Law

  • Thanksgiving Break (11/21-11/25)
  • Final exams will be the week of 12/12
  • Christmas Break (12/19-01/02)

IX. Tutoring: Tutoring will be offered every Monday and Thursday after school in room 914.

X. Instructor: Mrs. Anne Watson

Room: 914, House 9

Conference Period: 5thperiod (11:21 – 12:46)

Email Address:

Phone #: (832) 484-4422

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Student Signature Date

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Parent Signature Date