Stapleton Public Schools

2017-2018

Subject: 12th Grade American History

Teacher: Mr. Wehnes

Room: 309

Email:

Nebraska State Standards American History

1st Quarter

  • SS 12.1.1.a Summarize the historical foundation that influenced the creation of the United States Constitution (e.g., philosophers, social contract theory, natural rights, Constitutional Convention, Federalist, and Anti-Federalist Papers)
  • SS 12.1.1.b Analyze and evaluate the structure of American constitutional government (e.g., federalism, democracy, representative government, branches of the government, separation of powers, checks and balances, amendment process, concurrent/enumerated/implied powers, electoral college)
  • SS 12.1.1.c Analyze and evaluate the functions of United States government (e.g., national security, legislative law-making, executive implementation, judicial interpretation, constitutionalism, taxation, naturalization of citizens)
  • SS 12.1.1.d Analyze and evaluate the foundation, structures, and functions of local government (e.g., city council, school board, county government, regional boards)

2nd Quarter

  • SS 12.1.1.e Analyze and evaluate the foundation, structures, and functions of state government (e.g., bicameral/unicameral, reapportionment/redistricting, branches of government)
  • SS 12.1.1.f Analyze and evaluate the foundation, structures, and functions of supranational organizations (e.g., United Nations, NATO, European Union, treaties, trade organizations)
  • SS 12.1.1.g Analyze and evaluate the roles that political parties have played in the United States
  • SS 12.1.1.h Analyze and evaluate United States foreign policy issues (e.g. methods, approaches, events)

3rd Quarter

  • SS 12.1.2.a Evaluate how individuals and groups can effectively use the structure and functions of various levels of government to shape policy (e.g., lobbying, voting, contacting government officials, petitioning)
  • SS 12.1.2.b Analyze the significance and benefits of patriotic symbols, songs, holidays, and activities (e.g. Pledge of Allegiance, "The Star Spangled Banner", "America", Veteran's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, American Indian Day, Constitution Day)
  • SS 12.1.2. c Engage in civic activities (e.g., discussing current issues, advocating for personal rights and the rights of others, influencing governmental actions, participating in civil discourse, registering for selective service, participating in community improvement activities, service learning)

4th Quarter

  • SS 12.1.2.d Analyze an issue and determine which level of government is most appropriate to utilize in addressing the issue
  • SS 12.1.2.e Describe the roles and influences of individuals, groups, and the media as checks on governmental practices (e.g., interest groups, political action committees, lobbyists, public opinion polls)
  • SS 12.1.2.f Critique various media sources for accuracy and perspective

Class Participation

Students must actively engage in their coursework in order to solidify their understanding of the material. It is not enough for students to merely be present if they want to be proficient. They must ask questions of the teacher and of each other. They must also offer their insights into what we are learning. It means when I call on them to answer a question and they “don’t know” the answer, they will need to be able to tell me what it is that I need to clarify for them. Class participation means actively making meaning of skills and content learned in class.

Homework Policy

Homework is essential for students to practice independently what we have covered in class.Homework is the student’s DIRECT responsibility. Parents and teachers may serve as a “resource”, but are NOT responsible for homework completion. It is the responsibility of each student to write down the assignments down in their planner, and make sure the textbooks/materials needed are taken home to complete these assignments. Homework is directly related to class lessons.Failure to do so will be viewed as a missed assignment and result in a WIN Timeand after school assistance if needed. The quality of work on assignments benefits one’s learning as well as material for Benchmark exams.

Quizzes (70%)

All quizzes will be given to evaluate your progress of the unit for YOUR benefit of understanding of the material. There will be two types of quizzes;formative and summative quizzes. Formative quizzes are NOT graded and will be taken as many times for better understanding. Summative quizzes will be graded and test each standard we have covered.

Each summative quiz will divided amongst 70% of your grade. For example, there are 8 standards in the in semester 1, thus each summative quiz is worth 8.75%. (70/8=8.75) Semester 2 will have a total of 6 standards, thus each summative quiz will be worth 11.6% each. (70/6=11.6)

Benchmark Exams (30%)

Each quarter will be an exam that tests the skills of standards that you have learned throughout the quarter. Each quarterly quiz makes up 15% of your semester grade, thus making the 30% for benchmark exams.

Retake Policy

Second-chance assessment opportunities shall be made available to students who have missed a summative assessment, to students who have failed a summative assessment, and to students who have earned below an 80% on a summative assessment. For students who missed a summative assessment for a legitimate reason (an excused absence or emergency), the highest possible score that may be earned on a reassessment is 100%. Students who must reassess because they missed an initial summative assessment for an unexcused reason, who must reassess because they failed an initial assessment, or who wish to reassess because they have earned below an 80%, may earn up to an 80% on the reassessment.Students will not have the option to retake benchmark exams.

Student Evaluation.

Academics

At the end of each grade period students will receive a Report Card with a Final Grade. Academic grades are monitored in the form of Academic Progress Reports. The grades are strictly based on a point and/or percent system.

A / 94-100 / Excellent
B / 86-93 / Good
C / 78-85 / Satisfactory
D / 70-77 / Needs Improvement
N/C or F / Below 70 / No Credit
I / Incomplete

Absences

If you are absent from class it is YOUR responsibility to obtain missed assignment, notes, and other information from your fellow classmates. Assignments can be obtained from the Canvas website or myself. If you know you will be absent you need to obtain the assignments and complete the date of the absence. I understand that there may be circumstances that prevent assignments to be completed on time. In those instances it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements with me. Please refer to student handbook for more information concerning absenteeism and make-up work.

Plagiarism

Students are responsible for their work and educational integrity will be closely observed. I will clearly state if you are allowed to work with a fellow student on an assignment. If you are not instructed to work with a partner, than you are expected to complete the assignment on your own. Any students found copying/cheating will be reprimanded.

Questions

If you or your child has any questions concerning the syllabus, please feel free to contact through email or call at the school (308) 636-2252. The syllabus will also be available for view on my page on the school website.

I have read and understand the class syllabus and understand the expectations that Mr. Wehnes has for me/my child in the 2017-2018 school year.

Student SignatureParent or Guardian Signature

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