1. Take Responsibility for Your Education

This is the absolute expectation. If you put forth your best effort you can expect to gain the best outcome. This course requires a large amount of in class and out of class effort. If readings are assigned. Do it. Lectures will be on new/different material. If homework is assigned. Do it. You will never be given time in class to do what was expected to be completed out of class. Lessons are structured to use the information you gained from the readings/homework, whether it be for discussions or activities. Particpate in class. Class discussions do not work if no one participates. Discussion is used to expand your knowledge AND your thinking. Have you ever been engaged in a discussion and it caused you to think about something even more than you had? This is why class discussions are used. I am willing to help those who are willing to help themselves. If you have a question-ask. If you need further help-see me after class/school or before class/school. If you need extra support or resources-see me! I cannot help those who simply give up.

2. Respect

Respect yourself. Respect me. Respect your fellow classmates. Respect the learning process. This involves following all of these expectations, but also respecting others by not using derogatory language, being considerate, being prepared, and participating. Disruptive or hurtful behavior will not be tolerated.

3. No Electronic Devices-unless requested for a special reason by the teacher

This includes cell phones, I-Pods, Zunes, or any other MP3 players. No handheld games. No calculators (this isn’t math class). They are disruptive and attention diverting. If you have one out-I will confiscate it and give to the office.

4. Tardies

Because of what we need to cover in the little amount of time we have to cover it–every second of classtime counts. BEING TARDY IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! If you are tardy–whether 30 seconds or 10 minutes–you will enter my room silently, put the pass in the basket by the door, and will take your seat. You will owe me the amount of time tardy either before or after school the next day. Causing a disruption as you come in will result in a detention. Also, do not ask to be LATE to class because you need to use the restroom or get a drink. I will not give you permission to be late to class!

5. Absences

Unexcused–not accepted and will follow the school policy. You cannot make up classwork due to unexcused absences. You are responsible for getting your make up assignments and turning them in according to the policy.

Excused–Check the “What You May Have Missed” basket. If it is not up to date–see me AFTER CLASS. You are responsible for making up your work–I will NOT seek you out to get it made up, even for quizzes or tests. If you know you will be gone (sports, clubs, field trips, doctors, etc) you must see me before you will be gone to get all work made up BEFORE the absence. This will keep you from being behind when you get back!

6. Make-Up Work

You are responsible for making up your own work. You must check the What You May Have Missed basket. If not up to date-see me AFTER class. All homework assignments must be turned in within two days of returning from any unknown absence. If you know you will be gone, all work must be completed BEFORE leaving. Tests, quizzes, or essays–must be made up within one week. Tests/quizzes must be made up during your TA period, before school, or after school.

7. Late Work

Not accepted. I would be setting you up for failure in an AP course if I allowed late work. We will go over all homework in class. If you need an extension on a major project or paper, you must submit your request in writing and have a convincing reason. Technical issues are NOT convincing reasons. If you run out of ink-email it to me. No Internet-do not do it on the computer unless you know you can print it OR save it to a flash drive (no floppy disks!).

8. Homework

Nightly. You will be asked to read several chapters per week. You will be asked to identify key terms weekly. You will be asked to create outlines/notes from your readings. You can expect to spend 6-10 hours per week working on APUSH work. Most writing assignments are done in class, with only a few major essays or projects done outside of class (about 1 per quarter). Note–not all homework/classwork will be graded, but it is vital you do all the work. I will explain this idea in another post.

9. Academic Integrity

You are taking this course. I need to review YOUR work to assess YOUR learning. You will be the one taking the APUHS exam in May. You need to know the material. Copying someone else’s work, whether it is outline notes or key terms, is never allowed and will result in 0 credit for the assignment. Plagiarism is also not allowed. We will cover how to avoid plagiarism within the first 3 weeks.