policies

Assignments

You will have multiple assignments throughout the year, and you will need to follow a schedule. The submission schedule is both posted online, and in the classroom. The online calendar will always prevail, and you are responsible for keeping updated and on time. You must check the online calendar! All assignments are due on the date listed on the calendar.

Homework – For each chapter we cover, you are expected to submit a set of notes. You will submit one set of notes for each section, usually totaling four for any chapter. Homework questions are on yellow paper that you pick up in class.

  • Homework (Study Guides) are worth 25 pts. each.
  • Normal submission schedule is Tuesday / Thursday, but may change depending on circumstances.
  • Homework is always accepted until end of school day.
  • -2 pts. for every blank answer.
  • -4 pts. for blank graphic organizers / narratives.
  • -5 pts. late fee (if after due date).
  • Late homework accepted until day of chapter test.
  • Zero (0) grade for plagiarism / copying someone else’s work.
  • Study Guides are permitted on Chapter Tests.
  • The Study Guides are for you. The more time and effort you invest, the better your results will be. Guaranteed!

Vocabulary – You will receive a set of vocabulary terms for each chapter we cover. In addition, there will be additional vocabulary from visual media we see in class that will be on separate handouts. Your mastery of the vocabulary will be assessed on the chapter tests. Using flashcards as a way to study vocabulary is suggested. Vocabulary related items are on blue paper.

Quizzes – Multiple quizzes will be administered during the semester, generally in accordance with homework submission. Quizzes are ‘pop-quizzes’, and cannot be made up at a later date. If you miss one, you miss one. Quizzes will be on green paper slips that you pick up in class.

  • All quizzes are out 10 pts. 2 pts./answer.
  • You may not make up a quiz.
  • Quizzes assess section material from textbook, and are meant as spot checks.

Chapter Test – Each chapter will be assessed using an online test. The point value for each test is 100 points, and is calculated on a percentage scale. All chapter tests are open notes – you may use your notes from homework and class, as long as they are in your handwriting.

  • Chapter Tests assess everything you’ve dealt with for that chapter, including lectures, readings, activities, etc.
  • All Chapter Tests are out of 100 pts.
  • All Chapter Tests are administered online.
  • If you fail a test (score less than 60), you are permitted to retake the test within one (1) week.
  • You must schedule your retake outside of class.
  • Your new score will be an average of old + new score.
  • Plagiarism / cheating on any test will result in a zero (0) grade.

Weekly Blog Posts // Optional Assignments

You are encouraged to leave comments on blog postings related to history, and are specially marked. You may earn 5 points per week in doing so, as extra credit. Your comments must be thoughtful, well-developed, and substantial. You will earn all or nothing, so either 5 or 0 points for your efforts. If you do not participate in these optional assignments, your grade will not be impacted. For the purposes of administration, a week ends on Fridays (to leave me time grade items over the weekend).

Makeup Assignments

  • All chapter homework, and other chapter related assignments, must be completed and submitted before, or on the day of the chapter test.
  • All makeup tests must be scheduled by the student, and will be ‘made up’ before or after school, or during 5th period (by appointment only).
  • There is no makeup for quizzes.
  • Projects have hard deadlines. They’re due when they’re due. No exceptions.

Procedures

  • Students should come to class fully prepared, with all materials needed, including completed homework, projects, other assignments, etc. There is no excuse for failing to bring pen or pencils, notepaper, binder, etc.
  • I expect all students to be polite, inquisitive, and not to interrupt instruction. All discipline issues will be dealt with swiftly, and according to stated school policies (please read your Student Handbook for specifics).
  • All tardy students will be issued a weekday detention for the following school day.
  • Please conduct all calls of nature, i.e. going to the restroom, outside of class time. Do not ask me to sign a pass in the middle of class.
  • Teaching is my responsibility – learning is yours. Make sure you get the most from your high school education in order to maximize future unrealized benefits.

Suggestions

All students should, in the first week of class, furnish and bring with them the following materials in order to be successful in this class:

  • Three-ring binder, at least 1 ½ inch thick, with tabbed dividers (I suggest at least 20 tabbed dividers, one for each chapter we’ll cover).
  • A pen or pencil. You are encouraged to use a pen, blue or black ink, on all notes in class and for homework, but a pencil will suffice if you prefer.
  • Notepaper/Filler Paper (at least 100 pages). Get wide ruled paper in bulk, hole-punched and ready to go, and put it in the back of your binder.
  • Flash cards // Note cards – for vocabulary practice.

Failure to bring above materials every day may result in a lower grade.