What do we learn?
In Civics, we will learn about The Constitution of the United States and how it impacts our lives and the issues that we care about. The Founders set up the U.S. government through a document called The Constitution. Each of the parts (articles) lay out the basic structure of the Presidency, Congress, and the American court system. In addition, the Amendments (Bill of Rights) that are attached to the Constitution spell out how the government should not abuse the rights of the people. It is the most important part of the American system and has inspired governments around the world. But they didn't write out a rulebook for every issue. They wanted it to be a living document. As a result, the Constitution was created to change and grow with American needs.
How do we learn in here?
1. Writing - We are always asking why that issue is important and what should we believe about it.
2. Reading - Historic texts and current events help us gather information to answer those questions that we write about.
3. Projects - Creative products can also help us put together ideas and explore controversial issues in American life.
How are we graded?
1. Standards - every assignment has standards that we must meet (Civics, Reading, Writing, Economics, and Professionalism).
2. Scoring - For each standard in an assignment, you receive a score.
4
Exceptional
90-100%
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In addition to exhibiting level 3 performance, in-depth inferences and applications that go BEYOND what was taught in class and assigned.
Level 4 learners are very creative and analytical.
They add details from many sources.
They put all of the details in their own words and add their ideas with those ideas.
Level 4 learners ask questions of all different types (see levels questions).
Level 4 learners spend time explaining their answers.
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3
Mastery
80-89%
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No major error or omission regarding any of the information or processes (SIMPLE or COMPLEX, that were taught)
Level 3 learners have some creativity and analysis
They may only rely on a few sources.
They may leave out some details but cover the question.
Level 3 learners have their own words and ideas but may not fully understand or research the questions.
They spend time explaining but may have holes in explanation.
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2
Passing
70-79%
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No major errors or omissions regarding SIMPLER details and processes BUT major errors or omission regarding the more complex ideas and processes.
Level 2 learners know the right answers, but they are basic answers and lacking in creativity or analysis.
They answer with details from single source.
They will answer question without explaining or expanding ideas.
Level 2 learners will not always use their own thoughts or words to answer.
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1
Striving to Reach Standard
60-69%
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With HELP, a partial knowledge of some of the simpler ideas/details and processes demonstrated.
Level 1 learners are trying to understand questions or ideas.
Level 1 learners may only have basic information in their answers.
They struggle with research and gathering details.
Level 1 learners may not be able to analyze information.
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0
Missed Attempt
55%
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Even with help, no understanding or skill demonstrated
Level zero learners cut and paste or take other's work.
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Percentages of each score are set at the midpoint. You can earn a + or - depending on how well I think you've been striving to meet the standard.
All of your scores fall into categories in the gradebook based on the type of standard. These categories are weighted. Civics is the largest portion of your grade.
How will I know what my overall grade is?
You are responsible for checking your grade in Skyward.
Each of the categories are listed there with your scores. All of your scores in one categories average together to give you an overall score.
You are responsible for checking your email for any feedback or scores that I may have sent you.
I do not accept late work.
What is late work? Anything that you were supposed to submit on the due date that you failed to submit.
Absences do not excuse you from any due dates.
Excused Absences do NOT excuse you from due dates for any work submitted online.
So what can I do to get a better grade?
On Time Work - Always turn in your work on-time EVEN if it is not finished. Getting a 1 or 2 on an assignment is better than getting a zero. Even if you get zero on PART of your assignment, it is better because you get a chance to do THE REDO.
The Redo - Any work that you submit to me ON TIME can be redone for a better grade. Please save ALL of your emails. I will not resend you work. However, you can consult with me on what you can do better. Pay attention to the chart above to help you determine how you can do better not only on your redo but also on future assignments.
Open Week - It is a week (or sometimes two) before the end of the semester where you are allowed to turn in any missing work. I will not send out emails or checklists to help you. You need to go back in your email and find all of your missing work. Do not wait until Open Weeks to turn in work. Most students who are flunking because of missing work are not able to salvage their grades. However, Open Week does help students improve their grades.
How will I know that I have work to do?
Daily Work - We will always have work to do in class. You are required to know how to check your student Gmail accounts. In your gmail, I will deliver assignment instructions to you. Those assignments will be the ones that we work on in class.
Homework - You will always have homework (usually about The Constitution OR current events). I will send out Constitution questions in Google Forms. These forms have boxes to fill in and you will submit them when you are finished.
Technology is very important in this classroom. All North Thurston Public Schools policies will be followed while using this valuable resource. If those policies are not followed, it is at my discretion to remove you from the technology and/or follow the NTPS disciplinary procedures. Please note that this will have a severe impact on your grade as most of the work that we do in class does not have a hard copy option.
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| Isabelle Bannerman |
