Aiea High School 2015
Participation in Democracy Syllabus
Ms. Nonaka
Phone #: 305-6580
Room: R-1
Course Description
In this course, students will focus on citizenship in a democratic society. Learners will examine the principles of government; along with political activity, contemporary issues, the decision making process, and the challenges faced by our institutions. In doing so, learners will venture beyond the study of the nature of government towards the ideal of responsible citizenry that is informed and involved.
This course is intended to foster patriotism, respect for the law, a sense of civic duty, and informed economic decisionmaking.
HCPS III Standards/Benchmarks:
Big Idea(s)/Major Understanding(s): Students will understand that. . .
The American concept of democracy evolved over time.
SS.9PD.4.1: Explain how governments derive authority
SS.9PD.3.2: Describe how historical events and ideas have influenced American constitutional democracy
SS.9PD.3.1: Describe how ideas of the Enlightenment influenced the American political system
Big Idea(s)/Major Understanding(s): Students will understand that. . . American democracy is based on principles and values that have responded to many challenges.
SS.9PD.4.2: Describe how the American Constitution embodies the principles of rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and limited government
SS.9PD.3.3: Describe how historical challenges to the Constitution over time have resulted in new interpretations of free speech, free press, privacy, civil rights, and voting rights
SS.9PD.4.3: Assess the extent to which the American values of common good, equality of opportunity, and individual rights have been realized
Idea(s)/Major Understanding(s): Students will understand that. . .
The American economy is affected by its people, its government, and international economic policies.
SS.9PD.8.1: Describe the economic functions of government including providing public goods and services, maintaining competition, redistributing income, correcting for externalities, and stabilizing the economy
SS.9PD.8.2: Explain how people, individually and collectively, participate in the U.S. economy
SS.9PD.8.3: Evaluate the degree to which the United States affects and is affected by international economic policies
Big Idea(s)/Major Understanding(s): Students will understand that. . . In a democracy, citizen participation is essential, either as an individual or in groups.
SS.9PD.5.1: Explain the rights, duties and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy and the relationship between them
SS.9PD.5.4: Explain the role of a citizen in the electoral process
SS.9PD.5.3: Compare the characteristics of major political parties based upon the philosophy, platform, and support base
SS.9PD.5.2: Investigate how citizens can monitor and advocate for a local, state, or national issue
SS.9PD.5.5: Demonstrate the role of a citizen in civic action by selecting a problem, gathering information, proposing a solution, creating an action plan, and showing evidence of implementation
Course Goals:
-Students will strive their very best to achieve and master on all objectives taught in class.
-Reach all Common Core Standards for Reading and Writing in Social Studies, and state-wide General Learning Outcomes (GLOs). By setting these goals, our students will begin on a trajectory to master all Civic History course objectives and be prepared for success in college, careers, and life.
Course Policies
Attendance/ Tardy:
Students are expected to come to class everyday prepared and on time. Regular attendance develops a sense of responsibility that is imperative for success in school and in the future workplace. Students are responsible for all work missed and student mustturn in all assignments before a known absence (ie. field trips, doctor appointments, athletic/school events, permit taking). Students with unexcused absence will not receive credit for missed work. Excessive absents or tardiness may result in the lowering of a grade or detention.
Homework:
You must be prepared to practice material outside of class. Homework will be assigned every week and is not optional. You must do your homework. It will be due at the beginning of class each day, to be turned in to the “Homework” tray. All work must include your name, date, subject, and the period.
Late work:
All assignments are to be finished by the beginning of class the day that they are due. There will be a 10% penalty for late work that is turned in one day late. Any work turned in more than three days late will not be accepted and the resulting grade will be an F. You are still responsible for completing the assignment.
Make-up Work:
In the event of an excused absence, you are responsible for all work assigned. If you miss school for any reason, you will have two days to make up missed work. If work is not made up, the resulting grade will be an F. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed on the days that you were absent. There will be no excuses for not getting the work you miss. If you miss an exam or quiz, you must make this up when you return. Depending on the class activity, you may be required to make up the exam/quiz outside of class time. It is your responsibility to make these arrangements with your parents/guardians and me.
Communication:
Contact information is noted at the top of the page of this syllabus. Feel free to contact me at any time to discuss class-related matters. However, I will only meet with you by appointment only (at least one day in advance) to make sure we are available.
Management Plan:
- Come to class prepared and on time. This includes bringing all materials to class on a daily basis (assignments, three ring binder, textbook, paper/notebook, writing instruments).
- Follow all school-wide expectations (Tribes Agreements, General Learner Outcomes).
- Take notes on readings, lectures, discussions, and assigned outside class activities.
- Show respect and courtesy to other students, teachers, administrators, and school personnel.
- Leave food, gum, and beverages (other than water) outside the classroom.
- Raise your hand as a request to speak. Show consideration and listen to what others have to say.
- Observe relevant D.O.E. and Aiea High School rules including dress code, cell phones, and ID policy. (cell phone used in class will be confiscated & turned into the office)
- Ask questions about any unclear aspect of the class.
- Participate in class on a regular basis. Any student who is not in his or her seat when the tardy bell rings is considered tardy and lose participation points accordingly
- Use appropriate language at all times. Speak in a professional manner.
Consequences
Failure to abide by the classroom rules and expectations will result in the following:
1st Choice: Verbal Warning
2nd Choice: Stay-In Teacher/Student Conference
3rd Choice: Stay-In, Phone with Parent/Guardian about Continued Choices
4th Choice: Office Referral (Serious infractions will be immediately referred to the office)
Grading Scale: Grades will be available online via Jupitergrades.com.
Your grade will reflect your level of mastery of the Hawaii Content Performance Standards and Common Core reading, writing, and critical thinking skills standards. You will have several opportunities to earn mastery of these standards and skills. There will be several assignments such as projects, class work, homework, and tests. All standards-based assignments will be used toward your final grade.
Conversion Chart:
4 / A / Exceeds (90% - 100%) / The student’s performance is excellent; goes beyond performance standards (outstanding)3 / B / Proficient (80% - 89%) / The student’s performance is thorough; exceeds the performance standards
2 / C / Partially Proficient
(70% - 79%) / The student’s performance is adequate; meets the performance standards
1 / D / Below (60% - 69%) / The student’s performance is minimal; does not meet the performance standards
0 / F / Well Below
(59% and Below) / The student’s performance is weak or does not exist; falls far below the performance standards
Each quarter’s grade will be based on points earned from each of the following categories:
Quizzes/Tests20%
Homework25%
Classwork25%
Projects20%
Participation10%
TOTAL100%
Required Materials
- Pen or pencil everyday
- A planner to write down homework
- Composition Notebook
- Folder
- College Rule Paper
- Highlighter
- Binders and Dividers
Student Contract and Honor Code
I, ______, will do my best in U.S. History. I accept the challenge to work hard and succeed. I will respect my classmates, my teacher, my school and myself. I will be prepared for class. I will ask for help when I need it and offer help when I can give it. I will do my own work. I am in charge of my own behavior. I will accept the consequences of my actions.I have read and understand the information imparted in the syllabus. I will email Ms. Nonaka if you have any questions or concerns.
SignatureDate
Teacher Contract and Honor Code
I, Ms. Nonaka will respect all of my students. I will show my respect by doing my best to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I will hold all students to the highest expectations. I will provide a safe, welcome learning environment for all of mystudents. I will listen to my students and their parents’ questions, comments, and concerns and always respond in a fair and respectful manner.
SignaturesDate
Parent/Guardian Contract and Honor Code
I, ______, will support and encourage my student to do excellent work. I will provide my student with tools for success including materials for class and time and space for homework I will speak with Ms. Nonaka about any questions or concerns I have about my student. I will work with Ms. Nonaka to make sure my student gets the most out of this class.I have read and understand the information imparted in the syllabus. I will email Ms. Nonaka if I have any questions or concerns.
SignatureDate
Parent/Guardian’s Email Address: ______
Parent/Guardian’s Phone #: (Home) ______(Work) ______
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