American Studies Course Syllabus

Mrs. Young

682-4061 ext. 155

Email:  youngr@chelanschools.org

 

This course is a combined class that includes a study of American literature and American history.  It is a two-credit graduation requirement.  This course is aligned with the student’s IEP goals to improve their reading and writing skills as well as fulfill the requirement for U.S. History.

 

Student outcomes:

 

Outside reading:

Each student will be given a reading range according to their reading level.  Students will read books within their range and then test on the computer that will record their results and points earned.  That percentage grade is entered as their reading grade for the quarter.  It is 25% of their grade. I will attempt to give students 30 minutes to read during class time, but that is not guaranteed.  They will be expected to read at home.  Students may choose books from my class, as well as the public and school libraries.  Students are welcome to check out my books, but they are responsible for taking care of them or they will be expected to replace the book.

 

Grading Criteria:

1.  Daily assignments                                 20%

2.  Journals/Reading Responses              20%

3.  Tests/Papers/Projects                            25%

4.  Accelerated Reader                               25%

5.  Assignments turned in on time          10%

     participation, prepared for class,

     effort, attendance/tardiness,

     quality of work, follows classroom

     rules

 

I will be in my room at least ½ hour before and after class (except when I have meetings), and I would be very happy to help anyone who needs help.  Please feel free to come in and ask.

 

 

 

Students will:

1.       come to class on time and prepared with the necessary materials (paper, notebook, writing tool, homework, day timer reading book).

2.       be courteous.  Students will participate and contribute appropriately in classroom discussion/activities.

3.       respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of the room.

4.       begin assignments promptly and work quietly.

Turn in completed assignments on time. I do not accept late work.  It is your responsibility to make up work that was missed or turn in work that was due during your absence.  Work missed from an unexcused absence cannot be made up. 

5.        Full credit will not be given for late assignments.  Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class. Work turned in more than 2 days late will not be accepted.

6.       follow all rules in the student handbook.

 

If you choose to break a rule:

 

First Time:                                        Verbal Warning

Second Time:                                    Detention and Parent contact

Third Time:                                      Conference with parent, Mr. Harris and you

Fourth Time:                                    In School Suspension

Severe disruption:                           Student sent immediately to the office

 

                        Eat and drink in the commons; NOT IN MY CLASS!!  You are allowed to have water if it is in a clear container.  THAT IS THE ONLY EXCEPTION.

If you need to use the bathroom or otherwise leave my room, please ask me for a hall pass and put your name on the board.  This will be strictly enforced.

 

Attendance Policy

To be successful here and elsewhere you must be here consistently and on time. Be in the room and seated in your seat when the bell rings or you will be marked tardy.  You will have one day for each day that you are absent to turn in work you missed  If you are more than 5 minutes late you will be marked absent.  If you are tardy you will be assigned detention with me.  1st tardy = 15minutes, 2nd = 30 minutes, 3rd = office referral.  Detention must be served within two days or it will double.  In the case of an excused absence it is your responsibility to find out what you missed; I will not track you down and remind you. I do not accept late work.  It is your responsibility to make up work that was missed or turn in work that was due during your absence.  Work missed from an unexcused absence cannot be made up.   More than 10 absences equals loss of credit.  .  Excessive absences have a direct impact on your comprehension and connection to the discussions and topics covered in class.  As a result you are limited to 10 absences in this course.  This is any combination of excused and unexcused absences.  School related absences (field trips, etc) are counted in this total.  After the 10th absence you will be notified that you no longer will be receiving credit for this course.  For more specific information regarding the high school attendance policy please consult your student handbook.

I expect each student to do their own work.  Integrity and trust are hard to earn back!

 

Academic Honesty

Honesty is a principle by which we operate all aspects of student and school life at CHS.  Students should not cheat, nor should they tolerate it among their peers.  Students will not receive credit for work that is not their own.  Therefore, students do not receive credit for work that is not their own.  Disciplinary sanctions will be administered for cheating on any school assignment or plagiarism, or the use of material produced by someone else without acknowledging its source.  Cheating is defined as an attempt to earn credit or receive a grade for coursework in a manner other than defined as acceptable by the teacher.  Because of the serious nature of academic honesty, violations of this code will result in loss of credit for assignment with a recorded failing grade. It may also entail loss of credit for the course with a recorded failing grade, removal from the course with a failing grade, and/ or additional appropriate disciplinary action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please sign to show that you have read the syllabus.  You will not be officially enrolled in the class until this is signed and returned.

Thank you,

Mrs. Young

 

 

 

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Student signature                                                                           Date

 

 

 

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Parent signature                                                                             Date

 

 

 

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Phone number                                                                     e-mail address (if applicable)