Mr. Black's World History-- Policies and Procedures

Classroom Operations
Classroom Management
Learning Process
Evaluation Process
Grading Policy
Supply List

Open Door Policy	If you feel that I have treated you unfairly or you need to talk about an issue pertaining to the class, please come see me. I ask that you wait until before or after school to discuss your concern; however, if you feel it is urgent, I am willing to talk to you at anytime.
Restrictions	Computers may only be used with my permission and I must be present while you are using the machine. (See Technology Usage Policy for more details). Please be extremely careful around all computer cords and cables. Students are only allowed to use the cabinets that are designated for student use. Also, please be respectful of the decorative items around the room.
Attendance	Your success depends on your ability to attend class; however, I know that sometimes missing school cannot be helped. I am willing to work with you, but you have to take the time to come see me.
Absences	Following an absence, it is your responsibility to make-up any work missed in class. You may contact your classmates, or I am usually available before and after school. Also, e-mail is another convenient way to contact me. All missed assignments need to be submitted in a timely manner. I realize that students often have additional work in all their classes following an absence. I am willing to work with you, but the key is to keep me posted on your progress.
Late Work	Late work will be accepted at a 50% deduction for the first day, and then it will not be accepted after that. The enforcement of this policy will be more strictly enforced through the course of the year.

Tardy	You MUST have a pass to be excused. If you choose to be late, you will face the consequences (see below).
Academic Integrity	I have a ZERO tolerance policy for cheating (this includes plagiarism). Parents and administration will be notified immediately. Purchasing materials or turning-in materials that were copied and pasted from the Internet as original work without proper citation is considered cheating. You must go to great lengths to ensure that you properly cite your sources. This has become a serious issue among colleges and universities, and it can jeopardize your academic career. This topic will be explored in greater depth later.
Class Rules	My class rules are very simple. All you need to remember is RESPECT. Respect Yourself--Do your best. That is all that anyone can ask. Take pride in your work, your achievements, and your accomplishments. Respect Others--Treat everyone exactly the same way that you would want them to treat you. Respect Me--Arrive to class on time, do not talk while I am talking, and follow any reasonable request that I might ask of you.
Consequences*	If you make a poor choice or you fail to show everyone the proper respect, you will face the following consequences: First Consequence: Student Warned and to complete a 'Behavior Solution' Slip Second Consequence: Teacher-Student Conference Third Consequence: Parent Contact Fourth Consequence: Parent-Teacher Conference Fifth Consequence: Referral to Administration
* More severe violations will receive the appropriate consequence

Learning is a process, and the steps along the way (FOR LEARNING) are just as important as the final project, activity, or product (OF LEARNING). Therefore, students will constantly and continually be evaluated throughout the entire process.

Here are the steps of the Learning Process that will be implemented in this class:

FOR LEARNING:

-Introduction (builds interest; a hook)
-Acquire Knowledge (lectures, readings, videos)
-Questioning and Clarifying (debates, discussions, seminars)
-Process and Produce (writing, projects, activities)

OF LEARNING:

-Present/Publish (students sharing what they learned)

The following are examples of items that will be used in the Assessment FOR Learning:

-Daily Observations (See, ‘Daily Progress Rubric’ below)
-Class Participation
-Discussion Board Responses
-Journaling
-Peer Evaluation Reports
-Interactive Notebook (See, Learning Tools in the Student Forum Section)

Effort (x2)

-Working to ability level
-Working hard

Efficiency

-Effective use of time
- On task

Effectiveness

-Quality work
-Meet/Exceed Standards

The following are examples of items that will be used in the Assessment OF Learning:

-Project Presentations [Grading Rubric (PDF)]
-Essays [Grading Rubric (PDF)]
-Quizzes and Examinations

Grades will be entered on a points system. The value of each individual assignment will range from 5 to 250 points based on the time, energy, effort, and critical thinking abilities required to accomplish each task. Students will receive two credits for the entire year: Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Semester 1 Grade	Average of Quarter One: 45%	Average of Quarter Two: 45%	Semester 1 Exam: 10%
Semester 2 Grade	Average of Quarter Three: 45%	Average of Quarter Four: 45%	Semester 2 Exam: 10%

Each quarter, students will be informed of his/her Academic Achievement Grade and Effort Grade. The academic grade will be based on performance on assignments and the effort grade will be based on student effort and participation in the classroom. The two grades will be averaged together to give each student his or her final quarter grade.

Academic Achievement		Effort and Participation
A	Exceptional Demonstration of the Standards	A	Exceptional Effort
B	Good Demonstration of the Standards	B	Good Effort
C	Acceptable Demonstration of the Standards	C	Acceptable Effort
D	Emerging	D	Improvement Needed
F	Did Not Meet the Standards	F	Major Improvement Needed

2.5-inch 3-ring binder with Paper	Composition Notebook
Pen (Blue or Black Ink)	Pencil
Colored Pencils	Colored Markers (optional)
Yellow Highlighter	Atlas and Dictonary (at home)
USB (Pen) Drive (at least 256 MegaBytes)*	Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint)*

* These items are recommendations only. Initially, they may seem expensive, but they are powerful tools that your child will use throughout his or her time in school.