Q:

Do you accept late work?

A:

I accept late work at 50% credit until the day of that units assessment (test, project due date, etc). After we have completed the unit, I no longer accept work for that unit. Exceptions to accepting late work: 1)if we grade an assignment in class & the student is present (& just didn't do the work) I do not accept the assignment late. 2)Some assignments given at least one week in advance may not be accepted late. I grade late work at my convenience.

Q:

What kind of assignments make up a student's grade?

A:

The following assignments make up a student's grade: tests, quizzes, quarter notebook, worksheets, vocabulary, daily class or homework assignments, formative assessments, long or short term projects, writing assignments, warm-ups,etc. Some assignments are graded upon completion and effort, some assignments are graded upon accuracy, and some assignments are graded on the combination of effort, completion, and accuracy.

Q:	How do you prefer to be contacted?
A:	Probably the best way to contact me is by email and let me know if you would like a return call or email. Of course, I am available by telephone during my conference hour and after school.

Q:	How do I know when an assignment is due?
A:	I'm trying to improve adding that information to the calendar. Students are told verbally and due dates are written on the board in advance. Daily assignments are generally due either at the end of the hour or the next day. Vocabulary is due the day we take our vocabulary quiz. The due date is generally written/typed on any longer-term assignments.

Q:

Do you give extra credit?

A:

Honors Classes and AP classes: Generally, I do NOT offer any extra credit for honors classes, but there may be a few occasions where bonus points are available. Regular Classes: I usually offer extra credit 1-2 times per quarter. The type of extra credit offered usually consists of community service (to show citizen responsibility) or an extension activity of the subject we are currently studying. These may include a trip to the Missouri History Museum, crossword puzzles, or other exension activities either part of or in addition to a regular assignment. Students should not count on extra credit to inflate their grade. Extra credit is due at the time the teacher indicates and is NOT accepted beyond the due date or late. No exceptions.

Q:	Where do I find assignments that I missed?
A:	I put copies of assignments in folders in subject matter (U.S. History or Government) labeled crates. The crates sit on a table in the classroom. I will attach many assignments to the calendar, but some may not be attached because of copyright rules.

Q:

What are super stars?

A:

For regular classes, each time a student receives an A on a test, quiz, quarter, or semester, their name is placed on a star. The stars are hung on the board/wall. At the end of each quarter, I will put the stars in a drawing. At least One U.S. History student and one American Government student will each win a prize-ussually a movie ticket or gift card (due to loss of teacher supply money, any winning gift card will be subject to vendor donations. For the 2009-2010 school year, thanks to the following vendors for their donations: Applebees, TGIFridays, Wehrenberg Theaters at Mid Rivers Mall and St. Charles 18 Cinema, Cheesecake Factory, and Pizza Hut. Vendor donatons were down for the 2010-2011 year, but vendors who participated were Applebees, TGI Fridays, and Wehrenberg Theaters. Honors classes will receive stars for scores of 95% or above on tests, quizzes, quarter and semester grades.

Q:	What does it mean when I see an "x" in the box under an assignment?
A:	An "x" means that I have excused the student from completing the assignment. The "x" does not average in to the grade either positively or negatively.

Q:	Do you attach all assignments to the calendar?
A:	Unfortunately, copyright laws prevent me from attaching all assignments to the calendar. Our calendars are not password sensitive so that only students enrolled in our classes have access. Therefore, any copyrighted material (that we haven't been given permission to post) may not be attached.

Q:

Are the textbooks available online?

A:

We have new U.S. History books beginnning the 2010-2011 school year. These books are available online. Each student has been given the information and steps to set up their online book (I've done everything I can on my end). These books have online resources to go with the books. Unfortunately we do no have access to the online textbook for American Government. The textbook does have a website that can be found in the book with access codes by section. These sections have practice quizzes. You may also want to google Magruder's American government for additional powerpoints or other information. AP American Government and Politics does have online access. It has practice quizzes, vocabulary flashcards, videos, and much more. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of using this resource.

Q:

What is the best way to prepare for my final exam?

A:

There are long term and short term actions to take in preparing for exams. 1. keep up with your work and read the assigned chapters during the semester. It doesn't hurt to outline the chapter as you read. 2. use the online resources for your books 3. Go back through the website calendar and review powerpoints 4. Review (and know) the unit objectives I give you at the beginning of each unit and we go over as a class. Also, read over your notes and class assignments. 5. Know your vocabulary and how to apply your vocabulary and any major concept. 6. Complete and study your review sheets. 7. Identify your strengths and weaknesses on the review sheets so you know how to best spend your time studying. 8. Pay attention to any review we do in class. 9. Read handout on test-taking strategies found on my resource page. 10. On the day of the test, don't panic. Breathe! You have 90 minutes to answer the questions. Read each question carefully and in its entirety. Skimming the question could cause you to miss an important word or fact that decides the answer. Try to answer the question first without looking at the answers. Your gut answer is usually right. Use your test-taking skills if you don't know the answer. Try to narrow down your choices. Ask yourself if the proposed answer has anything to do with the question. Don't leave any question blank-at least give yourself a chance at getting the question right. Worry about yourself-don't worry about how fast or slow other students are finishing the test. This is your grade at your pace. The entire 90 minutes is yours if you need it.

Q:	When are snow make-up days scheduled?
A:	For the 2011-2012 school year, the district has scheduled the following snow make-up days in the following order: 1)May 24, 2) May 25, 3)May 29, 4)May 30, 5)May 31, 6)April 9, 7)June 1, 8)March 12, 9)March 13, 10)March 14 The school district asks that you avoid taking/planning vacation on these days. Final exams will be the last 3 days school is in session.

Q:

Are book covers required for my textbook?

A:

Absolutely! We received new U.S. History books for the 2010-2011 school year. We will have new AP Government textbooks for the 2011-2012 school year. Any marks, bent corners, torn pages, bent spines or any other damage to the book will result in a fine. Appropriately sized book covers help protect your book. If the book cover is too small, you will have bent corners. Also, be careful in how you put your book in your locker. Cramming books into lockers will also cause damage to your book. Keep track of your books. Any lost or destroyed book will result in your paying the full price for your textbook. Put your name and teacher's name in the front inside cover of your textbook!

Q:

Do you recommend the use of supplemental resource material for the AP Government and Politics class?

A:

Yes. There are several companies that make supplemental material for preparing for the AP Government and Politics exam. I provided a list to the students on their syllabus. The list is not meant to be all inclusive. The student does NOT need to buy all of the material-just one or 2 resources. The best advice I was given on which particular resource to purchase was to have the student pick a topic they are comfortable with and look at that topic in several different books. Whichever book best explains that topic may be the best resource for that particular student. These books/resources can be found in most bookstores and amazon.com. Public libraries may carry some items. Try to find the most current resource as the exams change over time.

Q:

Is it necessary to do outside preparation for the AP American Government and Politics exam?

A:

Yes! To try to get the best score possible, it's important for the student to put in time of their own preparing for the test. I've heard many AP teachers, in many different schools, districts, and disciplines, say that there is not enough time in a school year to teach the students everything they need to know for the exam. AP students need to be motivated to assist in their own learning. Of course, we're here to help in every way we can.