Materials Required:

Wide loose leaf binder [at least 2" or larger to be kept at home] --> this will not only be your primary notebook, but you will be creating your own individual “review book” as well and should keep it neat and well-organized, so that you have things at your fingertips.

One small [1"] binder or multi-pocket folder that will be brought to school each day with the materials/homework notes, etc., needed for the current unit being studied. –> include some clear loose leaf and some blank, white computer paper in the back.

3-holed college-lined [narrow-lined] loose leaf.

A yellow-colored highlighter.

17 individual loose leaf tabs/dividers [one for each of era & major topic, plus four for: review sheets, timeline, & presidential outlines.

Binders: (17 sections)

A Key To Success:

The most important grading factor in this class is consistent effort. The reading load is especially heavy the first 7-10 weeks, in order to cover the maximum amount of material in the time we have allotted. To do this with the least amount of stress, sharing is definitely encouraged. Although, YOU are ultimately responsible for understanding all material for testing. The amount of time required for homework for this class will vary with your reading speed. You should expect to do something for this class everyday. I hope that you will enjoy the year, work hard, and come out of it in May "thinking like a historian", able to tackle the demands and challenges of any college course!!!

Late Policy:

In order to receive credit for all work, it must be submitted when it is due. I will deduct 10% off of the original grade you would have received for each of the first three days after the original due date (max of 30% deduction). After that time, you will receive a zero for that assignment. However, I allow for ONE late assignment over the entire year (up to three days late for the assignment without penalty--the only exceptions being orals/PowerPoint presentations/group projects). Think of this as a Monopoly “get-out-of-jail-free” card, so to speak, and you can use it at any time. Remember, if you use your free pass in the first quarter, that’s it for the year! Exams missed due to absence will be taken within THREE school days after you return unless prior arrangements are made. You are strongly encouraged to let me know if you are going to miss class beforehand, if you know, so that we can make a plan together for when work can be made up.

Grading Policy:

My grading system is very simple—the total number of points you receive divided by the total possible points for those assignments. One grade will be a class participation/discussion/presentation grade for 30 points and will be included as an additional grade to your total point value score. Before the end of the marking period, I will ask for your self-evaluation sheet with a list of the criteria for you to evaluate yourself for that participation grade. It will serve as a guide for me before I make a final decision on your score for that grade. Therefore, your final grade for each marking period is 99% in your control, so you get what you give! You can download a blank and view the Marking Period Grade Sheet at any time so that you can keep track of your own grades.

Class Rules:

1. Always give your best effort on all class activities and assignments. They are opportunities to learn, achieve and grow. Take advantage of them.

2. Academic Freedom: All students have a right to their opinions, (however unpopular). How you support your opinions is a key to doing well on the AP exam and in this class. Respect for the opinion of others is a class requirement.

3. Remember that your personal honor and integrity are a very precious and important part of who you are as a person. Therefore, I expect that you will do all of your OWN work at all times (see the HGHS Student Handbook for further information
regarding cheating/plagiarism).

4. Do not be late. Be inside the door when the bell rings, unless you have a legitimate excuse to be tardy.

5. Keep in mind that I want all of you to do well. I am one of your many Academic Coaches and I want you to reach your goals and your full potential as a student and as a person.

6. I encourage you to approach me after class so that I can give you my undivided attention [if I am free] or see me in the halls, email me, or drop a note in my mailbox, so that I know we need to talk. Never hesitate to share your respectful feelings with me. Students quickly learn that I will eagerly listen and respond to their concerns when they approach me courteously.

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Contact: alwebb@ksbe.edu | 842-8541