U.S. Government

Mr. Kevin Rowland
Room 3-102
Phone: 984-8110 (ext. 2145)
Email: Kevin.Rowland@blountk12.org

I. Semester Grading Scale

1st 9 weeks grade = 40%
2nd 9 weeks grade = 40%
Final Exam = 20%*

* Everyone is required to take final exams except for second semester seniors who are passing. This final exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. Prior to the exam, I will provide a study guide.

II. 9-Weeks Grading Scale

Tests = 60%
Daily Grade = 20%
All Other Assignments = 20%

III. Tests

Your most important grades in this class will be from the chapter tests. In order to pass this class, most of you will need to study for the tests. Some of you will think the tests are hard, some of you will think they are easy. I assume that by the time you are a senior, you should be able to determine how much effort you need to put into studying in order to obtain the grade that you desire.

Cheating of any kind during a test will result in an automatic zero for that particular test.

Please be careful about being absent on a test day. Make up tests are different from regular test I give. All make up tests are the standard tests that come with the textbook, and in my opinion, much more difficult. If you have to take a make up test, the best thing you can do is just read the chapter(s) because all the questions are straight from the textbook. This will prevent people who are absent having an unfair advantage of possibly learning what the test questions are before they have to take it. Also, if you are absent on days leading to the test, you can be less concerned about any notes you missed in class, and simply focus on reading the chapters that the test covers.

All make-up tests will be done in my room before school, after school, or during another time agreed upon by us. It is your responsibility to get these completed in a timely fashion.

IV. Homework

You will almost never have homework in this class. But that means that on the rare occasions when it does happen, I expect a fairly decent effort to be put into this assignment.

If you are absent on the day that the assignment is due, it must be turned in immediately upon your return. Make sure you check the folders I have provided for you if you have been absent. Any handouts you missed or papers I have returned will be placed in your folder when you are not here.

It is your responsibility to see me about any other work missed during your absence. Please try to limit your absences. Students who have good attendance tend to have good grades.

V. In-Class Work and Quizzes

You may work at times in class independently (on your own, doing your own work). There will be other times when you work in groups. It will be clearly stated when an assignment is group work. All work should be well written, neat, legible, and complete. If I cannot read your work, I cannot give you a grade for your work.

You will rarely be given quizzes, but I do keep that option available if I feel that it is necessary. If quizzes are given, they may or may not be announced.

VI. Notebooks

You are not required to keep a notebook for this class, but students who are organized usually have better grades. It is a pretty good idea to at least keep the study guide outlines I give you along with the notes you take. If you don't keep tem in a notebook, you can at least use the individual folder I provide for you that is also used for make-up work.

VII. Daily Grade

Each 9 weeks, you will start out with a 100 for your daily grade. It is entirely up to you to make sure you do not reduce your daily grade during the 9 weeks. If I observe a behavior that I believe is hindering your, or any other classmate's, learning environment, I will deduct points from your daily grade - typically about 4 points per infraction. Here are some behaviors that may affect your 9 weeks daily score:

• If you have a cell phone with you, make sure it is not seen or heard while in the class.
• Pay attention and listen. Students who sleep in my class tend to fail. Students who are disruptive in class tend to fail.
• When a video is shown, it is being shown with a purpose and is not an invitation to take a nap.
• When I am teaching, during videos, etc., you are expected to pay full attention. You should not be working on assignments from other classes, doing crossword puzzles, etc.
• Keep the room clean
• If you read the newspapers I bring to class each day, please put them back on the shelf where you got them.
• Do not interrupt someone who is talking - whether it is me or a fellow classmate.
• Use class time in a wise and efficient manner.
• You should not line up at the door when class is about to end or if you are about to go to lunch.
• Please be quiet during intercom announcements.

VIII. Extra Credit

Extra Credit will rarely be given. However, each of you are welcome to talk to me individually about additional work to improve your grade. I will gladly work with those of you who are really trying, but may need some additional help. I will not give extra credit opportunities for people who do not pay attention in class, sleep, or simply put forth little effort in their regular work.

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