Advanced Placement US History
Mrs. Gibbs
“The Test”______________
- This is a college level course primarily designed to prepare advanced students for the Advanced Placement US History exam held in May.
2) The course will be comprised of activities such as:
- Extensive reading assignments from the text, supplemental materials, historical documents and other primary and secondary sources.
- Class lectures and discussions
- Class debates
- Class presentations
- Group projects
- Worksheets and maps
- Multiple Choice Quizzes on text readings
- Practice AP exam Multiple Choice Tests
- Document Analysis
- Research Papers
- Essay Exams after each unit
- Letter grades: Percentages of total points possible
90% or above = A
80%-89% = B
70%-79% = C
55%-69% = D
54% or below = F
- It is important that all students understand what is expected of them in this class. It is a very demanding and challenging course that requires a lot of time and commitment both in and outside of class. Please discuss the class with your parent or guardian in order to make a responsible decision that is right for you.
5) What you need for this class is:
Textbooks-Bailey, Kennedy, Cohen, The American Pageant
Supplemental Readings (we will read in class)
Notebook or Folder provided
Three-ring binder (1 per semester)
Five Dividers
LOTS of Notebook Paper
Black pens for Essays, Worksheets, and other Assignments
Access to MS Office, (we can use my classroom or the lab at school, if you don’t have it at home)
Internet access to search for AP review
Assignment Breakdown –ALL COLLECTED WORK IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF PERIOD!
Take Home Essays-(50 points)-Written assignments that are in DBQ or Free Response Essay format.
No late work accepted for long term assignments. (See makeup work)
Multiple Choice Tests (40 points)- 40 questions from past AP exams or study samples that need to be completed in a flex day period. AP Exam required 80 questions answered in a 60 minute period.
Quick Write Essays (30 points)-Tests will include sample essay and document based questions from past AP examinations and will be graded on the AP rubric.
Vocabulary Quizzes (30 points)-Most of the quizzes will be based on the terms list given at the beginning of the unit along with assigned readings.
Projects (35-50 points)-Projects will usually include working within a group of classmates on a long-term assignment. The project may be a debate, a presentation, a simulation, an extended research paper, a web page, etc. Time in and outside of class will be required. No late work accepted for projects. (See makeup work)
Lesson Packets (25 points) are the compilation of unit material given to the students each week to complete their work. Students are to enter all of their work in the packet and use the packet as a study tool for the Unit Tests and the Semester Exams. The students are to keep the packet in a folder that will be left in the room to complete their work in them every day in class. Loss of the packet or negligence to bring the packet each day will result in a 5 point reduction of their class participation score per infraction.
Semester Final (100 points)-The final will be comprised of a 50 point Multiple Choice section and 1 free response essay test. You will have two hours to complete both components.
MAKEUP WORK
- Makeup work will be accepted only for ABSENCE EXCUSED WITHIN THE 5 school day PERIOD. That includes tests, quizzes, and assignments. You cannot make up work from suspension or unexcused absences.
- Makeup work (including tests, quizzes, and assignments) must be completed the day you return from your absence. There is a 1-day grace period for each day you are gone (excused). Being absent the day before a test, quiz or before an assignment is due does not excuse you from the test or the assignment. You will be notified of due dates well in advance.
- Projects and Take home essays are long term assignments with a specific deadline, and they usually include working in a group. You will be given ample time to complete the project and given the deadline ahead of time. Presentations/Projects/Take home essays cannot be made up, even from excused absences, except in rare circumstances, like extreme illness or family emergency. Your parent must speak with the teacher first in these cases.
- Extracurricular activities do not excuse late work. If you are going to be absent, you must turn in your assignment on the due date.
- Makeup work must have a completed “make-up work” form attached to the front of your paper in order to be accepted. It will be graded and recorded at the teacher’s convenience.
- Make up days for tests and quick writes will be after school on Thursdays. (Subject to change).
It is your responsibility to complete makeup work and to come in for makeup tests and quizzes. You must be your own reminder
Mrs. Gibbs Pet Peeves
Peeve # 1-Students who refuse to bring their book and expect to share a book with a friend.
Consequence # 1-You share a book, you share the credit. Students who do not have their book will only receive ½ credit on the assignment turned in. You will also be placed on a step
Peeve # 2- Students who talk or do distracting things while others are taking tests, quizzes and other activities.
Consequence # 2 – You will receive ½ credit on your test, quiz or assignment. You will also be placed on a step.
Peeve # 3-Students who continuously ask to see their grade.
Consequence # 3- If you ask, I will say, “no”. I update grades about a week after a unit test. That would usually be about every three weeks or so. If you want to see it sooner, then encourage all students to attend class regularly and not to miss test days. Then I won’t have to grade make-up work which holds up posting all grades.
Peeve # 4-There are no stupid questions, but there are repetitive ones. I expect students to listen carefully to what I say the first time. I expect you to read directions and all paperwork that I handout to you. I will explain directions for every assignment and explain my policy on makeup work at the beginning of the course.
Consequence # 4-If I have to repeat myself more than once, I won’t. You might miss valuable information that you will be held accountable for. I will not accept “I didn’t hear you” or “I never received that information” as an excuse for work not completed properly.