AMERICAN HISTORY    Mr. Houston
 
I. Homework assignments are rated on a 0-10 scale. Assignments usually include questions about readings in the text. Two points will be deducted for each unexcused day that the work is late. All work must be "turned in" at the beginning of class, or it will be counted as late. No extra credit work will be allowed until ALL required work is up to date. Extra-credit assignments must be prearranged with Mr. Houston. Only one ten-point extra-credit project will be allowed for each major test. No extra credit will be accepted in the last week of the quarter.
 II. Class assignments are rated on a 0-10 scale. Cooperative learning tasks using computer programs, primary sources, and discussion in the 85-minute block are particularly well-suited for this type of task. Students who are absent on the day of a graded project must make up the assignment within one week unless other arrangements are made ahead of time with the teacher. For computer projects done in class, students who have been absent should see Mr. Houston after school to make up the work.
III. Tests usually cover two chapters in the text. They include essays, multiple choice questions, short answer identifications, and map questions. Each test is worth up to 100 points. Essay questions are handed out to students in advance of the test. Preparation for these tests should include a review of the text, studying notes, reviewing power point projects/links on the website, and watching the class work aired on Channel 18. Students who have difficulty on the essay portion of the test can see Mr. Houston for extra help prior to the next exam. Writing rubric standards are listed on the class website. All tests and quizzes missed because of absence must be made up after school on the day the student returns to school. Special arrangements can be made in the case of long-term absence. Quizzes are given periodically; they range in value from 20 to 50 points.
IV. Students are required to bring a notebook to class each day. The notebooks will be graded during the last week of each quarter (50 points). All hand-outs, articles, and other class materials should be organized in the notebook. The date for each class and a list of handouts should be kept in the front of the notebook. Class note sheets are given to the students for each topic to assist in organization. These sheets are graded on a 0-5 scale. A three ring binder is recommended. Points will be deducted from each grade for note sheets not turned in on time or not brought to class.
V. A grade for class participation will be given each quarter (50 points). This grade will reflect the attentiveness, focus, cooperation, and involvement of the student in the day-to-day activities of the class. The score will also reflect the degree to which the student is respectful of self and others, active in the learning process, and effective in communication/collaboration.
VI. Periodically essays will be assigned on special topics and documents; these tasks will range in value from 50 to 100 points. Ten percent of the value will be deducted for each day late.
VII. During the junior year the English and Social Studies departments collaborate on a research paper (300 points); teachers in both areas work with the students to produce a well-researched and well-written thesis. Students who are not taking English III should see Mr. Houston in September for an alternative research assignment. See website or class handout for list of requirements. The Harwich Historical Journal on the website includes outstanding examples of student projects.
VIII. Access Mr. Houston's website for assignments, power point review projects, copies of worksheets, notes, essays, research requirements, and other helpful materials: http://harwich.edu/depts/history/amr.htm
XI. All texts must be covered as soon as they are issued in September. Notebooks and pens/pencils must be brought to class every day or points will be deducted from the notebook grade at the end of the quarter.
X. Quarterly grades are determined by dividing the total number of points awarded by the total number of points available in the quarter. Mr. Houston can be easily contacted by phone (430-7207) or e-mail (houston@harwich.edu). It is also strongly recommended that each student get the phone number of several classmates to call when questions arise about the class.

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