Fall 2016

Course Description
Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens. In this course we will be examining the
roots of our government and our place as citizens in it. Economics involves how individuals and societies
make choices in allocating the resources they have. We will also explore individual financial literacy.
Course Unit Outline:
First Quarter

Second Quarter

1. Introduction to Government and Citizenship

a. Civic Duties and Responsibilities
b. Voting and Elections
2. Personal Finance
3. Founding Principles
4. Constitution

5. Legislative & Executive Branches

6. Judicial Branch & Legal System
7. Economics
a. Economic Decisions
b. Economic Stability
c. Economic Interdependence

Civics and Economics Graduation Requirement

Students must pass Civics and Economics to graduate.
Grading Policy
Grading Scale
A 90-100
Excellent performance
B 80-89
Very good performance
C 70-79
Satisfactory performance
D 60-69
Inconsistent/low performance
F 59 & belowUnsatisfactory performance

Required Supplies

5-subject, plastic-cover,
college-rule spiral
notebook
Glue sticks

Quarter Grading Percentages (CMS policy)

1st Quarter: Informal Assessments 20%, Formal Assessments 60%, Mid Term Exam
20%
2nd Quarter: Informal Assessments 30 % Formal Assessments 70%
Final Course Grade: 1st Quarter 40%, 2nd Quarter 40%, Final Exam 20%
Assessment Types
Informal Assessments include homework, most classwork, small quizzes
Formal Assessments include major quizzes, tests, projects, major essays/papers
Common Exam
All Civics and Economics students in the state will take an exam at the end of the course
called the North Carolina Final Exam. It is prepared by the state and consists of multiple
choice and constructed-response questions. This exam constitutes 20% of a students final
grade.

Independence High School 2016-2017

Fall 2016
Help! I need to.
Contact Ms. Williams:
Email me any time at emily.williams@cms.k12.nc.us
Get make up work for a missed class:
Each student will have a folder in the classroom where you will find work you missed.
check another student's notebook to see what you need to make up.

Always

Turn in late work:

If a student fails to turn in an assignment, there is a 24 hour grace period. Students may turn in
work within 24 hours of the original due date and receive partial credit.
Attend tutoring/ make up a test:
I am available after school most Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you miss a test, it must be
up after school.

made

Retake a test because I am unhappy with the grade:

Get the Application to Retest available in the folder on the front door of the classroom, fill it
out, have a guardian sign it, and schedule the retest time with Ms. Williams (usually
afterschool on Tuesday/Thursday). You must complete remediation work prior to retesting.
Find out my grade for my classes:
Go to PowerSchool! Dont know your login information? See Ms. Howard in the front office
What are the norms in Ms. Williams' class?
At the beginning of class:
Enter the room (on time!) and get out materials needed. Pay attention to the boardthere you
will find your date, class topic, and agenda. You will also find any special instructions. If there is
an assignment on the board or promethean board, do it!
When I need something:

Independence High School 2016-2017

Fall 2016
Supplies by the window at the front of the room. You may get up and get a pencil, tissue, etc.
without asking (as long as I am not actively directing the class). You should get your supplies without
talking to other students and return to your seat in a timely manner.
If I need to use the bathroom:
School policy does not allow students to leave the room the first and last 15 minutes of class.
Students will receive three bathroom passes each quarter. Use them wisely.
At the end of class:
Do not pack your things up when there are a few minutes leftits rude! I teach from bell to bell!
Please return items to the bookshelves and the supply station when I ask you to. You are
responsible for putting away any materials you have borrowed and picking up any trash that is
around youeven if it isnt yours.
Extra Credit
Opportunities to earn extra points will be available throughout the semester. These bonus points
will help a student who slips on an assignment or two. Students should not rely on bonus
points to bail them out if they routinely do not complete assignments.

I, ______________________________ (print name here), have read the course syllabus, and will explain Ms.
Williams Civics and Economics Syllabus to my parents/guardians and return completed for a bonus homework
grade.
X_____________________________________(student sign here)
I, ______________________________ (print name here), have read and understand the course syllabus for the
Civics and Economics.
X ___________________________________ (parent or guardian signature)

Parent and Teacher Contact Form

Contact Information

Parent Contact

Please print legibly and complete all parts.

This section will be used to help

document our communication.

Parent/Guardian Names:
____________________________________

Independence High School 2016-2017

Fall 2016
____________________________________
Phone Number:
Home:______________________________
Parent Cell: ______________________________
Work: ______________________________
Parent Email: _____________________________
Preferred method of contact: _________________
Would you like to receive periodic text messages about this course?
(test and quiz dates, reminders about due dates, etc.)
_________________________

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Send me an email that tells me about your student: what do I need to know to be the best teacher
I can be for your child? You can also write your response on the back of this sheet.

Independence High School 2016-2017