About Mrs. Ackerman
I have been teaching at Spaulding High for 4 years. Before that, I taught at RMS for 3 years and before that I taught for 10 years in SE Alaska. I am presently working toward my Doctorate in Education to become a better teacher and educational leader. I love my job and working with the students at Spaulding. They keep me young and crazy, two needed requirements when working with teenagers.
You may contact me at ackerman.d@rochesterschools.com

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Course Syllabus
Civics
Academic Course Syllabus

Course Description:
Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship. Our American system of government is one of the most lasting and successful governmental structures in history. Many nations have tried to duplicate it and have failed. In this course you will learn the various components and functions of this system. You will also learn how government impacts your life on a daily basis.

Course Objectives:
1. To demonstrate an understanding of what is citizenship.
2. To identify governmental structures including the branches of government.
3. To analyze the practical understanding of law and the legal system as it applies to everyday lives.

Outline of Topics:

  • Citizenship, Duties, Rights, Responsibilities, Values, Voting, Community Service
  • Branches of Government, The Constitution and Bill of Rights, Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers,
    State and Local Government
  • Criminal Law, Individual Rights and Personal Liberties

Materials Needed:

  • Paper, Pen and or Pencil
  • Three Ring Binder or Notebook
  • Text: Civics: Government and Economics in Action

Assessment:

  • Class-work/Homework 25%
  • Bell Ringers 15%
  • Participation 10%
  • Tests/Quizzes 25%
  • Projects 25%

Assignment/Late Policies:

    1. You are allowed two days to make up work for every one day absent, up to a total of five makeup days.
    2. A letter grade will be deducted for every day an assignment is late, where upon the fifth day a grade of “zero” will be awarded.
    3. Class participation assignments that are missed due to attendance will result in a grade of “zero”. These may include, but are not limited to; videos, library or computer lab research, and group activities or discussions.
    4. Missed tests and quizzes are to be made up within one week (5 school days) of their assigned time.
    5. It is your responsibility to check the classroom assignment board when making up missed work. Assignments will be posted daily so please do not ask the teacher what you missed.

Civics
Behavioral Course Syllabus
Mrs. Donna V Ackerman

Classroom Expectations: (derived from the verb “to expect”: consider reasonable)

  1. All SHS policies apply.
  2. You will be counted tardy if you enter class after the final bell rings.
  3. Sleeping or resting of head, and personal grooming is to be done out of class.
  4. Working on other subjects in class, without permission, will result in losing the material you are working on and will not be returned until the end of class, or may be presented to the teacher of that subject.
  5. Having refreshments is a privilege. They will only be allowed if the student continues to pick up after them self and use the recycle bins and wastebaskets that are provided. The teacher reserves the right to rescind this privilege.
  6. SHS sanctioned electronics are not to be visible and only used in the classroom with teacher permission.

    Be Responsible:
    Aware of Rules
    Clean up After Self
    Be on Time
    Get Missed Assignments Following Absences

    Be Respectful:
    Maintain Temper
    No Profanity or Put-Downs
    Listen to SHS Staff and Others
    No Violation of Others’ Belongings or Person

    Be Academically Engaged:
    Bring Materials and Assignments
    Ask for Help
    Participate and Pay Attention
    Take Ownership of Your Learning

    contact ackerman.d@rochesterschools.com