U.S.

& Arizona Government (12th Grade) Syllabus

Moon Valley High School 2015-16

Instructor Information
Instructor

Email

Office Location & Hours

Kelly Carlson

Kelly.carlson@mvhs.edu

Room 320
Morning: by appointment
Afternoon: 2:45-3:30 pm MonThurs.

To contact me by phone, my school phone number is 602-555-1912. A reminder: the phone does not ring in
my room during school hours and is sent to my voicemail. After I receive your message I will make every
attempt to return your phone call within 24 hours.
My policy is to respond to emails within a 24 hour time period as well.

General Information
Description

The purpose of this course will be for students to explore the basic principles, structure, and
functions of American democracy as outlined in the United States Constitution.
An emphasis will be placed on embedding key concepts of American government within a variety of
skill-based activities.
Perhaps the most important thang students will be expected to gain from this course is the
understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with being an informed and active U.S.
Citizen.

Expectations and Goals

I expect assignments to be completed with great thought and care. All assignments must be legible and
neat. I do not accept assignments from spiral notebooks without tearing off the rough edges. All
assignments must be in blue or black ink. All assignments must have the following information in the upper
right hand corner:
Name
Class and Hour
Teacher
Date
Any assignment without this information will be returned with a 10% deduction in your grade.

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Tardies/Absences
You are expected to attend all classes and to be inside the class when the bell rings. Refer to your
handbook for the school tardy and absence policy.

Make-up Policy
You have the right and responsibility to make-up any class assignment for which a grade is given.
You have two days to make up assignments for each day absent. Major projects will have strict due dates
which will not be extended for any reason.

Missing/Late Work Policy

Missing or late work will NOT be accepted after each unit. For example, an assignment that is
missing for Unit 1 may still be turned in (minus 25%) until the last day of that unit. When Unit 2 begins,
that assignment will no longer be accepted.

Re-testing for Improvement

Students may retake any test to improve their grade. If a student is absent or desires to retake the
test again they must do so outside of class time. Students will have two weeks from the test date to retake
the test again. After two weeks have passed the student will no longer be able to take or retake the test.
Exceptions to the rule can be made in the case of serious illness. Quizzes, assignments, and class
participation cannot be redone for a better grade.

Classroom Behavior Policy

As seniors you are expected to behave in a manner which is consistent with your maturity both
physically and mentally. This includes treating others with respect, honesty, and fairness. When a problem
arises we will deal with the student or students involved.

Class Participation Policy

This class is structured so that discussions and in class assignments are vital for your learning. Due
to this most days will have class participation points. A reminder, you must have a pencil for test days
(scantron), pen paper, and be on time to participate fully in this class. Failure to bring these items or
being on time will directly affect your grade.

Course Materials
Required Materials
Please bring the following to class everyday:
One 3-ring binder (1-1.5) for this class only.
College Rules loose leaf notebook paper which will be used every day in class.

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 A #2 pencil for scantron tests and a blue/black pen to write notes and to complete assignments with.

Grading
The grading scale is weighted:

A = 90-100%

Participation Points = 20%

B = 80-89%

Tests/Quizzes = 40%

C = 70-79%

Assignments = 20%

D = 60-69%

The PBA (End of Semester District Exam) = 20%

F = 59% or below

Course Outline
Concept 1: Foundations of Government
The United States democracy is based on principles and ideals that are embodied by symbols,
people and documents.
Concept 2: Structure of Government
The United States structure of government is characterized by the separation and balance of
powers.
Concept 3: Functions of Government
Laws and policies are developed to govern, protect, and promote the well-being of the people.
Concept 4: Rights, Responsibilities, and Roles of Citizenship
The rights, responsibilities, and practices of United States citizenship are founded in the
Constitution and the nations history.
Concept 5: Government Systems of the World
Different government systems exist throughout the world. The United States influences and is
influenced by global interactions.

ATTENTION: SIGNATURE PAGE FOR BOTH STUDENT AND ADULTS IS ON THE

FOLLOWING PAGE

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Signature Page
Parent/Guardian
I have read and fully understand the expectations of my student in order to be successful in Ms. Carlsons
class. I have read Ms. Carlsons contact information and know how and when to get ahold of her if need
be. I acknowledge that successful completion of this course is REQUIRED for graduation from the Glendale
Union High School District.
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________________Date: ______________
(please print)
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Student
I have read and fully understand the expectations of myself in order to be successful in Ms. Carlsons class
this semester and know her office hours and how to get ahold of her if need be. I acknowledge that
successful completion of this course is REQUIRED for my graduation from the Glendale Union High School
District.
Student Name: ____________________________________________________________Date: ______________
(please print)
Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE REMOVE THIS PAGE ONLY FROM THE SYLLABUS, SIGN, DATE, AND
RETURN TO MS. CARLSON BY THE FIRST FRIDAY OF CLASS.

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