|
Global History - Mr. Kelly Fall 2007
Grading and General Expectations
Grading will be based upon the accumulation of
points available throughout each quarter. Quarter
averages are determined by the amount of
ACCUMULATED points that you have earned
DIVIDED by the TOTAL amount of points
available for each quarter. You will be assessed
and evaluated in the following areas:
1.
Tests
are given usually 2-3 times per quarter and involve
a basic format of questioning and evaluation
(multiple choice, matching/defining terms, short
answer questions and essays).
2.
Quizzes
are given approximately 3-5 times per quarter and
are usually announced ahead of time (however –
expect “pop” quizzes to occur from time to time in
order to keep you on your toes). Quizzes range from
10-50 points in value.
3.
HOMEWORK, HOMEWORK, HOMEWORK!
This includes assignments done in class make up
approximately ¼ - 1/3 of your quarter average.
These assignments are crucial to your success in
this class. Homework and in-class activities are
given on a regular basis. They are carefully
planned and prepared to be as useful and relevant as
possible. They are always due the next class UNLESS
otherwise noted. All assignments (other than major
projects) will be graded on a basis of checks
(  )
+
= +5 points (Outstanding; above and beyond
expectations)
= +4 points (Satisfactory; meets
requirements/expectations)
- = +3 points (Something is missing; or it’s late)
=
= +2 point (Something is wrong; there is a lot
missing; it’s very late)
F
= +1 points (There
isn’t much there; my dog did the work; WAY late)
**Homework can sometimes be
RE-SUBMITTED (1X)
for a one check-level increase if
corrections/revisions are done. It must be
re-submitted the next class and only applies to
assignments originally submitted on time.
LATE assignments drop a check level each day (so
more than 3 days late=+0).
4.
Projects:
We have created a variety of group (cooperative) and
individual projects and tasks that, hopefully will
stimulate, challenge and enrich your discovery of
the Global Studies/History. Projects will usually
count like TEST grades will be assessed on more than
just the FINAL PRODUCT! The PROCESS
of learning, discovering, collaborating and
presenting information are the most important
elements and will be counted most when determining
grades. Your effort and cooperation are critical in
completing these activities.
5.
PARTICIPATION
= Conduct, Effort and Attitude. This is a
25-50 point piece of your quarter average that you
have a great amount of control in determining. At
the end of each quarter I tally up all the
intangible plusses (+) and minuses (-) that
defined your presence in the class for the quarter.
These include the areas mentioned above as well as
attendance, preparedness, and cooperation. This can
make or break a quarter average. YOU have to
provide me with the “ammunition” that shoots in your
favor. Points are earned and rewarded so take an
active role in your grade.
**Bonus
points
are given/earned throughout the quarter. They only
help to boost your average. There will be many
opportunities to help your self out by earning these
positive bonus points. Competitive review games can
earn bonus points as well as diligent
attendance and consistent homework completion.
*****Major
Assignments and Ineligibility for Exams*****
In order to take
the mid-term and final examinations, all students
must have all MAJOR assignments completed and
submitted. For both Global courses (9 and 10),
MAJOR assignments include:
If a student fails
to complete and submit any Major assignments, they
will not be eligible to take their mid-term ad/or
final examinations for the course. In that
instance, the student will receive a grade of zero
(0) for the exam(s) that they are ineligible for.
  
EXPECTATIONS
My
expectations of you (and myself) are reasonable and
legitimate. I am committed to them and, hopefully
you will equal that commitment as we establish OUR
classroom community for the year. Quite simply I
expect:
*RESPECT for yourself,
your classmates, our room and myself. (NO
eating/drinking especially NO GUM). Everyone
deserves it but you must give it to
get it.
*DECENCY – Remember, we are
stuck with each other for better or worse. It’s
easy if you “do unto others
as you would have done unto you.”
*TRUST in me, trust in
yourselves and those around you. It’s scary
sometimes but it’s scarier to go it alone.
*FOCUS – Do your best when
you step in this room for the 41-minutes or whatever
it takes. EVERYONE has and needs “down time” once
in a while, I understand this. Let’s not be to
literal about it –“Fight the dreaded head-bobbing
disease!”
*COURAGE to go out on a limb
and stand alone or be first even if the limb may
break. Know that the “fall” will not hurt you and
will usually make you stronger or wiser.
COURSE
REQUIREMENTS:
YOU MUST COME PREPARED EACH
AND EVERY DAY WITH THE FOLLOWING:
*a
one-subject spiral notebook for notetaking
*A 3-ring binder for handouts
*A
pen or pencil
*School planner (freshman required/Soph recommended)
That’s it!!! This is not a difficult
requirement to fulfill. However, failure to do so
will result in a “STRIKE” against you AFTER the
first time coming unprepared to class. Three
(3) strikes will result in an immediate
parent contact and a DETENTION in which you will
explain in writing your failure to meet these
simple requirements. Let’s avoid these consequences
by being diligent when you are at your
lockers or elsewhere preparing to come to this
class.
You
will be assessed (evaluated) in a variety of ways.
My grading policy is detailed in the other handout
you will be receiving along with this one. In
general, you will be asked to do a variety of things
this year. You will have the basic homework
assignments, quizzes and tests on a regular and
constant schedule. It is important that you “stay
on top” of these graded activities.
IF
YOU ARE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL OR MISS CLASS FOR
WHATEVER REASON, YOU MUST:
1.
Obtain any assignment from a
classmate or, ideally, ME (your teacher). I check
my e-mail many times each day and night, so utilize
this resource.
2.
Make-up a quiz or test THE NEXT
DAY, or earliest possible time. It is YOUR
responsibility to set up a time in order to make up
a quiz or test. I WILL NOT “HUNT” YOU DOWN –
IT WILL VERY SIMPLY BE A ZERO (0)!
3.
Submit any assignment/project by the
end of the day IF you miss class but are in school
the rest of the day (example = music lessons,
student government or other organization meetings).
In
addition to the regular or basic “stuff” for your
grades, you will be asked to work in-groups and on
your own in order to complete a variety of projects
and tasks. They will be done in and outside of
class and will often involve the library and
utilizing the computer. PARTICIPATION,
COOPERATION and EFFORT are crucial elements that
are always considered in any and all of these
assessments of you as a Global History student.
I have found that all students who
maintain a positive attitude, organize themselves
and their materials, and participate to the best of
their abilities will have NO PROBLEMS with this
course or myself. YOU ultimately will make or break
the learning and enjoyment that will take place this
year and I challenge you to be part of the
“SOLUTION” rather than the “problem”. I am always
available for extra help and if you ever have a
problem or question – the KEY is simply to ASK.
Good luck this year!
Mr.
Kelly
Return
to Mr. Kelly's Homepage
e-mail
Mr. Kelly: mkelly@gcsny.org
|
