Course+Expectations

__**Course Assessment:**__ The SPS Grading Policy states that 80% of course grades must be based on tests, projects, and other major end-of-unit assessments. In keeping with this policy, grades for this course will be based on the following categories:


 * **Daily Work: 20%** (includes preparedness, participation, classwork, and homework)
 * **Tests: 40%** (includes friday quizzes, unit tests, and end-of-term exams)*
 * **Projects and Essays: 40%** (includes all formal and high-stakes assessments)

//*Please note: All tests in this course will be “open note”. Though notebooks themselves are not graded, having your notebook every day, taking good notes, and catching up after an absence are essential to success in this course!//

__**Required Course Materials:**__ There is no textbook for this course, though handouts will be provided as needed. Because of this, it is absolutely essential for students to have their course notebook and a pen or pencil every day. Home or library access to television and the Internet are also required for this course – please see me immediately if this will be a problem for you. __**Attendance and Class Expectations:**__ Showing up and behaving well are vital to success. As such:


 * The school attendance policies will be followed. All absences must be made up. All missed work must be submitted within a week of a student's return to the classroom, or no credit will be granted.
 * Tardiness for class disrupts everyone. Students who are not in their seats when the bell rings will be marked as tardy. //In addition, students without a note will earn ten minutes of detention for every minute they are late to class.//
 * Students are expected to display respect for themselves, their classmates, and their teachers at all times. Students who cannot treat others with respect and civility will be subject to disciplinary response and/or detention.
 * All administrative and district policies will be supported. Students must be in uniform at all times. Phones, mp3 players, hats, and other materials not allowed in classrooms will be confiscated and referred to the deans.

__**Extra Help and Support**__ All missed work must be made up within a week of due date. In order to support this goal, I will be available in room 112A every Monday from 2:30 - 3:30 for extra help and support. All detentions and make-up tests should be completed at that time.

**Parental involvement is encouraged.** Parents and Guardians: if you have questions about the course, or about your child's progress, please contact me at __jfarber@sps.springfield.ma.us__ or through the guidance office at 750-2000 to make arrangements.