Teacher: David Fulkerson  david.fulkerson@lps53.org 

This course is a yearlong class that focuses on the structure and processes of the United States political system and fundamental economic concepts.  Particular emphasis is placed on the US Constitution and how it impacts the three branches of government.  It is essential that you check the course frequently for due dates (click the calendar) and for communications with me in Canvas and through email.  This is even more important since we will not be able to communicate in person on a daily basis like you would with a teacher in a regular class.

Unless otherwise specified, students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the lesson content by completing their own work independently.  Unlike the emergency online learning from the spring, the "hold harmless" protocol will no longer be in effect this school year; student grades will reflect learning expectations, knowledge acquisition, and engagement in assigned lessons.  Students may collaborate with their peers virtually if appropriate to do so based upon the learning expectations for the day.

Parent Access to Powerschool & Canvas: As a parent in the district, I highly recommend parents access Powerschool and Canvas to provide access to your student's courses.  This is especially true as we will be spending a significant amount of time working virtually this year.

PowerSchool Portal Login for Parents and Students	LPS guidelines for how to setup a parent PowerSchool account. Video Tutorial.      PowerSchool Mobile phone app Both Google Play and Apple's App Store allow you to download their mobile app for free.
	LPS guidelines for how to setup a parent access to Canvas.

American Government & Economics Calendar: Follow the instructions to add the Canvas calendar to your phone or computer.

• Sync Canvas Calendar to iCal, Google Calendar, etc.
• iPhone specific instructions.

Student Access to Zoom Meetings: I've provided a link on the Canvas menu for all Zoom Meetings we will conduct on Virtual Wednesdays or for small group/individual meetings throughout the year.  Just a couple comments on Zoom etiquette.  Behavior should be similar to an in-class setting. 

• Dress and act appropriately.
• Your attendance is expected so be on time and present.
• This is not the time to multitask.  Be engaged and prepared to participate.
• If you are struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out.  If we can't meet in person I may use this Zoom link to get together and work with you on finding solutions.

Course Topics Fall Semester:

• • American Citizenship (needed for graduation)
  • Government Origins
  • Historical Foundations
  • US Constitution (needed for graduation)
  • Political Process
  • MO Constitution Test (needed for graduation)

Course Topics Spring Semester:

• • Legislative Branch
  • Executive Branch
  • Judicial Branch
  • Economic Basics
  • State EOC
  • Economic Indicators
  • Government & Economics

Missouri state law requires the following be passed in order to receive a high school diploma:

1. 1. United States Citizenship Test (given Fall Semester): 100 items taken from the same test given to immigrants wishing to become US citizens.  This test is pass/fail only.  Student may take as many times as needed to pass and receive credit.
   2. United States Constitution Test (given Fall Semester): The original score on this test is the score of record so make sure that you take the time necessary to familiarize yourself with our nation's Constitution.  If you do not pass the first time, you may retake as many times as needed to pass; your original score will be the permanent score in the gradebook, however.
   3. Missouri State Constitution Test (given Fall Semester): The original score on this test is the score of record so make sure that you take the time necessary to familiarize yourself with Missouri's Constitution.  If you do not pass the first time, you may retake as many times as needed to pass; your original score will be the permanent score in the gradebook, however.

There is also an End of Course (EOC) Government Exam provided by the state (10% of total grade Spring Semester).

OER Textbooks:

Lumen Learning American Government

OpenStax American Government

Minnesota Libraries Principles of Economics

Course Expectations: 

1. Respect everyone.  This includes school property, the teacher, other students, and yourself.   Respect also applies to wearing a mask in school and  when we are meeting virtually through Zoom meetings.
2. Take ownership of your education.  You are responsible for knowing the deadlines and doing the work.  It is essential, therefore, for you to be aware of assignments, due dates, and to communicate with your teacher as problems arise rather than waiting until deadlines have passed.  If you have questions, just ask.  Use Canvas to message me.
3. Be open-minded and do your best.

Missing / Late Work: Assignments are time sensitive.  Assignments will open at the beginning of a unit and there will be due dates throughout the unit.  It is your responsibility to manage your time so that due dates are met.  It is important to keep in mind work schedules, extra curricular activities, medical appointments and college visits when planning ahead to complete your coursework.  If homework is late, it will be accepted for 80% of its original value until the day of the exam or assessment for that unit.  After the Unit Test, no work from that unit will be accepted for credit.

Honesty: Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Cheating or plagiarizing on assignments, papers, quizzes, tests, or projects will result in a zero for the assignment as well as any applicable disciplinary actions taken by the school.  If you are not sure if something would be considered plagiarized, check your Writing Handbook or ask me.

Email & Technology:  You will need to use your student computer accounts for this class.  Proper and appropriate use of technology will be required for this course.  All course content will be provided through Canvas.

For Extra Help: I am available for extra help before and after school or we can schedule a Zoom meeting.  Please reach out if you need anything.

Grade Profile: Grading is a total summation of points for the semester.

A  100-90%

B   89-80%

C   79-70%

D   69-60%

F    59% and below

REQUIRED: Click on