Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts AP U.S. History
Course Description: This course provides a survey of American history from the Colonial Period and the American Revolution to the present day, with an emphasis on the twentieth century. Using the textbook, primary documents, and current events, students learn about the various political, social, religious, and economic developments that have shaped and continue to shape the United States. Writing and critical thinking are emphasized as integral ways of understanding how the past relates to the present and future. All high school juniors must take and pass the US History EOC Exam as a requirement for graduation. Students enrolled in this course will also be required to demonstrate content mastery by taking the AP Exam in May for chance to earn college credit.
Classroom Expectations: 1. Be Punctual 2. Be Prepared 3. Be Respectful 4. Be Productive
Daily Supplies: 1. Interactive Notebook 2. Pen/Pencil 3. Color pencils/crayons 4. USB (for lecture videos) 5. Glue sticks 6. Zipper pouch or box for supplies
Interactive Notebooks: Over the course of the semester you will be creating your own AP U.S. History Interactive Notebook (INB). INBs will be graded periodically, so students are expected to keep an updated and organized notebook.
Flipped Classroom: What is a flipped classroom?In a flipped classroom, the traditional method of lecturing in class and assigning homework for students to complete at home is reversed. Students watch lectures via video on their own time outside of class and use the time in class to complete homework, work through problems, collaborate with others and the teachers, discuss advanced concepts, and engage in other more interactive activities.
What is expected? Instead of listening to a lecture in class daily, students will be given a weekly list of videos to watch at home. Students are able to watch these videos at their own pace and re-visit them as often as necessary throughout the course. While watching the videos, students will complete a short assignment to be used for in-class review and a quiz.
What if I don't have access to the internet at home?Students will need to bring a USB to class allowing the teacher to upload the videos for the student to watch on their laptops. If the student's laptop is not working, he/she must take it to the technology department at their home campus for repair. Students are also welcome to come to class during their fine art block (with permission from fine art teacher), before school, or after school to watch the videos. Failure to watch videos will affect the students' overall grade.
Semester Grades First and Second Nine Weeks Average = 80% Final Project = 20% Grading Policies: Video Quizzes: After watching a video lecture, students are required to take a quiz in class the next day. Students who do not watch the video will receive a ZERO on the quiz and forfeit the opportunity to make it up.
Late Work:Late work is discouraged but accepted until the last day of the nine weeks. The highest grade a student can earn on late work is a 70.
Re-Tests: Students may request to make up a failed exam or test grade. The request will be granted at the teacher's discretion based on the student's attendance, participation, and completion of assignments throughout the course.
Academic Integrity: The teacher has a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for plagiarism and cheating. A student who has plagiarized or cheated will receive a zero in the grade book, will be given a referral, and will forfeit the opportunity to make up the grade.
Attendance Policy: Per Laredo I.S.D. policy, all students are required to attend class daily and on time in order to receive credit for the course. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to A) ensure their absence is excused; B) obtain missing assignments; and C) complete all assignments by the due date.