welcome to another school year! As I begin my twenty-second year in Fayette County and my nineteenth at Tates Creek, I am truly excited about the coming year and the future of Tates Creek High School. The world and the school have definitely changed since I started my teaching career. However, one thing has remained the same and that is my hope that each student enrolled in this class and at Tates Creek High School is equally prepared for the word after high school as active and participatory members of our society. As students, teachers and parents prepare for another school year and perhaps the most historic election in our nation's history, it is my hope that each student enrolled in this class can accomplish that goal.
AP U.S. Government and Politics, affectionately referred to as AP Gov, is a college level course taught at high school. Successful completion of the course, coupled with receiving a "passing" grade of a 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement U. S. Government and Politics test given in the spring of the year, may result in receiving college credit. Individual college and university policies vary on acceptance of this particular test. All Kentucky public institutions accept a grade of 3 or above for college credit. In addition, students receive social studies elective credit towards graduation for successful completion of this class.
However, AP Government may be required for graduation if the student has not previously taken a government class in high school or successfully completed both semesters of the Topics in Citizenship class taught as a freshman level at Tates Creek. Students usually take this class their senior year although underclassmen are also enrolled.
My objective for the students enrolled in this class to become more familiar with one of the few constants that will be with them throughout their life: government. At the same time, as we face an important election year, I look forward to them becoming analytical and critical thinkers on government policies and practices. While enrolled in AP Government, students are encouraged to be active participants in the many facets of local, state and federal government
In order for students to achieve and maintain success, it is imperative that parents and teachers work together. Approximately every three to four weeks, your son or daughter will receive a printed grade report. Please ask your student for this information. It will enable you to be aware of your student’s academic progress. If I feel that your student is not reaching his or her full academic potential, I will contact you so that we can work together to ensure success. You may also access your son’s or daughter’s academic record by logging on to the STI grade network from your home or business computer. You can receive a PIN number from the front office.
CONTACT- -My planning period is 1:45-3:15 each day. I am always at school by 7:45 a.m. and usually stay late. Should you have questions or concerns, email is the easiest and quickest way to reach me. My home and school email addresses appear at the top of this page. You can also reach me by calling 381-3620 extension 1406. If I am unable to take your call, please leave a voice message and I will return your call as soon as possible. My home telephone number is 278-2243. The best time to reach me at home is after 7:00 p.m.
Another avenue of communication you are invited to explore is my web page. Here you can find current assignments, chapter notes and links to documents and class information. The address of that page is www.staff.fcps.net/ppalmer. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
GRADING- - All assignments and activities are graded. Grades will be determined on a points earned/points possible total. The semester grades for the class are based on these percentages:
- Homework - -includes in class work 50%
- Assessments (tests, quizzes, released AP test questions, essays and projects,) 45%
- Final Exam - -5%
Students will receive grade reports approximately every three or four weeks. If a student’s grade falls below a C, I will contact the parent.
TOPICS OF STUDY- -A.P. Government and Politics is the equivalent of Political Science 101, taught at colleges and universities. It is the study of government, how it works, who makes it work and, sometimes, why it does not work smoothly. The course looks at the American political system from the theoretical beginnings to the modern day operation.
- Topics of study include:
- Types of Government
- Foundations of the American Government System
- Voting Rights, Voting Freedoms and Political Parties
- Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches of Government
- Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
- The Role of the Media in Politics
It is possible to receive college credit for successful completion and a grade of 3 or above on the A.P. Government and Politics Test. Most, but not, major universities accept this test for college credit. The 2009 test will be given Monday, May 4 at 8:00 a.m.
TEXTBOOK- - The text for the courts is American Government and Politics Today. Homework or readings will be assigned in this book almost every day. I hope that you will see this book at hope quite often. Additional readings will also be assigned.
In order for students to achieve and maintain success, it is imperative that parents, students and teachers work together. Once again, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Patti Palmer