VP PREP Common Syllabus

Course Name

Instructor

Instructor E-mail & Availability

mbkimball@aps.k12.co.us
Or

Economics

Mark Kimball

mbkimball@aurorak12.org
Or

Course Website
www.kimballvistapeak.weebl
y.com

Class Meeting Times &

Location:
1st Period - Room 1421

markbauerkimball@gmail.com
Prerequisites
N/A

7th Period - Room 1404

Course Description
This introductory course is one semester long and emphasizes both Microeconomic and
Macroeconomic Principles while at the same time providing students real world and relevant
Economic Principles as well as personal financial literacy.
Learning Outcomes by semester
Students will understand that because of the condition of scarcity,
decisions must be made about the use of scarce resources.
Students understand how different economic systems impact decisions
about the use of resources and the production and distribution of goods and
services.
Students understand the results of trade, exchange, and interdependence
among individuals, households, businesses, governments, and societies

Standards Based Grading

Standards-based grading measures what a student should know and be able to do at each grade
level according to Colorado state content standards. Under the standards-based system,
students are graded on their achievement on class content. Work habits such as class
participation and attendance are recorded separately.

WHOLE NUMBER SCALE for assignments/individual assessments (minimum

VP PREP Common Syllabus

expectation)
Proficienc Number
y

Teacher Language

Student Language

More Complex Measurement

Topic

I completely understand and can apply,

evaluate and/or re-create my learning for
others

Target Measurement Topic

I can consistently do this by myself

PP

Simpler measurement topic

I can do some by myself, need help with

some

With help partial success at

2.0 and 3.0.

Even with help, I still only understand

some of this

No evidence

I showed no understanding at all or did

not bother to turn this in

Determining a Quarter Grade:

Average ACROSS measurement topics (summative), NOT within measurement topics (formative).
A quarter grade should represent a students learning over time and to that extent summative
assessments must play a larger role (at least 70% of a quarter grade) than formative
assessments.
A=3.00-4.00
B=2.50-2.99
C=2.00-2.49
D=1.00-1.99
F=Below 1.00
Body of Evidence:
There are two types of assessment, formative and summative.
Formative (assessments for learning) provide direction for improvement for the student and
adjustment of instruction for the teacher e.g. observation, quizzes, homework, discussion, drafts,
etc. These assessments are identified by lower case letters in the teacher grade book.
Summative (assessment of learning) provide information to be used in making judgments about
a student's achievement at the end of a sequence of instruction, e.g. final drafts, tests,
assignments, projects, performances, etc. These assessments are identified by capital letters in
the teacher grade book.
At Vista PEAK we believe that intelligence can be developed (growth mind-set) and
effort is the path to mastery.
Work Habits
Scale

Responsibility

(I...)

Complete assignments on
time (in-class and

Effort
(The Path to
Mastery)
Motivated learner

Participation
Actively engage and
focus/ SLANT

VP PREP Common Syllabus

homework)
4=Always
3=Usually
2=Sometim
es
1=Rarely

Attend class daily

Come prepared (course
defined)
Respect the learning
environment

Exhibit perseverance
and Persist in the face
of setbacks
Embrace challenges
Adjust based on
feedback

Begin work
without teacher
prompting
Follow instructions
Ask and answer
questions voluntarily (self
advocate)
Contribute significantly to
group work

Student
Score
Teacher
Score
Guidelines for Use/Minimum Expectation
Work habits will factor into the final average of learning goals by 10% in all classes:
Math, Social Studies, Science, Literacy, World Languages
Students / teachers must assess work habits utilizing the rubric once every 2 weeks
or approximately 5 times a quarter represented in infinite campus

Mr. Kimballs Classroom Policies/Procedures:

Turn-In Procedure - The day an assignment is due, either formative or summative, students
will be expected to place their work into the correct file in Mr. Kimballs homework box. The
files are labeled by class period and the files themselves are red.
Late Work Policy - There is a different policy for formative work and summative work. They
are listed below:
Formative Assignments - Formative assignments will not be accepted once the class they are
due in is complete. As students we expect you to meet and honor the deadlines set for your
work. Please take note of due dates and stick to them. If you feel your assignment should be
allowed to be turned in late, just talk to me and we will come up with a solution.
Summative Assignments - Summative work will be allowed to be turned in up to one week past
its original deadline. However, for every day that passes the assignment will lose .5 points off
of its final score. This means that an assignment that earns a 4 but is turned in two days late
will be lowered to a 3. Once again if you feel that your work should be graded with no
deduction for being late, talk with me and we can work something out.
Tardy Policy - We will be adhering the schools policy on tardies. You MUST BE IN YOUR DESK
WHEN THE BELL RINGS. If you cant find your way to your seat, then you will need to sign in on
the tardy clipboard and take your seat. If being on time remains a problem, then more drastic
steps will be taken (one-on-one conference, calls home, detention (lunch or after school)).

VP PREP Common Syllabus

Food Policy - As a traveling teacher needing to share space with many other teachers and
many other classes, we will follow the food policy of the room we are currently in.
Classroom policies- Building policies are found in the student/parent handbook and can be
found on the VP website. The following additional classroom policies are enforced:
Required/ recommended supplies- See S.S. dept. supplies list
Course fees-None
Supplementary Material:
Will be provided in class
Homework & Parental Engagement/ Support Plan
Homework expectations-Homework consists of a variety of things including introduction to
new material, practice opportunities, intervention, and remediation. Like an athlete who must
condition, practice, and refine their skills to improve their performance, students must also
practice and refine their skills through homework to improve their learning. Teachers are
expected to assign homework and students are expected to do it! Homework is essential and
provides information to students, parents, and teachers about the students progress.
Quizzes
Will be utilized to track how students are performing on any given topic we uncover.
Exams
Will be utilized to show a deep understanding, (or lack there of), on any given topic we uncover.
Class Participation/Attendance
Will factor heavily into the work habits portion of grade.
Responsible Technology Use
All students are given the privilege of utilizing our state of the art technological tools including
iPods, iPads, Netbooks, Laptops, Google accounts etc. and are expected to follow the guidelines
for technology use as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy. Students shall not:
Utilize the school system computer network for any illegal activity.
Access or link to websites that contain material deemed vulgar, offensive, or otherwise
inappropriate.
Use or display copyrighted or otherwise licensed material without specific permission or
authorization
from the appropriate party.
Utilize the network for commercial purposes.
Post, use, or download any files that cause congestion or impede network operations.
Trespass in or vandalize anothers files, folders, data, or work.
Post anonymous messages or in any way misrepresent ones own identity.
Use an account password of another user.
Use abusive or otherwise objectionable language in any message.
Use e-mail to promote the annoyance, attack, or harassment of others.
Consequences for misuse may include, but are not limited to, suspension of equipment access,
disciplinary action commensurate with the level of misconduct, and/or legal action as
appropriate.

VP PREP Common Syllabus

Please email Mr. Kimball with any questions or concerns at anytime. Thanks and I am looking
forward to a great year!