CP Civics 12

Course Syllabus
Course Title: CP Civics 12
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: Seniors
Semester: Spring 2019
Instructor: Mr. Goularte
Room: 107
∗ Office Hours: If you have any questions or concerns about this class or anything else, please let me know and I will make
myself available to meet with you. Please feel free to ask me for clarification of anything that is confusing to you, from concepts
presented in class and in readings, to any details of classroom functioning. There are NO dumb questions!
E-mail: goulartec@mhusd.org
Phone: (408) 201-6100 ext. 40263

Course Description
The purpose of this class is to expose and educate students to a variety of governmental agencies and increase students’
understanding and involvement in the political processes of the local, state, and national governments. Students are to share the needs
and involvement of the community service for the mutual benefit of this community. Students will obtain understanding of the
purpose of government, and its importance in their lives. Students will understand Civic activity as well as rights and responsibilities
of citizens (and non-citizens) in the American Democracy.

Grading
Your grade will be weighted in four parts as described below.

Quizzes/Tests/Unit Exams 50%

Assignments 20%
Final 20%
Participation 10%

PLEASE NOTE! ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE ALL THEIR CIVICS POINTS in order to be eligible to receive the
grade they have earned in the class. Note, your Civics points are not your grade, they are a mandatory prerequisite to earning the
grade you have established in the class throughout the semester in the categories noted above. The class grades will be determined as
follows:

100-90% A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59-Below F

Quizzes
Quizzes will be given throughout a chapter and cover one or more sections from the previous day(s). There are no quiz
make-ups. Students must complete quizzes on or before the quiz date. All quizzes will be assigned in advance so students know when
the quizzes are due at the beginning of each unit. All quizzes are assigned online so access to the quizzes exist regardless of attendance
at school. Therefore, students who are absent the day of a quiz are still expected to complete the quiz by the due date. Quizzes are
timed either by question or completion of the quiz. Also, once the deadline has passed the quiz is no longer available, therefore if you
do not complete the quiz by the deadline you will receive a zero. Please do not wait until the night before as doing so leaves you
more vulnerable to technical difficulties. In some cases the program may crash, you may lose internet service, or other incident which
prohibits you from finishing your quiz. Please plan for this.

Test Make-up/Retake Policy

Students who cut class or have an unexcused absence on the day of a test are not eligible to make-up the test, and will receive
a zero as their first score. Students who have an excused absence are expected to make-up the test the next day in attendance during
class. Failure to show up at lunch or meet with the teacher regarding the test make-up will result in a score of a zero. Students who
have an unexcused absence on the day they are expected to take the make-up the test will receive a zero.
Any test score below 70% is eligible for a retake. Retake tests can not score above 70%. Students who choose to retake must
take the entire test over, but will receive the higher of the two tests if they scored lower the second time. Only one retake per test. Test
retakes are for multiple-choice tests only. Retakes are due 1 week from original test date. Retakes are to be done at lunch.

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Course Syllabus
Late Work
The only late work accepted are assignments turned in physically in class (i.e. worksheet), if a student was not present when
the item was handed out or collected and is not available online. If the absence is excused you have as many days to turn in the
assignment as you were excused. No late work will be accepted for unexcused absences! No late work will be accepted for
assignments posted online regardless of if the absence was excused or unexcused. You are expected to stay up to date on readings
and assignments at all times. Failure to do so will put you behind, so measures are taken to ensure you don’t fall behind even if you’re
absent.

Participation
All students will be given 100/100 points in the participation category at the start of the semester. Students will lose points
for unexcused absences, tardies, disruptions, disrespect towards teacher or peers, cell phones being out, and inappropriate use of the
chromebooks. Please note tardies and absences will come out at the end of each grading period when all attendance is finalized.
Unexcused Absence = -1 point, Unexcused Tardy (after 3) = -.5 pt., Cell Phone Warning = -2 pt. Cell Phone Confiscation = -5 pt.
Inappropriate use of chromebook = -3 pt. Teacher discretion will be used regarding student behaviors.

Materials
It is strongly recommended that students have both a binder and spiral notebook specifically for this class. Due to the pace of
this class, students need to be able to locate completed work as study aids for tests and exams. The use of a laptop or tablet is
recommended for notetaking and assignment completion. Students will not be allowed to take notes on cellphones.
Students also need to make sure they have a pen, a highlighter, and a #2 pencil for tests. Students need to be sure they bring
their unit assignment sheets and agenda to class everyday. Assignment sheets will be given at the beginning of each unit.

Electronic Resources Required for Course

Internet
Students must have access to the internet. Students who don’t have internet access at home are expected to utilize the
internet at school or other public access locations to complete any tasks assigned by the instructor.

Aeries
Students (and parents) are expected to follow their academic progress via Aeries. Missing work and scores are posted in a
timely manner and students are responsible for following up with teacher with questions regarding grades. Aeries access information
can be obtained through the front office.

goulartegovernment.com
This is the website that will be used in this class regularly. Students are responsible for accessing resources and following any
and all information and/or directions posted via the webpage. The webpage will serve as a central location of all things related to this
class.

Schoology/Google Classroom
In addition to our physical classroom, this course will utilize different learning management systems designed to enhance the
curriculum while simplifying some of the assignment and paper collection/return processes. Students are expected to check their
Schoology/Google Classroom accounts regularly and complete all assigned tasks. Students will receive grades for assigned tasks, and
the subsequent grades will be transferred to Aeries on a monthly basis. Schoology accounts will be set up in class. Schoology and
Google Classroom are required for this class for all paperless assignments.

Glogster, Padlet, Blendspace, Turnitin, Prezi, etc.

This class will use a wide range of internet and mobile applications. Students are expected to create free accounts when
necessary and utilize provided accounts when given. Students are solely responsible for any and all personally created account
information with these applications. Students are also expected to finish assignments within applications in a timely manner and
troubleshoot their problems with the applications.

Electronics Policy
Students need to bring their chromebooks to class everyday as doing so will enhance the learning experience. Chromebooks
may be used ONLY within teacher APPROVED TIME PERIODS and ONLY FOR TEACHER SPECIFIED TASK. The
integration of electronics into the learning environment is a necessary part of a 21st century education, however all students are
expected to use approved devices to enhance learning. Students found using their devices in a manner that distracts them and/or others
are subject to the consequences indicated in the Live Oak High School Chromebook Policy and/or a loss of participation points.
Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their chromebooks and phones. The Morgan Hill Unified School
District shall not assume responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a phone/electronic device (BP 5525). CELLPHONES will NOT

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Course Syllabus
be ALLOWED! Because students have a district issued chromebook, there is no use for a cellphone in the classroom. Students who
use their cellphones in class for any reason not approved by the teacher will have their phone confiscated and turned into the office.
Inappropriate use of chromebooks and/or cellphones will also result in a deduction of points from the participation category.
According to California’s Educational Code regarding Elementary and Secondary Education instructional programs, you are
prohibited from using electronic recording devices without the teachers consent. You are prohibited by law from taking pictures or
recordings and posting them to your social media outlets. Students who willfully violate this are subject to disciplinary action.
Please read the excerpt from California Educational Code regarding these prohibited behaviors which can be found at:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Title 2. Elementary and Secondary Education.
Division 4. Instruction and Services.
Part 28. General Instruction.
Chapter 4. Prohibited Instruction
Article 2. Prohibited Materials (5150-51513)
51512. The Legislature finds that the use by any person, including a pupil, of any electronic listening or recording device in any
classroom of the elementary and secondary schools without the prior consent of the teacher and the principal of the school given to promote an
educational purpose disrupts and impairs the teaching process and discipline in the elementary and secondary schools, and such use is
prohibited. Any person, other than a pupil, who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any pupil violating this section
shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Chromebook Policy
All elements of the school Chromebook Policy will be strictly enforced. Students will be given a demerit for “any use of the
Chromebook in a class period unrelated to the teacher specified task.” It is the responsibility of the student to seek clarity from the
teacher when unsure of an assigned task. Please refer to the student handbook regarding demerit totals and penalties associated with
the accumulation of demerits.

Cyber Behavior
Students are expected to conduct themselves through the online resources in the same manner they would conduct themselves
in a classroom. Online posts and blogs are an extension of the classroom and students must treat each other with the utmost respect.
Teacher reserves the right to remove students from the online resources if necessary and students will be subject to class and/or school
disciplinary actions. Cyber-bullying will not be tolerated.

Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner that reflects ethics, honor, and good citizenship. They
are also expected to abide by the regulations of Live Oak High School. It is the students' responsibility to maintain academic honesty
and integrity, and to manifest their commitment to expected student learning results through their conduct and behavior. Students
found cheating will receive a zero on the assignment, will not be able to retake if it’s a test, and be subject to enforcement of school
wide policies.

Expected Student Learning Results

Adaptive Life Long Learners
Collaborators and Communicators
Ongoing Problem Solvers & Independent Thinkers
Respectful & Responsible Citizens
Navigators of the Future Through Technology & Innovation
Successful, Accountable, and Self-Competent Young Adults

Attendance Policy
Daily attendance and participation in class activities is of the utmost importance in order for you to get the most out of this
course. Each unexcused absence will result in a 1% reduction of your participation grade. Each student will be allowed three tardies
for the semester. With the fourth tardy, and each additional tardy, the student’s grade will be reduced by .5%. (See school attendance
policy) All students should be inside the classroom and ready to begin working prior to the bell sounding. Students are considered
tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings. In accordance with school policy, 3 unexcused tardy are equal to 1
unexcused absence. After 6 unexcused absences in one semester the student will lose the opportunity to participate in all
extracurricular activities (athletics, newspaper, year book, band, dances, prom, etc.) After 8 unexcused absences in a class in the same
semester the student may be given an “F.” Any and all excused absences need to be cleared by the student through the attendance
office. Teacher is not responsible for correcting roll sheets if they have already been submitted to the attendance office. Please refer to
the Live Oak High School Attendance Policy in your agenda for more clarification.

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Course Syllabus

Civics Points

Graduation Requirement
This course is required by the Morgan Hill Unified School District and the State of California for graduation from Live Oak
High School. The teacher will be available before and after school to discuss any problems that a student may encounter. Please feel
free to contact the instructor regarding any questions you may have concerning the subject matter.

Objective
The purpose of completing the outside Civics point requirement is to expose high school students to a variety of
governmental agencies and increase students’ knowledge, understanding, and involvement in the political process of their
communities. Furthermore, students will develop an understanding and share of the needs and involvement of community service for
the mutual benefit of this community.

Requirement
In order to complete the Civics points requirements for CP Civics 12, students MUST earn a minimum of 25 outside points
per quarter, and a total of 50 points per semester. Failure to complete 50 point requirement will result in student failing the class.
Please be aware that Civics points are NOT a grade but a prerequisite to earning the grade you have in the class based on the four
weighted categories described earlier. Even if you have earned an A, but failed to complete the point requirement, you will receive an
F. There is much time to complete these points so please do not wait until the last minute. Please note the following due dates:

March 15th – 25 points May 24th – 50 points

Civics Points
The following explains what types of Civic activities you can choose from to earn your Civics points. You may choose from
the following but can not exceed the total indicated:

25 Points Max Community Service (3 points per hour; 25 maximum per semester) The student may volunteer
3 points per hour time to local community services and/or agencies. The instructor will help supply the students
with various community organizations that need assistance. Students choosing this option will be
provided with guidelines on the format for the visitation write up. A write up (summary) must
accompany each visitation. 4 hours max per visit. The amount of hours spent will equal a specific
amount of points as described below:

8 and ½ hours = 25 points

4 hours = 12 points
1 hour = 3 points
½ hour = 1 point

25 Points Max Political Campaigns: (3 points per hour; 25 point maximum for semester.) Work
for an issue or political party of your choice, initiative petitions, or spring primaries. The student
must have verification of their participation and written explanations of the activities. (4 hours
max per visit)

25 Points Max Community Service Project: Community service projects consist of both planning and executing
a project that benefits the community. Students can not be paid for these services. All community
service projects must have teacher approval. Be sure to get the approval BEFORE any plans
are made. Students may work in small groups for this option. Please ask to meet with teacher to
discuss your project.

20 Points Max Court Visits

10 Points per visit
Visits may be either in Morgan Hill, San Martin, or San Jose. Students must verify time in and
time out of court by acquiring a signature from a court official. The time of arrival and departure
must be clearly marked on the visit write up that is submitted to the teacher. Students may attend a
MAX of 2 visits for the semester. Each visit must be at least one hour in length. Students
choosing this option must complete a write-up following the guidelines listed below. Write ups
must be submitted within 7 days after the meeting.

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Course Syllabus
10 Points Max Oral Presentation
A minimum of a five minute speech to be given in class regarding a current or past political topic:
i.e., International Issue, Budget Deficit, etc. A written outline of the speech must be submitted to
the instructor before the report is due. The topic must have teacher approval. No presentations the
last 3 weeks of semester. Only one presentation allowed per person

25 Points Max Attend City Council / School Board / Planning Commission

5 Points per meeting
All students will be required to stay at least one hour at each meeting with the time of arrival and
departure marked clearly on their write up paper. A signature from a member of the meeting
attended is required. Students choosing this option must complete a write-up following the
guidelines listed below. Write ups must be submitted within 5 days after the meeting. Students
may attend a maximum of 5 meetings for the semester.

Progress Reports indicating a failing grade (F) will be sent out for students who do not have:

15 points by 2/8/19
25 points by 3/15/19
40 points by 5/3/19
50 points by 5/24/19

Visitation Report Guidelines

All visitation reports are to be submitted online within one week of attending. The signed verification sheet must be turned in
to the points box in-class and should contain the time of entry, the time of departure, and possess an appropriate signature. No points
will be credited until the signed verification form is submitted.
The following are note taking guidelines of what you will need in order to complete the online points submission form.
Items marked REQUIRED are the specific items you must complete on the respective submissions form.

VISITATIONS TO SCHOOL BOARD, CITY COUNCIL, AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS

1. What were the topics under discussion?

2. Was there a large public turnout? What was the reaction of the citizens to the meeting?

3. Was there controversy in the discussion of certain topics? If so, by what method was the conflict resolved?

4. Was the mayor, city council or other public officials responsive to the public’s wishes?

5. Did the council appear to be dominated by a few strong members, or was the group fairly balanced in expressing views?

6. Select one specific item of discussion at the meeting. Give a detailed account of the issue being discussed and include you point
of view on the topic.

7. Your opinion of the efficiency and operation of the government structure that you observed with specific suggestions for
improving both of the above.

VISITATIONS TO SUPERIOR COURT

1. Note the date, time, and the specific case being tried for at least one case observed.
2. State the facts of the case or one of the cases.
3. Comment on the effectiveness of the court procedures in terms of efficiency and operation. Suggest possible ways of
improvement.
4. Observe the procedure in the courtroom. Who are the individuals in the courtroom and what is their function.
5. Evaluate the processes that you observed.

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Course Syllabus
COMMUNITY SERVICE

1. Note the date, time, service agency, and what you did.
2. Describe the agency you worked for and what they do for the community.
3. How did your service help the agency?

POLITICAL ACTIVITY

1. Who was the group you participated with and what is their political agenda?
2. Was this group affiliated with a candidate? Who? Why?
3. What did you do and how did these activities advance the groups agenda?
4. Describe the impact of this event/activity on the community.

Students must be properly attired. Students must wear shoes, not string straps, bare shoulders, bare midriffs, and gentlemen
must remove their hats. Any objectionable clothing should not be worn to court. (i.e., inappropriate words, symbols, messages.) Please
dress appropriately.
These guidelines have been reviewed in all Civics classes and have already been emailed to court and city personnel. Any
deviation from the above guidelines will result in you immediate removal from the proceedings.

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Student: I have read the course syllabus and the Outside Point requirement for CP Civics 12. I understand my responsibilities and
requirements for this course. I will do my best to abide by the class expectations.

Name (Print) _____________________________Signature ____________________________ Date ______

Parent/Guardian: I/We have read the course syllabus and the Outside Point requirement for CP Civics. I/We will do my/our best to
support my child with this class.

Name (Print) _____________________________Signature ____________________________ Date _______

Phone Numbers: Home ___________________________Work __________________Cell ________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________

Name (Print) _____________________________Signature ____________________________ Date _______

Phone Numbers: Home ___________________________Work __________________Cell ________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________