DPS Civics Content Standards: o Students understand the purpose of government, and the basic constitutional principles of the United States. o Students know the structure and function of local, state and national government and how citizen involvement shapes public policy. o Students know the political relationship of the United States and its citizens to other nations and to world affairs. o Students understand how citizens exercise the roles, rights and responsibilities of participation in civic life at all levels - local, state and national. o Students understand how computer and electronic communications technology has developed changed, and affected the operation of governmental systems.

Texts and primary Resources: o Government in America (1996 Edition) Richard J. Hardy o We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution - Center for Civic Education o Reasoning with Democratic Values - Alan L Lockwood o We the Students - Court cases for and about students - Jamin B. Raskin Curriculum developed by the National Civics League - Denver Student Voices.

Absences: Please review DSA's attendance policies and other procedures in the student planner. Due to the nature of the program, it is helpful for the student to be in attendance in each class everyday. Please try to schedule other activities outside the school calendar.

Homework and Independent Reading / Projects: Students will be assigned a variety of out of class assignments. It is expected that students will be responsible to turn in all assignments when due. Each student will be required to obtain, read and report on at least one book during the semester - a suggested list will be made available. The student will be encouraged to “ contract” projects with me that will integrate their particular unique talents, interests, skills and abilities into our study of government. Criteria will be developed as we explore the possibilities.

Grading: Grades will earned as a percentage of points possible, i.e. 93 - 100 A, 83 - 92 B. 77 - 84 C, 70 - 76 D, 69 and below F. Points will be earned for quality of work on all assignments, tests, quizzes, and class participation. It is the student's responsibility to contact me prior to the due date of an assignment if there is a serious reason that their work will be late. Late work will be accepted, but at a reduced percentage.

Please be aware that teachers issue progress reports approximately every 3 weeks.