AP GOVERNMENT

GRADING AND ASSESSMENT RATIONALE MR. ADDIE

The following is a more detailed explanation of the grading and assessment requirements and rationale from the course outline.

FINAL COURSE GRADE - Each quarter numerical score will be averaged with your final exam grade. This final exam score will count 10% of the final course grade. A low final exam score could lower your average from the previous four quarters. You can help prevent this by organizing and preparing for the final exam throughout the year.

RATIONALE - Final exams/assessments will be required throughout college. Since this is a college level course, you will need to be prepared for these type evaluations.

UNIT TESTS - You will be provided between 4 to 10 essay topics at the beginning of each unit. You are responsible to know about these topics for the essay part of the unit tests. On unit test days, the instructor will assign at random for each class the questions required to be answered within the 90-minute test period for the essay part of the test. These essays will be evaluated on structure, content and depth of understanding concerning concepts and relationships. Each answer must have the proper introduction with a topic or thesis statement; supporting ideas demonstrating mastery of content and understanding and a concluding statement. Rubrics similar to the AP essay test assessment scale will be used for unit test essays. This will be converted into a numerical score for each unit test based on a 100 point total. Unit test essays will count for 40 of the 100 points per unit test. Each unit test will also consist of 60 multiple-choice questions accounting for the remaining 60 of the 100 points per unit test. Makeup tests require 4 essays plus the multiple choice!

RATIONALE - This system forces the student to master and be accountable for a large body of information while simulating the actual AP test timeframe and test format.

PROJECTS - These projects provide for different forms of assessment. Links are provided on the web page explaining each quarter’s projects and assessment form. These projects will help develop and reinforce the use and mastery of research tools and skills, proper writing and presentation techniques while providing both individual and cooperative learning situations. Attendance/participation will count as part of the assessment for most projects.

RATIONALE - Alternative forms of assessment and cooperative learning styles will both enrich the course and prepare students for these situations at the college level.

HOMEWORK - Random checks for points on a variety of assignments can be expected on a regular basis. Points will be deducted from the homework average for missing or incomplete assignments including connecting log assignments. No late homework assignments accepted.

RATIONALE - Without daily preparation on the part of the students, class activities slow down or stop, test preparation suffers causing a "domino effect" leading to little learning and poor performance. Since most colleges do not monitor homework in great detail, it is up to the student to discipline himself or herself and keep up with the work.