Course+Expectations

==== Welcome to //You and the Law//! You, as well as each of your classmates, are an important member of the class, and your presence and participation will bring a unique perspective to our studies. We will work together, in a respectful and safe environment, to study, explore, question, think, and struggle to find answers to the questions about the role of law and how it affects us in our daily lives. I look forward to an exciting and productive semester! ====

==== //The text//: Our text is //Street Law, A Course in Practical Law (7th Ed.) Arbetman, Lee and O’Brien, Edward,// Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2005. You will receive a copy of the text, which you should bring to class every day. If you want to work at school during block one or after 2:30 p.m., a copy of the text will be available for your use in the Social Studies Lab. This book must remain in the lab. A copy of the text will be on reserve in the library for your use, but will not be available for checkout. I also have extra copies in my classroom that you can sign out and borrow for a block. ====

==== //Materials you will need//: You will need a big binder for the class. Keep, preferably in an orderly way, all the materials, notes, and assignments – including the ones I have graded – for each term. You may organize your notebook to best suit your own style, but it should be neat and consistent. Keeping track of your materials will be useful when studying for your quizzes, tests, and preparing for the mock trial, which will serve as your final exam. You are expected to bring your notebook, paper, and a writing utensil to class each day. If you are a laptop person you may type your notes, provided you abide by the school’s use policy and do not play games or search youtube during class. ====

==== //My Expectations//: My classroom is a safe zone for all students. Respect for others is essential; nothing less will be tolerated. We often discuss issues that are controversial or that could make you uncomfortable. With respect and tolerance, the class will be illuminating and interesting. Without it, we will not learn from each other nor will we have engaging or thoughtful discussions. More importantly, without respect you could harm your classmates. ==== ==== You are expected to be an active and responsible learner, to attend class each day, arrive on time, and be prepared to participate in discussions and assigned work. **No food or drink are allowed in the classroom** with two exceptions: 1) you may bring water in a sealed container; 2) on day 4 you may bring a tidy breakfast provided you clean up. ==== ==== **All homework assignments are to be ultimately //your own work//****, unless otherwise stated as group work in the assignment directions**. You are expected to keep all assignments in your notebook (see above) and your class notes up to date ==== ==== All writing must be typed (double spaced) and spell checked. If you not meet a filing deadline in court then your client will lose and then she will sue you for malpractice. Similarly, **I do not accept late work**. If there are extenuating circumstances you must contact me in advance of the due date. If you come to me the day an assignment is due you may tie my hands. ====

==== //Homework:// In this class, most of your homework involves short readings with thoughtful responses. You will be required to post a number of responses online, as well as collaborate with your classmates. ====

==== //Participation// grades will be entered at the end of the term. **This is a class in which participation counts heavily; 20% of your semester grade is based on it.** I will ask you for a self-evaluation which I will consider in arriving at your participation grade. This evaluation will be based on the appropriate combination of the following: ==== ==== A = **regularly** volunteer to participate (offering quality observations and/or questions at least once during each class), wait to be called on, prepared when called on, group assignment always well prepared, excellent attendance; ==== ==== B = **often** volunteer to participate (offering quality observations and/or questions at least 3 out of 5 days in a cycle), occasionally speak out of turn, most often prepared when called on, most often prepared for group assignment, good attendance; ==== ==== C = **occasionally** volunteer to participate (offering quality observations and/or questions at least once a cycle during class discussion), often speak out of turn, occasionally prepared when called on, occasionally have a group assignment prepared, several absences affect chances to participate; ==== ==== D = **seldom** volunteer to participate (offering quality observations and/or questions less than once a cycle), seldom prepared when asked to participate, disturb others, seldom prepared for your part of a group assignment, excessive absences affect chances to participate. ====

==== //Grading//: Eighty percent of the grade will be based on projects, simulations, interactive experiences, papers, homework. tests, and quizzes (announced and unannounced). Points will be assigned to each individual assignment according to its relative value to a test (100 points). **A mock trial, with mandatory attendance, will be held instead of a final examination**. Twenty percent of the grade will be participation. ====

==== //Academic Integrity:// Become familiar with all of the school policies outlined in Wellesley High School’s student handbook that also apply to this class. (Be sure to review the section on ACADEMIC INTEGRITY on p. 68.) In short, don’t cheat. ====

==== //Attendance//: During class time, you will be given opportunities to work together with other students to share each other's ideas or work on a presentation or project It is therefore important that you arrive to class on time, ready to work. In the event of an excused absence, you are expected to turn in assignments due during the absence **on the date of your return**. **It is your responsibility to check on work missed during your absence**. Makeup work must be handed in the following class period, unless you make other arrangements with me for a later due date. ANY WORK AND/OR TIME MISSED DUE TO A CLASS CUT ARE WILLINGLY MISSED BY THE STUDENT. NO MAKE UP WILL BE GRANTED. Check Student Handbook attendance policy, pp. 60-63. ====

==== **Tardiness:** You must be in class when the bell rings or have a pass. If you are not in the classroom on time, **__as per school rules, three unexcused tardies //or//__** **__ten minutes of accumulated tardies__** **__equal one unexcused absence and a cut slip will be filed. Tardies accumulate throughout the quarter.__** ====

==== Remember : //It is your responsibility as a student to seek clarification or help when needed.// I am happy to meet with you outside of class and I encourage you to stop by my classroom before or after school. However, if you want to make sure to see me, since I have many students, it is best to make an appointment. You can also contact me by email at jonathan_simon@wellesley.k12.ma.us. I look forward to getting to know you better and to assist you in making this class one of learning and success! ====