Advanced Placement U.S. History
Class Policies and Expectations
Mr. Koch MLHS 20067-2008
Course Description: This course follows the general outline provided by the Educational Testing, which creates the Advanced Placement examination. Although many of the teacher’s own curricular materials are incorporated into the course, and the individual needs of students remain paramount, the major thrust of the course is to prepare students to take the national Advanced Placement examination in May.
This is a college-level history course (as opposed to an 11th grade college prep social science course) taught to highly motivated and very intelligent high school juniors and seniors. The expectation is that students will assume responsibility for completing heavy reading, writing, and study assignments. Students will continually be engaged in the intellectual processes of the historian: gathering analyzing, and interpreting evidence in a disciplined way.
Within the framework of a challenging academic course in American History, I make every attempt to transmit to the students my own joy for scholarship and passion for America. Every attempt is made to instill in the students a shared enthusiasm for American History and a shared pride in the achievement of completing these difficult academic tasks. This is a lot to cope with. Be sure, I am ready and willing to help you in any way I can. I’ll do all I can to help you be successful. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! If you are having problems, come and talk to me.
Grading: The following scale will be used. Grades will be based on homework, quizzes, tests, essays, and document-based essays.
100-93 = A 78-79 = C+
90-92 = A- 73-77 = C
88-89 = B+ 70-72 = C-
83-87 = B 68-69 = D+
80-82 = B- 63-67 = D
60-62 = D-
The first semester final examination will be taken from actual AP Exams. The AP Exam in May will count for the second semester final exam. Students passing the AP exam in May will receive a course grade of A.
Late Work/Absences/Retakes/Testing/Extra Credit
Work is due at the start of the hour. Place materials in the assigned tray unless told differently by the teacher. If late, 50% will be taken off.
If getting work done becomes a problem the teacher can use the school Academic Action Plan to help the student improve.
If you are absent for any reason you must still turn in your work or make up the assignment. You will be given one day for each day absent. If it is still late it will be ½ off.
If you missed a test or quiz because you were absent you have until the next student help time/day to make it up. If not a “0” will be given for the missed test/quiz.
Retakes may be taken on essays only. They will be allowed to rewrite essays after 1 week of receiving them back from the teacher.
Cheating: If a student is found cheating on any test, quiz, or assignment the result will be a “0” given for the work. The student will then go to the Dean of Students where the Academic Integrity Policy will be enacted.
Materials Needed:
Blue or Black ink pens/or pencils
Textbook – The American Pageant
Binder/Folder
Paper – loose leaf is preferred
Notebook – will be used for journals assignments and be turned in
Class Expectations:
1. Treat people with dignity and respect
2. Care about others
3. Follow policies and procedures
4. Be on time, and ready for class
5. Perform to the best of your ability
Emergency Rules:
Fire – Use Southwest Doors
Tornado – Walk quietly to freshmen hallway
Medical – inform teacher first, go to office
Contact Info:
Off periods – 1st Semester – 2 & 3
2nd Semester – 2 & 8
Email –
School Phone – 414-461-6000 ext 264
Teaching Cues:
Class will start when the we have taken prayer requests and prayed as a class.