Economics

Ms. Palmer

tpalmer@aptoshs.net

(831) 688-6565, extension 630

 

This is a one-semester social science course in economics.  The objective of this course is to help students deepen their understanding of the economic challenges, institutions, and systems of the nation and world in which they live.  Students will learn to make reasoned decisions on economic issues.  Instructional methods encourage students to demonstrate learning in a variety of ways, work cooperatively with other students, and develop responsibility and reliability.  To ensure success for all students (English language learners, special education, and low performing students) SDAIE methodologies, IEP, and 504 accommodations are incorporated by the teacher.

 

Materials:

Materials required--

            Spiral notebook, preferably Mead 5 Star (5 subject)    Scissors

            # 2 pencil                                                                     Pen (blue or black ink only)   

            Glue gel                                   Highlighter                   Colored pencils                                   

 

Student Expectations:

The Economics teachers are committed to supporting students in achieving skills that are essential to success at Aptos High School and beyond.  In this course, assignments and curriculum are designed to help each student achieve at the highest level. 

 

Grading and Policies:

Your grade is based on a point system.  Successful students attend regularly, come to class on time, participate in class, and do all assigned work.  All work that is graded is preferred in blue or black ink only (or typed).  I will accept work written in pencil if it is dark enough for me to read.  The following is a sample list of ways to earn points and make the most of your educational experience in this class.  If you do these things, you will learn more!

* Participate                                         * Projects

* Classwork assignments                     * Homework assignments 

* Exams, Tests, and quizzes                * Bell assignments (must be on time to class)

 

Million Word Challenge

Students will meet the Million Word Challenge as set forth by the PVUSD.  This will be addressed by student choice from a reading list provided by the teacher or from prior approval by the teacher.  The evaluation process may include a report or presentation.

 

Grades are based on a cumulative point total throughout the entire semester.  This means that quarter and final exam grades are not averaged to determine a semester grade.  At every grading period (progress grades and semester grade) all points you have earned to that point in time are added, then divided by the total number of points possible to calculate a percentage score.  You will receive your grade on the percentage score you attained.

Percentage grading scale:

90 -- 100 = A

89 -- 80= B

79 -- 70 = C    

69 -- 60= D     

59 -- lower = F

 

·         As per California Education Code and District Policy, the student must create all work.  Cheating of any kind will result in a grade of zero (0) on the assignment and notification of your parent or guardian.

Attendance and Make-up Policies:

·     late work is not accepted

·     there will be no make-up work given (except for excused absences) and no extra-credit assignments. 

·        it is the student’s responsibility to get the work from the teacher on the day you return to school.

·        make-up assignments will not be given after a student’s first day after returning from an absence.

·        if you are absent on the day of a test, you have one week to take an alternative make-up test during lunch.  

·        tests that are not made-up within a week of the original test date will automatically turn into a zero (0) grade. 

 

Other policies and related information:

·        Interactive notebooks will be collected and kept by the teacher at the end of each semester.

·        Students must return their notebooks on the day of the final to take the exam.

·    Part of your grade is based on class participation.  Each semester, you will present one of your current events for which you sign up in advance.  If you are absent on your prearranged day, you will receive a zero (0) on that assignment.

 

Rules:

All school behavior rules apply to the classroom, which include all attendance, tardy, and discipline policies.

Tardiness and excessive absences will lower your grade.

 

Keys to success:

In order to succeed, these basic guidelines must be followed:

1.      Respect people.  Everyone has the right to express his/her opinion in an appropriate manner.  One of the critical goals of this class is to learn to be respectful of opinions even if you disagree with them.

2.      Come to class prepared to work. Always bring your text, pen, pencil, and interactive notebook.

3.      Do not disturb the learning process.  Applying make-up, hairbrushing, etc. are disruptive to the class.

4.      Participate. Take control of your education—be an active participant in your school learning experience.

 

Units of Study:

Social Studies Standard/Description

Fundamental Economic Concepts and Introduction to Microeconomics.  This unit examines scarcity and choices, opportunity costs and marginal benefit and marginal cost, the difference between monetary and nonmonetary incentives and their impact on behavior, and the role of the market economy.

America’s Market Economy in a Global Setting.   The concepts and effects of supply and demand, property rights, competition, and profit in a market economy, the effect of price controls on buyers and sellers, and the function of financial markets.

The Influence of the Federal Government on the American Economy.  How the role of government in a market economy often includes a national defense, addresses environmental concern, defines property rights, and protects consumer rights, the goals of government policies like taxation, the goals and tools of monetary policy and the Federal Reserve’s influences on economic activity

The US Labor Market in a Global Setting.  The operations of the labor market, labor unions, the minimum wage, and unemployment insurance, the impact of technology and international competition, wage differences among jobs and professions, and the effects of international mobility of capital and labor on the US economy.

Economic Behavior of the US Economy.  The unemployment and economic growth rates and short and long-term interest rates.

International Trade and Global Economics.  Effects of international trade, current changing geographic patterns of trade, present and past restrictions on trade and free trade in the US, and foreign exchange, exchange rates, and the effects of the dollar’s change on other currencies.