1. AP U.S. Government and Politics Jonathan D’Souza Phone: (301)649-8088 Email: jonathan_m_dsouza@mcpsmd.orgjonathan_m_dsouza@mcpsmd.org

2. Agenda I.Introduction to course/units II.Overview of assignments/expectations III.Review school/class policies IV.Explanation of differentiation V.Describe forms of communication VI.Questions

3. Introduction to Course Course The course is designed based off of freshmen college course. Students will be introduced to the basics in U.S. Government and will be expected to take the AP exam in May Units 1.Constitutional Underpinnings 2.Public Opinion, Beliefs and Behaviors, and Elections 3.Linkage Institutions 4.Policymaking Institutions 5.Civil Rights/Liberties 6.Public Policy

4. Overview of Course Assignments Take timed multiple choice tests Complete Free Response Questions (FRQ’s) Write reflections on moot trials, debates, and class discussions Readings from primary and secondary sources Current event journals Moot trials Presentations Debates Expectations Complete work and submit them on-time Stay up to date on current events Attend AP enrichment sessions/tutorials Use office hours Put in at least 45min-1 hour of homework a night

5. Policies Due date= deadline – We only have one due date at our school. We will no longer accept work after the due date. Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty – Please review the handout (given to students on school website) that explains these terms and gives examples

6. Differentiation Provides students with different opportunities to master the concepts Its important because all students do not learn the exact same way Lessons will match activities to students needs Create challenging activities It allows students to use their strengths to learn material Uses flexible cooperative learning groups

7. What does differentiation look like StepOption AOption B Identification StageRead and take notes on pages 24-28 in the textbook. Students must define all terms in bold Students can complete the graphic organizer for pages 24-28. Students must use the Frayer model for all vocabulary words in bold AnalysisStudents must read the court case of Clinton v. NY and write a reflection paper that addresses whether or not the outcome of this case is in the best interest of our government Students must read the court case of Clinton v. NY and create a script for a roundtable discussion that analyzes the outcome of the court case

8. Key Ideas for Differentiation Students will have choice to determine what and how they will be graded I will use rubrics to communicate to students my expectations I will use surveys to gather input and feedback on lessons and activities We will have conferences throughout the quarter Students will receive a unit guide that explains the activities, points, rubrics, and due dates All activities and lessons are aligned to AP curriculum

9. Questions? If you have any questions that pop up later, please email me or call me.

10. Sources Heacox, D. (2002). Differentiating instruction in the regular classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc. Picture #1: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=capitol&view=detail&id=012AA5AB4C7EB9AA80A2F48310CEA58F45B 4A945&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR Picture #2: http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/a/agenda/graphics-agenda-615488.gif Picture #3: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=policies&view=detail&id=8E61B478AB1D3A47E862F3DD4DC3357E5C C3C4F4&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR Picture #4 http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=many+paths+to+one+goal&view=detail&id=2206C8028D5008B21B4E 7AAE1D5189C121284C18&first=31&FORM=IDFRIR Picture #5: http://pursuingmeaningfulwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/questions.jpg