Course Description: Economics is a one-semester course. In this course, students should deepen their understanding of the economic problems and institutions of the nation and world in which they live. They should learn to make reasoned decisions on economic issues as citizens, workers, consumers, business owners and managers, and members of civic groups. In this course students will add to the economic understandings they acquired in previous grades and apply tools (such as graphs, statistics, and equations) learned in other subject fields to their understanding of our economic system.

This course primarily is a course in social science, enriching students’ understanding of the operations and institutions of economic systems, rather than a course in household or business management or budgeting. Throughout this course, measurement concepts and methods will be introduced; for example, tables, charts, graphs, ratios, percentages, and index numbers. Behind every graph is an equation or set of equations that specifies a relationship among economic variables. Thus, to master the economic method, students must use graphs and understand, at the appropriate level, the mathematical equations they represent.

Text: Economics: Principles & Practices. Clayton. Glencoe

Evaluation.  This course adheres to Palma’s official grading criteria (Student & Parent Handbook, page 9).  Semester grades will be determined and credit awarded based on the following.

                        B+ (87-89)         C+ (77-79)         D+ (67-69)

A (93-100)         B (83-86)           C (73-76)           D (63-66)

A- (90-92           B- (80-82)          C- (70-72)          D- (60-62)          F (below 60)

Grades. Individual assignments are “weighted” as follows:

Tests and projects (70%)

Homework and Class work (30%)

Semester Grades.  The first quarter grade (40%) and the second quarter grade (40%) are combined with the final exam (20%) to determine the semester grade.  The final exam will be a cumulative exam of all units covered during the first and second quarters.

Website.  I keep my website at Palmahs.org updated.  Students are able to go to my website and get notes and homework information.  Students will also be able to check their grades online.  I update the grades at least once a week.

**PARENTS**

Communicating with Mr. Noroian.  Communication between the teacher and parent is necessary and important to the success of your son.  We have several different ways of keeping that line of communication open.  Please choose the method that is most appropriate to your need and easiest for you.

Check my web page if you have questions about homework assignments, due dates, test dates, etc.  I update this page daily.

If you are generally wondering how your son is doing in class, ask him; ask to see his binder, ask to see his tests and essays, ask to see his assignments that he is working on at home and discuss the same with him.  Probably most importantly, ask to see his homework calendar regularly.  If it is blank, there is a problem.

If you have a specific question about your son’s progress, a specific assignment or due date, how I’m doing, etc.:

Email me: noroian@palmahs.org

Call me: 831/422-6391

Send a note with your son

Parent conferences are twice a year (at the end of the first quarter and first semester).  It is difficult, and oftentimes not appropriate, to have an “unscheduled” conference at 7:55 or 2:53 in front of the school.  If you would like to meet regarding your son’s progress in school other than at the scheduled conferences, please contact me as above.

Internet Grade Policy

ALL PARENTS MUST READ AND SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.  Students and parents have access to their grades twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, via my website. Grades are routinely updated and are made available using the password you provide below.  It is Palma’s policy that both the teacher and the parent will make a conscious effort to routinely update and monitor each students grade. We recommend that you choose a password that you can remember and use it for each class your son may be taking. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Do not want grades on online  ____

Student Name              __________________________

Password                    __________________________ (6-24  lower case)

Signature                     __________________________

Parent Signature          __________________________

Email Address             __________________________