MR. MCARDLE - PALMERTON HIGH SCHOOL - SOCIAL STUDIES

2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR

Welcome Parents & Students!

My name is Paul McArdle and the 2018-19 school year marks my 20th teaching here at Palmerton Area School District.  I am pleased to be your child's teacher and hope that he or she has a positive experience in my class this year.  If you ever need to contact me with any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to do so.  Email is usually the easiest and most efficient way to do that - my address is pmcardle@palmerton.org.  You could also call the school at 610-826-3155 to schedule an appointment to speak and/or meet with me. 

I currently teach the following two classes to our Blue Bomber students:

12th Grade: ECONOMICS:  This is a required semester course that includes the study of Economics focusing on basic concepts of production, distribution and consumption and how they apply to the American mixed-economy.  In addition different economic systems used throughout the world will be examined. Taxes and personal finance will also be introduced.

Elective: CURRENT EVENTS: This course is a study of events and issues that are in the news during the current semester. Students will examine national and international issues and events and their impact on us as American citizens. Students will be evaluated through individual and group assignments/projects. A research paper will be required.

Grading for my classes is thoroughly explained to the students early and often in the course.  The 'categories' for grading are listed below for each of my courses so that you have an idea where the final marking period grade will come from.  In addition, I will always put assignments on PowerSchool for you to view in advance of them being due.  Hopefully that helps you stay on top of your child's assignments.  

For Economics, students will be graded in a variety of ways.  Approximate percentages of the final marking period grades are in parentheses: 

  • Tests (25-30%)
  • Project (25-30%)
  • Open Book Quizzes (20-25%)
  • Homework(15-20%)
  • Attendance, Participation, Behavior (10-15%)

For Current Events, students will also be graded in a variety of ways, but the assignments and their weight will be determined in advance.  Each marking period the students will have the following grades that will make-up their final marking period report card grade.  These assignments and there approximate due dates will be listed on PowerSchool at the beginning of each marking period:

  • 3 Journals at 10 points each for a total of 30% of the final grade
  • 2 Tests at 15 points each for a total of 30% of the final grade
  • 1 Project at 20 points representing 20% of the final grade
  • 4 in-class assignments representing 20% of the final grade
  • Extra credit may be awarded for regular positive classroom participation.

This is a grade calculator table that can be used to calculate the final report card grade each marking period:

ASSIGNMENTS FOR EACH MARKING PERIOD

Points Possible

Your Score

In Class Assignment #1

5

 

Journal #1

10

 

Journal #2

10

 

Test #1

15

 

In Class Assignment #2

5

 

Journal #3

10

 

In Class Assignment #3

5

 

Test #2

15

 

In Class Assignment #4

5

 

Project

20

 

TOTAL

100

 

 

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