1. August 27, 2012
Objective: Students will examine expectations of Ms.
Gratman’s EPI class in order to make generalizations
about how to be successful in this class.
QuickWrite: What do you hope to learn, this year, in
your Economics and Public Issues (EPI) class?
Explain.
Homework: Review Ms. Gratman’s EPI syllabus with
your parent/s and complete the information sheet.
Return the information sheet tomorrow.

2. Loch Raven High School
Economics and Public Issues (EPI)
2012-13
Teacher: Ms. Jodi Gratman Email Address: jgratman@bcps.org
Coach Class: Thursday, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
Introduction: I would like to welcome you to Ms.
Gratman’s EPI class. As we prepare to embark on this
academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to
explain the expectations of this economics class.
Textbook(s): The primary textbook used for this course
is, Beck, O’Sullivan, Sheffrin and
Wiggins, Economics, 2010. Other primary, and secondary
texts, as well as, electronic resources may also be used.

3. Course Overview: Citizens are called upon daily to make economic decisions which affect their well
being, our society, and the global marketplace. Accordingly, Economics and Public Issues will focus on
personal, market, national, and global economics.
As students complete their secondary education they are increasingly compelled to make diverse economic choices.
Knowledge and insights regarding immediate and long range consequences will enable our students to make sound
and wise decisions. Students who learn to analyze economic needs and to evaluate personal goals will be prepared to
make wise economic decisions.
Students have already assumed roles as consumers and producers in a mixed economy. Understandings of our
economic system, institutions, forces, and interactions will prepare our students for expanded roles and provide the
analytical skills necessary to adapt to economic change. Consequently, our students will be prepared to participate in
the marketplaces of the present and the future.
As members of a representative democracy, our students will select economic decision makers and help determine
policies affecting personal, national, and global economics. Government, institutions, and citizens raise issues
regarding monetary policies, fiscal policies, interdependency, and equity. The resolution of these and other issues will
determine the success of our democracy, the welfare of our citizens, and the lives of peoples throughout the world.
The importance of economic decisions requires implementation of a course of study which:
• provides understandings of economic concepts, markets, and behaviors
• examines economics on the personal, national, and global levels
• explores the relationships between economic behaviors and political behaviors
• supports use of issues analysis when considering economic questions and problems
• includes real world applications of economic understandings
• requires research skills and use of current resources
• provides opportunities for students to interact with practitioners and decision makers
• supports learning through the relationship between instruction and assessment.

4. Grading Policy:
Classwork: 50%
Assessments: 25%
Homework: 15%
Participation: 10%
Homework/Make-up Policy: Homework is assigned nightly. Please note that
all work is due on the date assigned. Late work will not be accepted, unless a
student is absent. If a student is absent on the day an assignment is due, the
student is responsible for turning in the assignment on the day he/she returns.
Make-up work- Students who are absent will have three days to make-up work
missed. All work will be available for students in the “make-up center” set up
in the classroom.
Explanation of Grades:
A= 90%-100%
B= 80%-89%
C= 70%-79%
D= 60%-69%
E= 59% and below

5. It is important that all students come to class prepared with the
appropriate materials.
Materials or school supplies used in this course include:
Three ring binder or notebook
Pencils and/or pens (blue or black only)
Assigned text/resources
In order to ensure the best education for ALL students, it is imperative that
ALL students follow the rules and procedure of the classroom. The
following expectations will consistently enforced and applied to all
students.
Students are expected to arrive to class on time.
Students are expected to be prepared with all necessary materials.
Students are expected to be polite, and courteous.
Students are expected to be respectful of the classroom and all of the contents
in the classroom.
No food, drinks, or gum are permitted in the classroom.

6. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE
I have read the course expectations for Ms. Gratman’s EPI class and understand what is expected of me.
______________________________________________ ___________
Student name
period
___________________________________________________________
Student signature
I have read the course expectations and understand what is expected of my child in Ms. Gratman’s EPI class.
____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name (please print clearly)
_____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature
_____________________________________________________________
Home telephone number
______________________________________________________________
Work/Cell number
______________________________________________________________
Email Address (please print clearly)
Notes (any additional information): ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

7. Take out a sheet of paper and answer the following
questions.
1. What is EPI and acronym for?
2. After reading the EPI course description, why is it
important for you to take this class (and take it
seriously)? Explain.
3. What is the easiest way to pass this class? Fail this
class?
4. Why is it important to comply with the behavioral
expectations of this EPI class? Explain.
Exit Ticket:
In general, how can a student meet with success in Ms.
Gratman’s EPI class? Explain.