Lafayette High School - Commack Schools



Welcome to Pre-IB /AP World History 9

Mr. Zaidinski

jzaidinski@commack.k12.ny.us

2018 – 2019 Student Contract

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to your first year at Commack High School! Together we are about to embark on another step towards your future. Pre-IB/AP World History 9 is the first half of a two-year course of study in world history. The purpose of this course is to gain a global perspective on the past by examining the political, economic, and social factors that make up civilizations and its developments over time. This means studying the historical experiences of all the world’s peoples and their interactions. By bringing a global perspective to the study of world history, we will seek an understanding of the past that places the contemporary world in meaningful historical context. It is essential that you completely immerse yourself in your learning so that this school year is the best that it can be. I encourage you all to ask questions and seek solutions! The success of this year will depend on your participation. Together we will discover that learning stretches far beyond the four walls of the classroom.

I am looking forward to an outstanding year – let us explore the world together!

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Zaidinski

What is Pre-IB /AP World History?

Advanced Placement (AP) World History is the College Board and college-level survey course that introduces students to world civilizations and cultures and mirrors New York State’s Global History & Geography I course. International Baccalaureate courses are also college-level courses offered extensively at Commack High School in grades 11 & 12. IB/AP World History 9 prepares students for the opportunity to take higher-level history courses as they progress through high school.

The AP World History curriculum has undergone significant changes in recent years so that the historical literacy skills required for success on the AP Exam overlap with the IB historical literacy skills that students need for mastery in IB History courses. The Pre-IB/AP World History 9 course provides students with a thematic approach to history that enables them to make connections among historical developments in different times and different geographic regions of the globe by using the methods employed by historians when they study the past such as, analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, utilizing chronological reasoning, and formulating a sound argument.

At the completion of Pre-IB/AP World History 9, the content and skills learned will provide students with the opportunity to participate in AP World History 10 and possibly earn college credit during their sophomore year. Alternatively, they may choose to enroll in Global History 10 Pre-IB to continue their preparation for IB History in 11th grade.

Course Themes and Periods for Pre-IB/AP World History 9:

Theme 1: Interaction between Humans and the Environment

Theme 2: Development and Interaction of Cultures

Theme 3: State-Building, Expansion, and Conflict

Theme 4: Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems

Theme 5: Development and Transformation of Social Structures

Course Philosophy: Why Take This Course?

Pre-IB/ AP World History 9 has a host of benefits. Providing that a student entering the class understands that we read and write frequently and that there is a high emphasis on independent work outside of the classroom, students will become better thinkers, better writers, and better readers. In addition, students will also have the ability to practice skills needed for other Advanced/College based courses in the future.

To ensure your success, please read the following classroom policies and procedures and then complete the bottom of the contract.

Class Materials: Students are expected to have the following materials for every class:

One Pre-IB/AP World History binder separated into the following sections – Class notes/class work and homework – This binder should only be used for Global History and Geography.

One Pre-IB/AP World History folder – only used for Global History and Geography.

Two pens (blue or black)

Two pencils

One highlighter

All previous worksheets and handouts for the unit currently being worked on.

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CLASS STRUCTURE AND EVALUATION:

Students who take this course should realize that AP and IB courses are taught and graded at the college level. Consequently, the course exceeds the demands and expectations for typical high school courses. This is demonstrated by the advanced readings, the advanced writing assignments, and the homework assignments given. However, the class is truly manageable and I am aware that you have other classes and extracurricular activities. A pro-active approach, time management, and genuine accountability can make this a pleasant experience (

Marking Period Grade Breakdown:

Test 1/Alternative Assessment 1 - 20%

Test 2/Alternative Assessment 2 - 20%

Project - 20%

Quizzes - 20%

Homework - 15%

Class Participation - 5%

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Marking Period Grade = 100% (A reminder that all grades may be viewed on the parent portal)

Tests: Two tests/Alternative Assessments will be given each marking period. Test content will include multiple-choice questions, essay writing, and other components that will assist in evaluating content knowledge. All essays and tests will be graded with official College Board AP World History and IB rubrics. Short writing assignments will use a rubric modeled on the official rubrics.

Quizzes: Approximately one to two quizzes will be given each week. Quizzes will include material covered in class, as well as in homework reading. Quizzes will vary in format. It should be noted that quizzes will test material covered through homework reading and independent assignments. Quizzes will be evaluated using College Board AP World History and IB standards.

Homework: Given the depth of the course’s time frame and material, homework is essential and will be given almost every night. Homework will vary in format as well as time requirement. Since this is a college level course, late homework may only be made up one day past the due date for ½ credit. All assignments can be located on my teacher website and will be evaluated using College Board AP World History and IB standards.

Class Work/Class Participation: Success only comes when there is a team effort. Therefore, it is expected that students will be working on task and participating positively. This includes following directions, asking questions, answering questions, and adding insight to the class discussion. Points however will be deducted for such actions as text-messaging, talking out-of-term, being late, etc.

Marking Period Project: Each marking period, students will have the chance to demonstrate knowledge through an authentic assessment or research assignment. Details for each project will be given with timely notice.

Reminder: All high school teachers’ gradebooks will be open for viewing. Parents and students can monitor their grades as well as progress in courses being taken. Should there be any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Extra Help: Should you need extra help, I am here to give you any assistance I can. Extra help will be on the following days and times by letting me know you are coming (All changes will be announced on teacher website):

September –October 10th – Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings 6:55 am – 7:25 am

October 11th – February 28th – Wednesday Mornings 6:55 am – 7:25 am and Wednesday afternoon 2:25 pm – 2:55 pm

March 1st – End of School - Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings 6:55 am – 7:25 am

Email: It seems that email has become a useful yet misunderstood tool for students as years have gone on. That said, let us take a moment and understand how email should be utilized for this course. Email should be used for the following:

-To let me know of your absence

-To send missed/makeup work

-For a “brief” question

-For parents to communicate with me whether it be question, comment, or concern.

Students should be aware that emails are not instantly answered like text messages and in many cases, will be addressed the following school day. Always feel free to verbalize inquiries before, during, or after class.

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Course and Classroom Rules: In order to maximize the level of excellence achieved, the following rules have been developed:

1. Respect all of those you meet.

2. Always try your best and communicate any concerns (both positive and negative respectfully).

3. Unless being used in the lesson, leave all cell phone/communication devices off and away when not used for instruction.

4. Be on time and prepared with materials and a positive work ethic. This increases your participation grade.

5. Help to keep the room neat and orderly.

6. All homework and class work will be due on the dates assigned. Even if a student is absent from a class, students are required to have all work and be prepared for the next class. It is expected that all assignments counting as a quiz, test, or project will be emailed on the submission date even if a student is absent. Failure to do so may result in a loss of credit. All work missing will have a grade of zero posted until completed.

7. Should any rules not be followed, the following steps will be taken.

-Warning

-Phone Call Home

-Referral

-Issue to be discussed with school administration

|Rewards for Success: |Reminders for Improvement: |

|Positive Calls Home |Brief Conversation |

|Positive Notes Home |Phone Call Home |

| |Note Home |

| |Parent-Teacher Conference |

| |Student Contract |

WITH THAT, LET US ALL HAVE A REWARDING, CHALLENGING, AND ACADEMICALLY PRODUCTIVE SCHOOL YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Below, you will find signature lines for you and your student. Please read the statement and sign as you see fit.

Course Syllabus for Pre-IB /AP World History 9 Period_________________________________

My student and I have read and reviewed all course syllabus materials, have read the grading breakdown, and are aware of the open gradebook policy. Should I have any questions, I will contact Mr. Zaidinski

STUDENT NAME___________________________________________________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________ DATE_______________

PARENT/

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE________________________ DATE________________

All-Inclusive Movie Permission Slip

With my signature below, I am allowing my student to use this for entrance into all classroom movie clips and films. I acknowledge that I can follow what movies and clips that are being shown on Mr. Zaidinski’s teacher website. I also acknowledge that if I have a question or concern, I should contact Mr. Zaidinski. By not signing below, I will ask my student to have a permission slip signed for every movie clip and film viewed.

STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________ DATE_______________

PARENT/

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE________________________ DATE________________

Thank you again for all your continued support and cooperation!

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ---Nelson Mandela

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