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8th Grade Social Studies – Early American History

Mrs. Allen

Course Description:

This American History course is a survey of American history beginning in the 1450 with the colonization of the Americas and ending in 1865 with the Civil War. This course is designed to help students understand how and why particular events and patterns of events occurred in our society. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an historical background of the 21st Century. This survey course will enable students to understand the geographic, political and economic developments that affect current events.

Course Expectations:

Students in this American History class are expected to develop writing skills, to keep up with reading assignments, and to begin the process of historical analysis critical to understanding and interpreting the past. Students are expected to come to class prepared and to complete assignments on time.

Textbooks and Materials:

The American Republic to 1877

Textbooks will not be assigned to students.

Grading Plan:

Grades are based on the point system. Each assignment is assigned a point value based on the difficulty and importance. Daily work is 10 to 30 points. Quizzes and larger assignments can range from 10 to 50 points. Tests are 50 to 100 points while larger projects and papers may weigh even heavier. A student’s final average is computed by taking the total number of points received divided by the total number of possible points creating a percentage.

For Example:

Unit Test- You received 88 out of 100 possible points

Section Quiz- You received 40 out of 50 possible points

Bell Work- You received 27 out of 30 possible points

You earned: 155 out of 180 possible points.

155/180 = .861 or 86%

• Each student is required to create and maintain a portfolio consisting of the following items: 1) daily bell work assignments, 2) class notes, 3) activities and worksheets, 4) returned quizzes, and 5) journal entries. All student work must be added to the portfolio unless otherwise noted by the teacher.

• There will be 3 tests this semester. The tests will be essay responses only. RACE format is required.

• Any work not completed during the daily lesson will be considered homework. Any work done in class or at home should be placed in the student’s portfolio, which the student should bring to every class, portfolios may be stored in class as well. Portfolios will be checked on a regular basis.

• Each student will participate in several individual/small group activities/presentations.

• Grading Scale:

|A |90-100 |

|B |80-89 |

|C |70-79 |

|D |60-69 |

|F |59 or Below |

Course Policies:

Student Work: Students will be expected to complete assignments outside of class time on a regular basis.  All students are expected to read class material, think critically and write effectively.  Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar and correct spelling in every written performance.

Portfolio: Students will be required to bring your portfolio to class everyday. You will be expected to maintain a neatly organized portfolio for the duration of the class. Your portfolio will be filled with items you have created and assignments that reflect your mastery of course objectives. The teacher will give you regular guidance on how to construct and maintain your portfolio.

Group Activities: You will be working in groups on a regular basis. Your group will be given cooperative learning activities to complete. You will be expected to be an active member of your group and participation points will be assessed accordingly. You will always be graded as an individual; however your group may earn points together that will lead to a reward.

Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time.  Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework, not work used to cover up missing work.

Absences: If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to get all late work from the teacher and return it in a timely manner.

Class Rules:

• The student is expected to treat the teacher and other students with respect at all times.   Offensive language and hatefulness is not acceptable in this class.  I like to use as a guideline “Do the Right Thing.” You know what is right and wrong and you will be expected to act accordingly.

• Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class when the bell rings. Being prepared for class means having all materials, portfolios, books, pens, etc. out and ready.

• Pay attention. Talking while the teacher is instructing or while other students are presenting will not be permitted. Listen the first time directions are given.

• Students will stay in their seats at all times unless otherwise directed by the teacher.

• The phrase “I don’t know” is never an acceptable answer.

Class Materials:

All students will need the following:

|Three Ring Binder |

|1 set of 5 Tab Dividers |

|Notebook Paper (college ruled) |

|1 package of Post it Notes |

Extra Credit will be given for the following items (limit 1 of each per student):

|Kleenex |

|Post It Notes |

|Loose Leaf paper |

|Glue Sticks |

If you bring any extra credit items make sure your name and class period are written on them.

Statement for Academic Dishonesty:

Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade on assignment or others as deemed appropriate. Academic dishonesty will be reported to a school counselor and a parent will be notified.

I have read and understand the rules for Mrs. Allen’s History class.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________ Date:__________________

Parent/Guardian’s Email Address:_______________________ and/or _____________________

Student Signature:________________________________ Date:__________________

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