Course Description In this class you will learn about our nation’s history from the Age of Exploration/Colonization to the present. We will also highlight North Carolina’s contributions and key moments in our nation’s history.
The goal of this class is to enable students to understand the development of the United States by examining connections to the past in order to prepare for the future as participating members of a democratic society. Students will examine political, economic, technological, and social developments of the United States from the exploration period through Reconstruction. This includes the impact of expansion on the country’s development; political, social, and economic conflicts; influence of diverse groups on cultural development of the United States; and key concepts of the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. The emphasis is on skill development such as using analytical skills, effective use of technology, making connections between past and present situations, & research skills. "So what does that mean to me?" The first thing that I need for you to understand is that this class is awesome! The second thing is the knowledge and skills you acquire in this class will help prepare you to be a working part of a 21st century United States of America.
Daily Procedures: Entering the Classroom Please enter quietly and orderly with a positive attitude.
Sit in your assigned seat
Be prepared for class – pencil/pen, paper, homework, and AGENDA
Copy down homework and begin warm-up activity
Warm-up Activity Every day when students enter the class there will be one or two questions on the board for them to answer. The warm up questions will either be answered in their notebook or using their mobile device.
Grading Policy The 8th Grade Social Studies teachers will determine a student’s grade using a total points model. This means that there are no weighted categories. Students will be graded on summative work. These assessments will be scored for mastery and will carry a point value based on the length and/or purpose of the assessment. They will include graded assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests. Grades will be updated on a weekly basis. You can access your grades through Home Base. If you do not have an account see me and we can work on getting one set up. Late work Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. For every day an assignment is late, 10% will be deducted. Assignments turned in more than four days late will not be accepted for credit. Retesting Policy Students will be given the opportunity to improve one grade every quarter. Near the end of every quarter, a comprehensive test will be given covering the topics that were taught for that quarter. A student can choose one of their low grades to have replaced with this test grade. Students will not be eligible for the retake assessment if they have missing work.
Academic Integrity Cheating and/or plagiarism are taken very seriously and are NOT tolerated. Plagiarism is defined as copying the work of another with the intention of presenting the words as your own. Since we will be doing research projects, students will be expected to properly paraphrase and cite any sources used for information. Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing or voluntarily allowing another to cheat or plagiarize any part of an assignment, test, or project will receive a zero in addition to possible disciplinary action. Additionally, to promote a safe and quiet testing environment, students are to remain silent during assessments until all students are finished.
Parent Conferences: Contact me directly if you wish to have a parent conference. I will schedule to have the core team present so you may address all questions in one conference.