10TH GRADE U.S. HISTORY - COURSE SYLLABUS (2014-2015)
Mrs. Gray
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A comprehensive study of critical issues and events with an emphasis on pre-colonial times to the Progressive Era.
1st nine weeks: Unit 1: American Beginnings to 1783
Week #Chapter ALCOS Standard
1-3 / Ch. 1: Three Worlds Meet / 14-6 / Ch. 2: The American Colonies Emerge / 1 & 2
7-8 / Ch. 3: The Colonies Come of Age / 1, 2, 3 & 12
9 / Ch. 4: The War for Independence / 1 & 3
2nd nine weeks: Unit 2: A New Nation 1781-1850
Week #Chapter ALCOS Standard
10-11 / Ch. 4: The War for Independence / 1 & 312-13 / Ch. 5: Shaping a New Nation / 4, 7 & 12
14-15 / Ch. 6: The Living Constitution / 4
16-17 / Ch. 7: Launching a New Nation / 4, 5, 6, 7 & 13
18 / MIDTERM EXAM
3rd nine weeks: Unit 3: An Era of Growth and Disunion 1825-1877
Week #Chapter ALCOS Standard
19-20 / Ch. 8: Balancing Nationalism & Sectionalism / 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 1321-22 / Ch. 9 Reforming American Society / 11, 12 & 14
23-24 / Ch. 10: Expanding Markets & Moving West / 7, 9 & 13
25-26 / Ch. 11: The Union in Peril / 12, 13 & 14
27 / Ch. 12: The Civil War / 4, 14 & 15
4th nine weeks: Unit 4: Migration and Industrialization 1877 - 1917 &
Week #Chapter ALCOS Standard
28-29 / Ch. 12: The Civil War / 4, 14 & 1530-31 / Ch. 13: Reconstruction and Its Effects / 4 & 15
32-33 / Ch. 14: Changes on the Western Frontier / 14
34-35 / Ch. 15: A New Industrial Age / 16
36 / REVIEW & FINAL EXAMS
How to succeed in this class:
- Bring a positive attitude to class
- Maintain good attendance
- Take good notes
- Ask questions – this promotes discussion
- Complete homework/classwork
- Study for quizzes and tests
Grading Scale:
The grade for each six weeks is determined by dividing the total points possible into the total points earned.
The following grading scale has been established to determine the studentʼs nine weeks grade on allquizzes, tests, projects, final grades, etc.
A = 100-90% B = 89-80% C = 79-70% D = 69-60% F = 59-0%
Grades may be checked through the INOW website for parents. I will enter and update grades at the end of each week.
Classroom Rules:
•We will follow all school rules, but common sense is the main guideline in the class. I will not
tolerate disrespect of any kind. I am an understanding teacher. If you are having a problem,
please talk with me at an appropriate time during the class period.
✓The most important rule is: RESPECT
1. Respect yourself!
2. Respect your peers!
3. Respect classroom guests & all adults present in the classroom!
4. Respect the environment we all have to learn in (that means this classroom & this
school)!
• We cannot always control what goes on outside of this classroom. However, we can control our
attitudes and behavior within this classroom. Foul language, put downs, and disrespect
towards the teacher or others will not be accepted.
Supplies Needed:
•Three Ring Binder (1” or larger)
✓Binder will be collected from time to time as part of your grade
•Binder Dividers with Tabs (to label each section)
•Notebook Paper
•Pens or Pencils
•Bring Your Own Device – for instructional purposes ONLY!
Seating Chart:
I do not assign seats unless there is an issue. If you know that you are going to have an issue sitting next to someone, please save us all the trouble and find a new seat.
Homework/Classwork
All homework will be collected the following day after it was assigned unless otherwise noted. Late homework will only be accepted ONE day late and will only count for half credit. Any homework received after this time period will not be accepted. You may be allowed to use homework assignments (study guides) on some of your tests/quizzes. (So do a good job on them!)
When an announcement is made:
All students will be expected to be quiet during announcements so everyone including the teacher can hear. Remember, just because the announcement may not involve you does not mean that it does not affect others (including me).
If you need to use the restroom:
Raise your hand and ask if you may use the restroom. Sign out on the bathroom sign out sheet.
Please try to ask during an appropriate time in class. If we are in the middle of something, please wait until there is a pause in the class (unless it is an emergency).
Finding assignments when absent:
Come see me at the beginning or end of class for any makeup work. Additionally, you can always look at the class binder or check the school website under my homepage.
Classroom Discussion:
I will initiate many classroom discussions in which I encourage you to take part. Participation in these discussions will not only increase your involvement in class but also will help in your final grade.
Binders: Checked Randomly (so bring them everyday!)
• Unless you are absent on the day of a Binder Check, binders CANNOT be turned in late.
• You are responsible for keeping your binder organized and orderly. Your binder should be
divided into at least 3 sections (as outlined below):
1. Notes & Handouts
•This section will contain anything you are given in class that is instructional, informational, or merely for your reference & DOES NOT NEED TO BE TURNED IN OR GRADED.
•The student is responsible for ANY & ALL notes we take during each Unit and Chapter!
2. Homework & Study Guides
•Homework (even after it is turned in & graded) must be kept in this section until the end of each unit. I recommend keeping them until the end of the semester as they will help you study.
•If a homework packet is not collected, then merely file it into this section & it will be
assessed during the next Binder Check.
3. Test & Quizzes
•Returned Tests & Quizzes (or Answer Sheets) should be kept in this section.
Returning your assignments to you:
I am very diligent about returning your work to you in a timely manner. If you do not receive an
assignment that you submitted, please promptly see me – it might be missing your NAME.