African Canadian Studies 11
Introduction/Outline
Hello and welcome to ACS 11! This course is an academic grade 11 course and will complete the requirement for Canadian content courses for high school graduation.
Throughout this course we will explore the past, present, and future of people of African descent. We will learn new things and sometimes learn more about ourselves through the process. We will explore the history of glorious ancient Africa, the tragedy and human cost of slavery, the courage of the civil rights era and its impact on Canada, the tribulations of modern racism, the amazing accomplishments of African peoples, and finally stopping at the hope we all have for the future.
The planning, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of this class will be based on the model of outcomes based assessment. Through this class we will consistently be basing our learning on the outcomes as developed by the province of Nova Scotia. This is a large undertaking but we will do it together and thus be better for the experience. I have broken down questions you may have about this course and how we will go about it below. If you have any further questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to ask!
What is outcomes based delivery and assessment?
Outcomes based delivery and assessment is a method for planning, teaching and evaluating students on the outcomes created by the province of Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Department of Education in partnership with members of the community developed outcomes for African Canadian Studies 11. The course will use those outcomes to plan lessons, assist students, assess where students are in relation to their learning, and evaluate their performance. Basically, everything we do and observe will be in relation to these outcomes. Outcomes based delivery and assessment really helps students learn and achieve because they always know what they are learning about and where this learning fits.
How will I get a grade in this course?
A student's grade will come from how they do in relation to the outcomes. Throughout the course we will examine outcomes and which outcomes we will work on with every assessment and evaluation. When we think about how well a student does in a course we often think about how well they do on assignments. In outcomes based assessment and delivery we change that to how a student does on the outcome. On each assessment piece the students will have an opportunity to show how well they can understand and work with a given set of outcomes. After they have had some time to practice with the outcomes they will be evaluated on how well they can understand and use the outcomes. On each formative and summative assessment students will have the outcomes listed as well as how to show they can master those outcomes.
It is important to note the difference between a formative and summative assessment. A formative assessment is used to allow the student to practice the outcome. They have the opportunity to review material, get to know the content and skills associated with the outcome and then master the outcome. Formative assessment results can let a student know they are comfortable with the associated outcomes before they are graded on their ability to show or perform them. Formative assessment results can also inform the teacher about their content and lessons. Decisions can then be made about extra help sessions, additional learning activities, or alterations required to additional lessons. Results can also inform decisions about which classes and which lessons may need enrichment to keep students engaged and interested in the topics covered.
Summative assessments are those assignments, projects, tests, and reflections that get evaluated and that count towards a students’ grade. Each time a student has a summative assessment they will know how and what they need to do to master the expectations of the outcomes.
Each outcome will be marked out of 4. Each assessment will have a number of outcomes on them and the assessment mark will then be converted into a percentage. For example, if an assessment has 3 outcomes on it the assessment will be marked out of 12 then converted to a percentage.
A complete description of the meaning of 1 – 4 will follow after class discussion.
What will the final evaluation be for this course?
This course is divided into two separate sections. The first section is worth 80% of the student's grade. These are the evaluation results achieved by the students on the course evaluations. Students may go back at several different points throughout the semester to improve their results on any evaluation. This includes evaluations early in the semester. Additional evaluations created by the teacher may enrich the grade of a student or may add to a grade. The second section consists of a final exam worth 20% of a student's grade. Before the exam there will be an extensive review and preparation sessions.
What if an assessment could be done better or I am not happy with the mark on an assessment?
Students always have the opportunity to re-submit an assessment. However, I will never ask for them to be re-submitted. If a student would like an assessment re-considered the student needs to change or re-do the assessment then pass it back for a new mark. The student will always get the higher of the two marks.
There are three benchmark dates in this course. After those dates assessments from before the date will not be considered for evaluation. I will however always provide feedback and opportunities for growth.
Where do I find what we are expected to know and do?
I have attached the outcomes as required by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and the requirements for mastery to this outline. I have also attached them to my website. I have also included lesson plans, learning opportunities, formative and summative assessments on my website.
How do I get in touch with the Teachers/Social Studies Department Head?
As it happens I am the Department Head for Social Studies at SackvilleHigh School. As the teacher and the department head I can speak with you about how your student is progressing in this class. I can also discuss with you how this course fits within the context of social studies classes within the school. If you have any concerns about your student or even concerns regarding the class content or delivery you can contact me directly. If you wish, you can also contact the vice-principal for your students. Mr. MacDonald works with students who's last names begin with the letters A-K, Ms. MacGibbon works with students who's last names begin with the letters L-Z.
Should you wish to contact me you can use the following information:
Jennifer Welcher Tel: 864-6700
Website: welcherj.hrsbteachers.ednet.ns.ca
E-Mail: