Mrs. B. Stinson 2015-2016
United States and Virginia History
Class Syllabus
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This is a required course for graduation and students will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning exam in May. Sample questions and strands can be located on the VDOE website. Students will examine themes (P.E.R.S.I.A) in history: political, economic, religious social, cultural growth and A.D. military of the United States. Students will analyze concepts, changeover time, and documents (DBQs) throughout the year. My expectation is that students will be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing as outlined in VA US SOL 1. Interactive discussions, reading beyond the text, historic research, and keeping an organized and complete notebook are all part of the expectations for this academic course.
Classroom Guidelines
I expect all students to:
· be on time. This means in your seat and not talking working on the bell ringer when the late bell rings. The warm-up or bell ringer will be listed on the board or overhead.
· be ready to work when the bell rings and do not ask for multiple bathroom breaks.
· come to class with a positive attitude and ready to learn.
· respect everyone, such as fellow students, teacher(s), and class guest(s). Bad behavior will not be tolerated.
· be courteous to everyone in the classroom (don’t call out). This means no improper language, even if it is meant to be a joke is not acceptable.
· abide by the school rules as stated in the Student Handbook. I will strictly follow the school policy on tardies and absences. Please refer to the Student Handbook
Research Based Instructional Strategies for R/L Brian Preferences
Students will participate in and will be evaluated on the following:
· note taking and graphic organizers (thinking maps)
· homework, such as online text and quizzes, etc . . .
· tests and quizzes
· class discussions, warm-ups
· classwork such as, worksheets, charts, graphs, maps, short answer responses, FRQ, DBQ , literary circles and cooperative groups
· group and individual presentations
· essays
· technology, such as, connected, internet, google classroom assignments, will be made available as part of our blended educational program
· nine week assessments are on the computer
· practice examinations
Grading Policy
1. Grades will be computed based on the school policy (see your hand-book).
Powerschool percentages: Tests 30, Quizzes 20, Class work 20, Nine weeks 20 and homework 10.
2. Plagiarism will not be accepted and a grade of zero will be assigned. In addition a referral will written, a conference with administration and your parents will follow. Please be advised plagiarism on your high school record eliminates you from being eligible for college scholarships.
3. If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work and get notes in a timely fashion. Please follow student handbook for makeup time.
4. If a student is in school part of the day the assignment is due that day or misses class due to a field trip. The assignment must be turned in before the student leaves the building.
5. All work is due at the beginning of class. Turn all assignments in the box at the front of the room prior to the late bell.
6. Bonus points will be made available, since US History is also a citizenship class, students will be able to earn additional points for community and school related events. It will also be assigned at my discretion.
7. This is an SOL class. If you study and complete all assignments as assigned then you will do well. You should go over your notes and review every night. There is no such thing as “I don’t have any homework.” Since tests and most quizzes will be posted in advanced you cannot op. out of taking them because you were absent the day or two prior to the test. Expect a quiz daily therefore there are no pop quizzes.
8. The US History pacing guide is posted on the school website. Please refer to this for helpful study links and testable items for each nine week period.
9. This is a blended class (paper and computer assignments, online text). IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM ME IF YOU NEED A PAPER COPY OF AN ASSIGNMENT.
Materials
1. Bring a 2” Binder to class every day.
Binder will be used for class notes, you are required to take class notes anytime there is something written on the board or on the overhead, activities, homework, and graded items must be organized and retained in your binder.
Be sure this is the only subject in the binder because it will be turned in at different times during the year to be graded. Make sure to have pens, pencils, colored pencils, and highlighters.
2. Bring school agenda book to class every day to write down due dates. TIME MANAGEMENT WILL BE YOUR FRIEND
3. Individual textbooks will only be issued when requested. We have a class set of books, however if you need a book as a resource an older text can be made available, please note the page numbers. will not be the same, however critical information can still be obtained.
United States, History and Geography. McGraw Hill, 2016. There is a link to the Online Student Edition McGraw-Hill in the google classroom. If you want to access it without going through the class link go to connected.mcgraw-hill.org, type in ‘achsstudent’, ‘lancers1,’ and click on login. Then click on the picture of Jefferson to access the textbook, vocabulary, and resources. Take the review quiz at the end of the chapters.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/frameworks/history_socialscience_framewks/2008/2008_final/framewks_va-us_history.pdf
I am available for extra help or clarification of assignments prior to assignment due dates. Please let me know in advance when you plan to stop by, either before or after school, since I am required to perform other duties and may not be in my classroom or on school premises. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this syllabus. I look forward to working with you and your parents this 2015-2016 school year.