Mr. Spears’ 8th grade American History

Harby Junior High School

Course Syllabus

Welcome to 8th grade American History! This course will bechallenging, exciting, fast-paced and above all else, thought provoking. I have high expectations of excellence from each of you and I know you will exceed them! I feel that history is definitely NOT a boring collection of names, dates and places, but is the ultimate story of US – of who we are and where we are going. It is the story of what humans are capable of accomplishing and demolishing. It is the stuff of legend. It is OUR STORY!

We will employ a wide variety of educational methods and technology, including, but in no way limited to, primary source analysis, project based learning, oral communication, analytic/creative thinking and even some preparation for the STAAR test.

Supplies needed for this class – Please Bring to Class by Friday, August 25. Please see me if there are issues.

  • Composition Notebook (for my class only)
  • Kleenex
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Pencils (colored and regular)
  • Loose leaf paper (for your binder)
  • A ready mind and positive attitude!

Classroom Expectations for Students:

  • Respect others and yourself - be on time, no talking when teacher or classmate is speaking. Speak to one another in kind, encouraging words. Remember, please and thank you still go a long way!
  • Demand greatness from yourself and others – come to class prepared to work and be a productive member of our educational community. Do your best on every assignment and task. Complete all assignments on time.
  • BYOD – Bring Your Own Device – technology will be utilized in the classroom at the teacher’s academic discretion. Devices are to be used ONLY for ACADEMIC purposes and ONLY at the teacher’s behest. On days when technology is NOT being used, it will be placed in a designated place inside the classroom.
  • 1 warning will be given for a technology violation
  • 2nd offense device will be taken by teacher and may be retrieved at end of day by student
  • 3rd offense device will be turned in to Administrative office and must be retrieved by PARENT
  • Any subsequent offense will result in disciplinary action and loss of technology privileges
  • Technology – Every student is expected to sign in to Google Classroom and check it regularly. All notes, assignments, classroom communication will occur through Google Classroom. Google Classroom is available on all devices and may be accessed from anywhere: home, school, etc. Access to the internet and technology at home is an integral part of this class. If there are issues that prevent the use of technology at home, please contact me to make other arrangements.
  • Absences – Please check Google Classroom for what you have missed – all class notes, assignments will be posted there. You may also see Mr.Spears immediately upon your return, BEFORE or AFTER CLASS/SCHOOL to check for missing assignments. NOT DURING CLASSTIME.

Classroom Expectation of Mr. Spears:

  • Respect for students – I will address you with respectful and encouraging words, while still expecting your best every day
  • Expect greatness – I will respect your need to have a meaningful and engaging learning environment. I will provide feedback via grades in a timely manner.
  • Never Give Up – I will not give up on you. I need you as much as you need me to make this work and prepare you for high school.

Grading Policy:

  • Major grades 50%(PAP: 55%)- Unit exams and projects (group and individual).
  • Daily grades 50%(PAP: 45%)- Classwork, quizzes, homework, in class essays, quick writes, classroom discussions and activities, etc.
  • Missed or makeup work due to absence -Please check Google Classroom and/or contact your classmates for what you have missed – all class notes, assignments will be posted there. You may also see Mr. Spears immediately upon your return, BEFORE or AFTER CLASS/SCHOOL to check for missing assignments. NOT DURING CLASSTIME.
  • All work is expected to be turned in ON TIME on the date specified by teacher.
  • In class work will NOT be accepted late. If it is not turned in during the class period, it is considered late, and will be subject to appropriate penalty.
  • Late Work
  • No extension will be given for an assignment that has a multi-day window.
  • There will be a 10 point deduction for assignments turned in without a name
  • Tutorials/Study Session:
  • Tuesday/Friday 8:05 am – 8:35 am (I must be notified and you must have a pass to come in).

Classmates Name / Phone Number / E-mail

8th Grade American History Exploration through Reconstruction

Scope and Sequence

This is an advanced course and will move at a quick pace and with an expectation of a deeper level of analysis and comprehension.

1st Nine Weeks

Introduction Week

Unit 1 European Exploration and Settlement (1.5 weeks)

Unit 2 Colonization and Colonial Culture (2 weeks)

Unit 3 Road to Revolution (4 weeks)

2nd Nine Weeks

Unit 4 Revolutionary War (1 week)

Unit 5 Early Government – Articles of Confederation and Constitution (2 weeks)

Unit 6 New Republic (2 weeks)

Unit 7 Jefferson’s Republic (2 weeks)

Semester Exam/CBA

3rd Nine Weeks

Unit 8 Industrial Revolution (1.5 weeks)

Unit 9 Age of Jackson and Reform (2.5 weeks)

Unit 10 Territorial Growth (1 week)

Unit 11 Causes of the Civil War (2 weeks)

Unit 12 Civil War (2 weeks)

4th Nine Weeks

Unit 13 Reconstruction (2 weeks)

Unit 14 Government and Citizenship (2 weeks)

STAAR TEST

Unit 15 Foundations of World Geography

Remind 101:American History PAP (2nd): enter 81010, text ekhc3ek, American History (3rd – 7th Periods): enter 81010, text ad3da9

Extra Credit:None

Course Agreement (Return this to Mr. Spears ASAP)

Students, parents, guardians please sign and return this form as an indication of your acceptance of these policies. Thank you in advance for a great year!

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Name: (Please Print) ______

Student Name/Class Period: (Please Print) ______

Relationship to student: ______

Email address: ______

Best telephone number to reach you: ______

Date / Contacted / Reason / Summary/Outcome

I have read and understand the expectation of this course. I have also reviewed the Pre-Ap contract and am aware of the policies contained within.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Student Signature

______