LOST MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Advanced Content Social Studies Syllabus
2015-2016
Teachers / Ryan Pellegrino / Phone / 678-594-8224Grade / 8th Grade / E-mail /
Planning Time / 12:30 – 2:20 /
Lost Mountain Middle School Student Achievement Goals:
1. Students will read at or above grade level for varied purposes across all disciplines.
2. Students will use critical thinking skills to gain knowledge of the world around them.
Georgia Performance Standards:
For specific standards please refer to the Cobb County website at . Click on the link for parents, then select “Learning Standards”. This site will include a list of the CCSD Curriculum Standards. Click on social studies and then grade eight to access the standards.
Text:
The student textbook is titled: Georgia and the American Experience. Each student will be issued a textbook to take home. We will have a class set at school. Please make sure your child keeps up with his/her book as the replacement cost is $48.50.
Classroom Goals:
In eighth grade, students study Georgia geography, history, government, economics, and culture. These five strands are interwoven throughout the course. U.S. events are included as appropriate to ensure students understand Georgia’s role in the history of the United States.
Guidelines for Success:
1.Be prepared and on-time to class with all necessary materials, including the textbook, notebook with paper and class work, and a writing utensil.
2.Be respectful of self, others, and property in the classroom.
3.Try your very best at all times.
4. Cell phones must be off not silent during class unless instructed by teacher.
Grading Policy
Tests/Projects50%
Classwork25%
Quizzes/Current Events20%
Homework5%
VERY IMPORTANT...LATE WORK POLICY:
THE ONLY WAY TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT IS TO TURN YOUR WORK IN ON THE DUE DATE. Projects and other major assignments may be turned in late with a penalty: 1 day late=11% off (best you can score will be an 89) 2 days late=21% off (best score 79) 3 days late=27% off (best grade 73). After 4 days, maximum grade =50%
-LATE WORK POLICY DOES NOT APPLY TO THE HOMEWORK – HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE TAKEN LATE!
8th grade retake policy: In an effort to encourage student mastery of content standards, we will offer the opportunity to retake major assessments (test). The maximum grade that can be earned on a retake is a 70. Prior to the retake the student must submit additional work and complete a study guide. All retakes will be given before school, no more than 5 days after the test is given back to students.
Fall SemesterTentative Pacing
Introduction and Geography of Georgia3 Weeks
Georgia’s Beginnings3 Weeks
Georgia’s Colonization3 Weeks
Revolution in Georgia2 Weeks
Foundations of Government in GA2 Weeks
Special Election Unit1 Week
State and Local Government4 Weeks
Spring SemesterTentative Pacing
Georgia’s Westward Movement3 Weeks
Antebellum Georgia3 Weeks
Civil War and Reconstruction3 Weeks
Rise of Modern Georgia (1886-1945)4 Weeks
Georgia in the Modern World (1945-Present)4 Weeks
Review and Final Exam1 Week
Class Materials Requirements:
You may use the 8th grade supply list that is posted on the school website. I will notify the students in class and on my blog of any additional materials that may be needed for class.
Listed below are the items that I would ask that the students have with them each class period:
Notebook Paper or 3-Ring Binder (may share binder with other classes)
Pen/Pencil
Social Studies Notebook required DAILY
PLEASE NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change. Classes will be notified when a change is made.
Advanced Content (AC): The curriculum and instructional strategies for this course are differentiated in content, process skills’ emphasis, and expectation of student outcomes from the typical course. Curriculum content has been designated for mastery and extension of state and district content standards. This course is appropriate for students who have high achievement and interest in the subject area. The district has established criteria and guidelines that identify students who should be successful with advanced curriculum. Students are placed in this class according to specified indicators of demonstrated ability. Students must meet continuation criteria (see below) to remain in the class.
The following criteria will be used to remain in an AC class: Students must maintain an 80% or above average at the end of the marking period or the student will be placed on probation that will include an intervention plan. This probation continues for the remainder of the school year. If the grade drops below an 80% again, the student will be removed from the AC class.
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Please review and return the last page to Mr. Pellegrino
I have read and discussed the Social Studies syllabus with my child.
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Parent Signature
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Student Signature
Parent E-Mail Address______
Permission for Movies
From time to time this year we may wish to show a PG or PG-13 movie to enhance an instructional unit or concept being taught. We would like to ask in advance for your permission to watch any movie that the teachers preview and deem acceptable for viewing. Some of these are classroom or edited versions, and most of these would be shown in small segments. Examples include: The Patriot or The Crossing(Revolutionary War),Glory or Race to Freedom (Civil War), October Sky (Space Race). Again, the students would NOT see the original but edited versions of the movie.
Please check the appropriate box below. Thank you for your consideration. We are looking forward to a fantastic school year!
Ryan Pellegrino
8th Grade Social Studies
______I give permission for my child to view a teacher-previewed un-rated, PG, or PG-13 rated movie at any time throughout the school year.
______I would prefer to give permission on a case by case basis after more information is provided by the teacher.
______
Print Student NameParent Signature
Students, please return this form to me after you get a parent signature.
Thank you,
Mr. Pellegrino**CLASS PERIOD______