Syllabus Template Jackson High School

American History ISyllabus

Amanda Ingram

Room 106

Course Title: American History I: The Founding Principles

Course Description: This course is a survey course thatwill begin with the exploration of present-day America and go through the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War. The focus of this course is to “examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States from European exploration and colonial settlement to the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. Students will learn about the important political and economic factors that contributed to the development of colonial America and the outbreak of the American Revolution as well as the consequences of the Revolution, including the writing and key ideas of the U.S. Constitution" (NCDPI website).This course goes beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments and evaluations. As an Honors level course, students will be expected to complete a more rigorous curriculum with higher expectations.

Class Expectations:

1)My classroom fosters an environment for learning that is safe, productive and academic. Rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, for it interrupts the learning process, this includes disrespecting others' opinions. We are all entitled to our own, but hateful remarks will not be tolerated. In short: BE RESPECTFUL!

2)You will be asked to do your very best each day---- that is all I can ask. If you are giving your very best effort, you are bound to succeed. If you need extra assistance with the material, please feel free to come see me either before school or after school. In short: TRY YOUR BEST, AND ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED!

3)There are certain words that have no place in a classroom. Any terminology that is derogatory in nature falls under this category. A good rule to follow is that if you would not wish for me or anyone else in the class to direct the term towards you, do not direct it at anyone else. Use of these terms will result in repercussions. In short: NO FOUL LANGUAGE!

4)This class will be challenging, in some manner or another, for everyone. What one student finds challenging may not be challenging for all. However, simply showing up will not be enough to earn you a passing grade. Effort must be made, and you must take advantage of opportunities. My efforts and instruction will only be half of the equation—your efforts and achievement constitute the other half. In short: EACH STUDENT EARNS THEIR OWN GRADE.

Grading Distribution:

The grade distribution for the class will be as follows, per Public Schools of Robeson County policy:

• Tests: 40%
• Projects/Portfolio: 30% (15% each)
• Classwork: 20%
• Homework: 10%

*It should be noted that attendance and participation in class each day are vital and imperative if the student wishes to be successful in the class.

Attendance:

The Public Schools of Robeson County requires that students cannot miss over 5 days without attempting to make up the days missed and work. Students will be able to take advantage of their weekly PAWS period to make up any work/tests. Students have 5 days to make up work after returning to school after an absence with no penalty. I am more than willing to work with the student depending on their circumstance, but please, come speak to me well before the 5 day deadline. Work turned in after 10 days must be made up in PAWS or Learning Center, not at home. All tests/quizzes must be made up either after school or at Saturday Academy to provide students the full allotted time. The highest grade a student may receive after 10 days for each of the graded categories is as follows:

• Projects: highest grade cannot exceed an 85
• Portfolio: highest grade cannot exceed a 70
• Classwork: highest grade cannot exceed a 50
• Homework: highest grade cannot exceed a 50

*It is the responsibility of the student to manage his or her make-up work. (S)he must get the assignments, complete and place them in their notebook correctly, take the make-up tests, etc. Do not expect your teacher to automatically inform you and schedule your make-up work. Copies of handouts will be available upon the student’s return.

Classroom Procedures:

1)Be on time!!! Check the board for the daily starter and the agenda for the day, and begin working.

2)Be prepared. You are expected to have all materials with you each day. Any homework that is to be turned in should be turned in at the beginning of class. If a student is on a school field trip or gone because of a school activity, (s)he should take the initiative to turn in all work before leaving school that day. If a student fails to complete/bring in homework, students will need to complete a ‘pink slip’ in order to turn it in late. Without the slip, the assignment will NOT be able to be turned in late, except in the case of absences.

3)Electronics are not allowed in the classroom unless given permission by the teacher for a specific activity. Once an activity is completed, students are responsible for putting electronics away. If a student is discovered using these devices, the teacher will provide a warning.

4)After that, any electronics seen in the classroom will be taken until the end of the day. At the end of the day, the student may come to the room and sign out their electronic device. If this happens more than twice, a parent or guardian will need to come and sign it out. In the event of an emergency, parents/guardians may contact the school by calling the office at 910-865-4177.

5)Cheating in any form will be met with a zero for the individual cheating and anyone else who allows cheating to occur from their work. This does include copying another student’s work. Cheating helps NO ONE, so please do not be tempted to participate.

6)The classroom policy on food and drink will follow the one printed in the St. Pauls High School Handbook—therefore, no food or drink other than water are allowed in the classroom.

7)Classroom time is valuable and being out of the classroom should be limited to only necessary instances. You have five minutes in between classes; use that time wisely to make any bathroom/water stops. Students will NOT be let out of the classroom the first and last ten minutes of each class. In between these time frames, if students need to use the bathroom, they must ask permission from the teacher and use one of their ‘passes’ for the quarter. Once a student has used all of their passes, they may not leave the classroom for any reason other than being called by the Front Office.

8)Come to class each day willing to learn! Everyone has the capacity to broaden their knowledge on the subject of American History, including myself. I am here to help you succeed, but it is your responsibility to help me facilitate your learning. Please do not hesitate to ask questions-- they are highly encouraged! 

9)Be engaged—you will get out of this class what you put into it. If you come to class each day, do your work, and try your best, you will pass. If you come in, put your head down and do little or no work, it will be very difficult to pass. Warning: if you are sleeping, I will take your picture for documentation purposes!

Materials:

• 3-ring binder (at least 1½ inches)
• a 70 sheet spiral bound notebook
• at least 3 pens AND pencils
• a 2-pocket portfolio
• loose leaf notebook paper (college or wide-ruled)
• 2 glue sticks (not liquid) OR tape

A Brief Description of the ISN (Interactive Student Notebook):

An interactive student notebook (ISN) is a unique way for students to be accountable for the learning process that takes place in the classroom. The general rule is that the Left side pages of the notebook are for Learning (i.e. notes, descriptions, vocab, etc.), and the Right side pages are for Reinforcement of the material found on the left side (through maps, pictograms, in-class writings, etc.)

***Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding assignments, the material or your student’s progress in my class. I will respond to either within 24 hours of receiving the message, probably less if it’s by e-mail.***

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Signing below indicates that both student and parent/guardian have read and understand the local and state guidelines for American History I and the classroom expectations and procedures of Mrs. Ingram as outlined in the syllabus. By signing, it is expected that all policies will be adhered to, without disruption to the learning process. Signing below denotes agreement to these policies and procedures by the student and parent/guardian.

***If you have any qualms or quandaries regarding the expectations/policies, please contact me sooner rather than later. Classroom policies are expected to be followed and will be enforced.***

Student Signature ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______

• Parents/guardians, please also initial, indicating that you have signed up for Remind 101: ______

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Signing below indicates that both student and parent/guardian have read and understand the local and state guidelines for American History I and the classroom expectations and procedures of Mrs. Ingram as outlined in the syllabus. By signing, it is expected that all policies will be adhered to, without disruption to the learning process. Signing below denotes agreement to these policies and procedures by the student and parent/guardian.

***If you have any qualms or quandaries regarding the expectations/policies, please contact me sooner rather than later. Classroom policies are expected to be followed and will be enforced.***

Student Signature ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______

• Parents/guardians, please also initial, indicating that you have signed up for Remind 101: ______