United States HistoryA

Course Outline 2014

Instructor: Ms. Spann

Email: Class site

Description of the Course

United States History is a two semester survey course incorporating the state of Georgia Performance Standards First semester standards are attached to this course outline. The U.S. history course provides students with a comprehensive, intensive study of major themes and themes in United States history. Beginning with early European colonization course A examines major events and themes throughout U.S. history and concludes with the late 1800s. Every studentenrolled in U.S. History class should enter with expectations of passing the End of Course Test in May. Students should be expected to read and write extensively.

Evaluation Students and parents are encouraged to visit Synergy for frequent grade updates.

  • Percentages:

Major tests45%Final Exam 15%

Classwork/Homework 40%

  • Testing: Major test will be given on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
  • Chapter breakdown for Unit Tests: 1, 2, 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7, 8 / 9, 10 / 11, 12 / 13, 14 , 15, 16

Academic Integrity Cheating is considered a serious matter. Students involved in cheating (whether giving or receiving answers) will receive a grade of zero for the assignment and a grade of U in conduct. Cheating includes: helping, checking answers, sharing, plagiarism, etc. Students may only work together when it is expressly stated by the teacher. Students may never work together (in or out of class) on study guides. Note: Mrs. Spann has enforced this policy numerous times, especially on Study Guides completed outside the classroom.

Classroom Procedures

  • Discipline: Students will respect each other and the teacher. Student handbook policies will be followed. These include but are not limited to the following:
  1. sleeping in class
  2. standing at the door waiting to leave class
  3. Usingelectronic communication devices: during class times these devices must be turned off (not placed on silent or vibrate). Students shall not make calls, text, send emails, and take pictures and other similar actions. Furthermore, parents and other persons are urged not to call/text/email their child during class time.
  • Tardies: Students who are not in the room when the bell rings are tardy. Tardy students should immediately report to LAS and then class.
  • Makeup Work: Check with the teacher and the website to find out what you missed. Papers distributed during your absence will be placed in the appropriate tray. Check the tray after each absence.
  • Supplies: 3 ring binder, blue or black pens and #2 pencils, colored pencils, highlighter

Textbook

  • Replacement cost $71.47 Our textbook may accessed online. Instructions and access code will be given.

Vocabulary Quizzes.

  • Each student will receive a vocabulary list for each unit. The vocabulary words are terms you will be expected to know for the EOCT. A vocabulary quiz will be given prior to the test as a reinforcement tool. Start learning all there is to know about each vocabulary word when you first encounter it in reading-keep your vocabulary list out while you read or take notes so that you will be aware of the terms as you encounter them. Be sure to write detailed explanations for each term.

DBQ (Document Based Questions) Lesson Writing

  • The CCSD goal focuses on critical thinking, targeting reading comprehension, and written expression.Lessons will include reading multiple primary and secondary documents and essay writing.
  • All students will be required to write two DBQ essays per year.
  • “Helping all students to read smart, think straight and write clearly”.

PRESIDENT’S LIST

We will focus on each individual President, their political party, election year(s), and major highlights

Georgia End of Course Tests

In May 2015, students will take a State End of Course Test over content from both semesters A and B. The State mandates that the score will count20% of the second semester grade and it is printed on the student’s transcript.

Therefore, it is very important for students to do their best to actually learn what is being taught in this class rather than doing the minimum for a passing grade. Students should keep notes, vocabulary terms, and study guides until after completion of the Georgia End of Course Test.

Tips to be successful in Mrs. Spann’s U. S. History Class: Read, read, read, review, review, review!

  • Take thorough notes on the outline given.
  • Always read over the notes the night they are taken. If they don’t make sense, compare them with another student’s or ask questions about it when we review them for the next day of notes.
  • When completing a study guide, READ THE CHAPTER rather than hunting for key words, bold print and section titles. Reading is more than looking at the words-it requires comprehension and retention .If you do not remember at least the important points of what you have read, you did not read. Read again if necessary.
  • Keep an organized notebook. Whenever you are given a paper, put it in the back of your notebook (not in your textbook).
  • Before a test, ask someone to call out the terms, people, events, etc. listed in your notes. Then explain it to them. If you can explain the history to someone else, then you know it.
  • Complete all work when assigned and turn it in on time.
  • Study the history a little at a time instead of waiting until the night before a test. Cramming at the last minute rarely works. It is best to study 10 – 15 minutes several times a week.
  • Follow directions!

Used properly, the above tips should be more than enough for most students to earn excellent grades. However, if you need further help, try these:

  • Study U. S. History 15 minutes every day.
  • Complete optional assignments.
  • Outline the textbook chapters by reading it and then writing down key information.
  • Attend study sessions before and after school and/or during ASE.
  • Ask another student if you can make a copy of their notes to supplement yours.

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