United States History
2018-2019
Contact Information
Course Description
During the course of the school year, students will examine the events that shaped the United States and compare how current events, people and cultures compare to those of the past. We will investigate the political, economic, social and cultural heritage of America while paying attention to recurring themes such as the growth of national unity, population diversity and the development of democratic institutions. Through the Common Core State Standards framework, students will demonstrate understanding of the concepts, themes, ideas and events presented in the California Content Standards for United States History.
Course Objectives
Texts and Supplies
Class Website & Online Discussion Platform
Journal entries, lectures and some assignments will be posted on the class website. We will use Google Classroom and students will work in a collaborative online learning space, which will be used primarily for discussion activities and occasionally for writing activities, lecture notes and peer evaluation/support.
Unit Calendars
At the beginning of each unit, students will receive a Unit Calendar that outlines class topics/activities, homework, readings, projects and test dates. It should be referred to frequently as your timeline for the unit. DO NOT LOSE YOUR CALENDAR! The calendar is also posted on the class website.
Class Participation
Classroom participation is based on individual participation in class, as well as group activities, presentations, discussions and effort on all assignments. Attendance, behavior and daily preparation for class will be taken into consideration. Each student’s participation will be reflected in the participation portion of his/her overall grade. The participation grade will be reduced by 2% beginning with the 3rd tardy and continue with each tardy until a maximum grade reduction of 10% has been reached.
Daily Assignments
Students will complete the following assignments/activities throughout the year: journal entries, group discussions, online discussions, class presentations, projects, lecture notes, and primary document analysis.
Homework
Reading assignments will be detailed on the Unit Calendar everyday and are meant to provide support for students who miss class or need clarification of topics discussed. Specific homework assignments will be indicated on the Unit Calendar periodically to ensure that students have ample notice of an upcoming assignment. At teacher discretion, classwork that is not finished may be completed as homework.
You will be provided two “Late” passes each semester. Each pass allows you to submit one assignment after the due date. I will not accept late work without a pass. Passes can only be used to submit an individual assignment, not a pack or portfolio of work, and cannot be applied to semester projects, performance tasks, or final projects.
* Please review History Department policy regarding cell phones, Chromebooks and excused absence / make-up work posted on the class and department websites.
Performance Tasks
History department standards require students to complete major writing assignments throughout the year. These assignments are structured as Performance Tasks and will constitute 20% of the semester grade.
Grading Policies *Opportunities for extra credit will be presented periodically throughout the year
Quizzes/IDs/Assessments/Final 25%
Class Work/Portfolios/ Homework 45%
Performance Tasks/Semester Projects 20%
Participation 10%
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-0
Class Policies & Behavior Expectations
Please arrive on time and prepared to contribute. All SVHS rules and consequences apply in the classroom. Your education is your responsibility. Ask me for help and I will do whatever I can to assist you.
The following are the classroom policies and procedures:
The following are the classroom behavior expectations:
Academic Support
My door is always open if you have questions, comments or concerns about our class. I am available during break, A+ and lunch and can be reached via email. I can arrange to meet with you after school if you set up an appointment with me.
Remember that communication is the key to a successful year. Please talk to me if you have any concerns and we will address them together. I’m looking forward to a fun and exciting year!
2018-2019
Contact Information
- Barbara Thompson
- K14
- [email protected] (email is the best way to contact me)
- (707) 933-4010 x5240
- Class Website: thompsonsvhs.weebly.com
Course Description
During the course of the school year, students will examine the events that shaped the United States and compare how current events, people and cultures compare to those of the past. We will investigate the political, economic, social and cultural heritage of America while paying attention to recurring themes such as the growth of national unity, population diversity and the development of democratic institutions. Through the Common Core State Standards framework, students will demonstrate understanding of the concepts, themes, ideas and events presented in the California Content Standards for United States History.
Course Objectives
- Access and analyze information using complex texts
- Differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources
- Form arguments and make claims based on evidence
- Acquire effective written and oral communication skills
- Increase and strengthen academic vocabulary
- Develop historical curiosity and encourage investigation
Texts and Supplies
- The Americans
- Chromebook (must be present and charged everyday)
- Binder, paper, pens/pencils and a highlighter (please see me if you need help obtaining these supplies)
Class Website & Online Discussion Platform
Journal entries, lectures and some assignments will be posted on the class website. We will use Google Classroom and students will work in a collaborative online learning space, which will be used primarily for discussion activities and occasionally for writing activities, lecture notes and peer evaluation/support.
Unit Calendars
At the beginning of each unit, students will receive a Unit Calendar that outlines class topics/activities, homework, readings, projects and test dates. It should be referred to frequently as your timeline for the unit. DO NOT LOSE YOUR CALENDAR! The calendar is also posted on the class website.
Class Participation
Classroom participation is based on individual participation in class, as well as group activities, presentations, discussions and effort on all assignments. Attendance, behavior and daily preparation for class will be taken into consideration. Each student’s participation will be reflected in the participation portion of his/her overall grade. The participation grade will be reduced by 2% beginning with the 3rd tardy and continue with each tardy until a maximum grade reduction of 10% has been reached.
Daily Assignments
Students will complete the following assignments/activities throughout the year: journal entries, group discussions, online discussions, class presentations, projects, lecture notes, and primary document analysis.
Homework
Reading assignments will be detailed on the Unit Calendar everyday and are meant to provide support for students who miss class or need clarification of topics discussed. Specific homework assignments will be indicated on the Unit Calendar periodically to ensure that students have ample notice of an upcoming assignment. At teacher discretion, classwork that is not finished may be completed as homework.
You will be provided two “Late” passes each semester. Each pass allows you to submit one assignment after the due date. I will not accept late work without a pass. Passes can only be used to submit an individual assignment, not a pack or portfolio of work, and cannot be applied to semester projects, performance tasks, or final projects.
* Please review History Department policy regarding cell phones, Chromebooks and excused absence / make-up work posted on the class and department websites.
Performance Tasks
History department standards require students to complete major writing assignments throughout the year. These assignments are structured as Performance Tasks and will constitute 20% of the semester grade.
Grading Policies *Opportunities for extra credit will be presented periodically throughout the year
Quizzes/IDs/Assessments/Final 25%
Class Work/Portfolios/ Homework 45%
Performance Tasks/Semester Projects 20%
Participation 10%
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-0
Class Policies & Behavior Expectations
Please arrive on time and prepared to contribute. All SVHS rules and consequences apply in the classroom. Your education is your responsibility. Ask me for help and I will do whatever I can to assist you.
The following are the classroom policies and procedures:
- Cell phones must be placed in cell phone box upon entering class.
- Failing to bring your Chromebook to class 3 or more times in semester will result in grade reduction.
- Online homework must be submitted prior to class; paper homework is due at the beginning of class.
- Address the journal entry immediately after the bell rings.
The following are the classroom behavior expectations:
- Be honest with yourself, your classmates and your teacher.
- Respect the ideas, beliefs and opinions expressed in the classroom.
- Contribute politely - raise your hand when appropriate, allow others to speak, listen attentively.
Academic Support
My door is always open if you have questions, comments or concerns about our class. I am available during break, A+ and lunch and can be reached via email. I can arrange to meet with you after school if you set up an appointment with me.
Remember that communication is the key to a successful year. Please talk to me if you have any concerns and we will address them together. I’m looking forward to a fun and exciting year!