United States History
2016-2017
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 a strong understanding of the concepts, themes, ideas and events presented in the 11th grade California Content Standards for United States History.
Course Objectives
Texts and Supplies
Class Website & Online Discussion Platform
Assignments, journal entries and lecture notes 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 homework discussion activities and occasionally for writing activities, lecture notes and peer evaluation/support. A “Code of Conduct” handout will be distributed to all students outlining appropriate behavior and use of this space. If regular Internet access is a challenge, talk to Mrs. Thompson about computer and Internet access on campus.
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 is your guide and 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: daily journal entries, group discussions, online discussions, class presentations, group projects, lecture notes, and primary document analysis.
Homework
Students will be required to read each night. There will be roughly 1-2 homework assignments each week that build upon the reading, introduce new content or refer to content that has been covered in class. Homework will be primarily web-based but will occasionally include more traditional assignments.
You will be provided two “Late/Freebie” passes each semester. These passes allow you to be excused from web discussions or to submit assignments after the due date. I will not accept late work without a pass. Passes cannot be used to submit entire Unit Portfolios late (only individual assignments) and cannot be applied to semester projects, performance tasks, research papers or final projects.
Performance Tasks / Research Paper
History department standards require students to complete major writing assignments throughout the year. These assignments are structured as Performance Tasks or Research Papers. They 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%
Homework/Portfolios/Class Work 45%
Performance Tasks/Research Paper/Semester Projects 20%
Participation 10%
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-50
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:
Violation of the policies and behavior expectations will result in the following progression of consequences:
Reminder Written Referral
of Expected Behavior - Verbal Warning - + One Demerit - Administrative Intervention
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!
2016-2017
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 a strong understanding of the concepts, themes, ideas and events presented in the 11th grade 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
- Binder, paper, pens/pencils and a highlighter (please see me if you need help obtaining these supplies)
Class Website & Online Discussion Platform
Assignments, journal entries and lecture notes 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 homework discussion activities and occasionally for writing activities, lecture notes and peer evaluation/support. A “Code of Conduct” handout will be distributed to all students outlining appropriate behavior and use of this space. If regular Internet access is a challenge, talk to Mrs. Thompson about computer and Internet access on campus.
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 is your guide and 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: daily journal entries, group discussions, online discussions, class presentations, group projects, lecture notes, and primary document analysis.
Homework
Students will be required to read each night. There will be roughly 1-2 homework assignments each week that build upon the reading, introduce new content or refer to content that has been covered in class. Homework will be primarily web-based but will occasionally include more traditional assignments.
You will be provided two “Late/Freebie” passes each semester. These passes allow you to be excused from web discussions or to submit assignments after the due date. I will not accept late work without a pass. Passes cannot be used to submit entire Unit Portfolios late (only individual assignments) and cannot be applied to semester projects, performance tasks, research papers or final projects.
Performance Tasks / Research Paper
History department standards require students to complete major writing assignments throughout the year. These assignments are structured as Performance Tasks or Research Papers. They 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%
Homework/Portfolios/Class Work 45%
Performance Tasks/Research Paper/Semester Projects 20%
Participation 10%
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-50
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 put away unless you are instructed to use them.
- Backpacks, purses/bags, articles of clothing cannot be kept on desk – keep these items on the floor.
- Online homework must be submitted prior to class; paper homework is due at the beginning of the class.
- Address the journal entry immediately after the bell rings.
- Remain engaged until the end of the period - the bell does not dismiss the class, I do.
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.
Violation of the policies and behavior expectations will result in the following progression of consequences:
Reminder Written Referral
of Expected Behavior - Verbal Warning - + One Demerit - Administrative Intervention
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!