Welcome to 8th Grade Social Studies!

8^th Grade American History

 Textook:  The American Republic to 1877

 Course Description:  The course is designed to study a survey of United States history from the Native Americans before Europeans through the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War

 Course Goals and Objectives:  To allow students to develop a better, more thorough understanding of the struggles our nation went through to develop into the country we know today.  Students will learn to think critically, write factual information, and work independently and cooperatively.

 Grading Scale:

 Test and Project Scoring Guide

     GRADE                    PERCENTAGE                 GRADE                     PERCENTAGE

      A                                95-100                              C                                73-76

      A-                                90-94                              C-                                70-72

      B+                                87-89                              D+                                67-69

      B                                83-86                              D                                63-66

      B-                                80-82                              D-                                60-62

      C+                                77-79                              F                                59-Below

Grades are based on what the students know when the learning has been completed.  In this class, students will receive 4 grades per quarter (two tests and two projects) over two units of study. 

Homework/Classwork Scoring Guide (will not be factored into final grade)

0 – Not Handed In

1 – Demonstrates complete lack of understanding of the material presented in the

       assignment or student does not complete the assignment

2 – Demonstrates a lack of understanding on the material presented in the assignment

3 – Demonstrates minor errors in the material presented in the assignment

4 – Demonstrates mastery of the material presented in the assignment

Classwork and homework will be assigned, but used to check understanding of historical concepts related to this class.  Grades will not be incorporated in the final grade for the quarter/semester.  The numerical scoring guide above will be used for informational purposes to gain an understanding of where each student is at in learning the concepts of the course.

Homework/Planners:  Planners will be filled out at the beginning of class every Monday.  Assignments are to be turned in on time.  Homework is due when it is called for.  Students who do not have their assignments when it is due will receive a “Not Handed In” (NHI) mark in the grade book.  Turning in late assignments will follow the student handbook homework policy.

Textbooks/CPS Units:  Textbooks will not be handed out to students.  The classroom set is the responsibility of the student using the book to return it after class in the same condition as received at the start.  Students will be charged for a lost or damaged book that was checked out to them at the beginning of class.  At times when necessary, a student may check out a textbook to use at home.  The student is responsible for that textbook and may be charged for damages or loss if not returned.  In this class, the students will also frequently utilize the Classroom Performance System units (CPS Clickers).  Each student is responsible for the clicker he/she is assigned and will be charged for a lost or damaged clicker unit.