American History 8

2014-2015

Course Overview and General Syllabus

This course is designed to cover aspects of American History, beginning with a look into the first
Americans and the Colonies and working toward more modern American historical events. Our
course textbook will provide the basic structure of our class, but will not be the sole focus.
Assignments will include standard testing assessments, formal written responses/journals,
geography quizzes, projects, and some structured essays.

2014-2015 General Curriculum Map (subject to change)
Course/Grade Marking Period
One
Marking Period
Two
Marking Period
Three
Marking Period
Four
American
History
Eighth Grade
Chapters/Topics:
The First
Americans
Exploring the
Americas
Colonial America
The Thirteen
Colonies
The French/Indian
War
Chapters/Topics:
The Spirit of
Independence
The American
Revolution
A More Perfect
Union
The Louisiana
Purchase
The War of 1812
Manifest Destiny
North and South
The Age of Reform
Chapters/Topics:
The Civil War
Reconstruction
The New South
Industrial Age
Urban Society
World War I
The Great
Depression
The New Deal
Chapters/Topics:
America and
World War II
The Cold War Era
The Civil Rights
Era
The Vietnam Era
America in the
1970s
New Challenges

Formal Assessment Information:

Assessments will include general-type tests: multiple choice, true/false, etc. I am moving toward
a digital test-taking program, but at times there might be a paper test/quiz given. Other
assessments will include a formal written assessment per chapter test to match the Common
Core State Standards in Literacy. There will also be some class presentations, creative, hands-on
projects, and various other assignments. I try to vary the course assignments as much as I can to
encourage students with all types of learning skills to find success in my classroom.

Expectations:

Students should come to class prepared with a notebook, folder, and writing utensil. iPads need
to be charged prior to coming into the classroom, as charging is not available during class. Ample
time is given prior to a large assessment for students to study in preparation. It is expected they
take the time to prepare adequately for chapter/unit tests, quizzes, etc. Preparation is a large
part of the students responsibility. Assignments should be submitted on time for prompt return
and grade entry, as well as to provide time to review written feedback from the teacher.

To provide a safe and supportive classroom environment, I ask that students respect eachother,
as well as the teacher and the classroom. Students should raise their hands to participate in
discussion or ask a question. Although there are times I ask for open discussion, when I
encourage random responses to enhance discussions.

A student who was absent needs to check the absent folders in the classroom for any missing
assignments or notes. He or she should also check with classmates to find out details of what was
discussed/assigned in class. Students have two days to make up work from one day of class
missed. If subsequent days are missed, students have one additional day per absence. For
example, if a student misses two days of class, he or she has a total of three days to make up and
submit any missing assignments or make up any tests/quizzes.

The late policy for missing work is a loss of 10% of the possible points per day. After five days,
any assignment submitted can receive no higher than 50% of the possible points. The late policy
does not apply to students who were absent, unless assignments are not submitted in the
amount of make up days allotted.

Grading:

Grade Scale:
A 100 95 B 87 84 C 77 74 D 67 64
A- 94 90 B- 83 80 C- 73 70 D- 63 60
B+ 89 88 C+ 79 78 D+ 69 68 F 59

Generally, I grade assignments in the standard way: assign an amount of points per section, and
subtract points for wrong answers. I also make use of grading rubrics for projects, presentations,
written assignments, etc. Students always get a copy of the rubric prior to submitting their work
so they are able to make sure they have all required components as well as and idea of what
grade their work will earn. I also make sure to go over each rubric and answer questions as they
arise.

Participation is always a consideration in my grading. Particularly on a group project, it is
important that all members of the group collaborate to the best of their abilities.

The grade scale is posted in the classroom.

Internet Tools:

I have created a Weebly page for all of my courses. Each course has a dropdown section with
various amounts of information provided. As the year continues more will be added. There you
will also find a tentative course calendar (subject to change), as well as links to the state
standards. There is also a page that includes pictures of the homework I have assigned for all my
courses. I find this to be a great tool for parent(s)/guardian(s) to check on assignments, and for
students as well, should they need a reminder.

Here is the web address of my Weebly page: amartell.weebly.com

I also use Edmodo as a way for students to collaborate on projects, participate in discussions, and
submit assignments. Edmodo is a very useful tool, and user-friendly. Should you like the join
code for a course, please let me know and I can get you that information. You would have to set-
up your own profile prior to joining the course.

Website: www.edmodo.com

Students will have some apps loaded on to their iPads for use in class. These apps will change/be
added to throughout the year.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me one of the ways listed below:

Via Email: amartell@nvknights.org
Via phone: Vulcan Middle School, (906) 563-9563
Via Conference: Please call to confirm a day and time. I am located in the middle school, room
329.

Lets have a wonderful school year!



Anna M. Martell
History Teacher
Norway Vulcan Area Schools


Please sign and have your student sign and return this portion of the syllabus to me as soon as
possible.

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We have read and understand the expectations, course requirements, and policies of American
History 8.



____________________________________________
Student Signature



____________________________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date