Grade+8+Syllabus+2013-2014

Middle School- Social Studies- Grade 8

This is a brief overview of expectations in the Middle School Humanities department, which includes teachers of Language Arts and Social Studies. Please refer to this document and the Middle School Student Handbook as a reference. ** Social Studies **
 * COURSE DESCRIPTION**: Social Studies (SS) 8 is a study of United States history with global connections. The year is divided into units with the following themes: Environment & Geography, Settlement & Colonization, Freedom & Independence, New Government & Expansion, and Why Wage War? Current events will be used throughout the year to reinforce and enrich the SS concepts and topics. Students engage in a variety of class activities to practice and develop their skills in reading and writing, listening, and speaking as they work with the Big Understandings and Essential Questions of each theme. The 6+1 Traits of good writing is used with the writing process to create strong writing of various types. Assessments of students’ progress and achievement include homework, projects, quizzes, and tests, performances/simulations, and other assigned class tasks.


 * MATERIALS**: Students should come to class prepared each day with their three-ring binder and/or journal, planner, pens and pencils. Binders must be kept organized as instructed in class. **A pen drive (USB Stick) is required**.

Grades will be assigned on a point basis and reflect student achievement. Grades on PowerSchool will be updated at least once in an eight-day cycle.
 * GRADING/EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS**: (The AISD Middle School Humanities/Social Studies department is piloting a new student report/evaluation.) Evaluation of student progress is separated into three categories (Click here to see the criteria for academic achievement):
 * Knowledge & Understanding
 * Skills & Techniques
 * Critical Thinking & Application


 * LEARNER EXPECTATIONS**: Learner expectations are based on work habits, ownership of learning, and student behaviors. Comments regarding these expectations will be included in PowerSchool. (Please click here for the criteria for Learner Expectations.)

If a homework assignment is required to be printed, it must be done prior to the start of class.
 * HOMEWORK : ** **Work is expected to be completed and turned in on time. Missing/Late work will impede student progress** and is considered a poor reflection on work habits (see Learner Expectations below.) Good time management skills are taught, practiced, and expected in this course.


 * ABSENCES POLICY**: In the case of excused absences, students will have an opportunity to make up work and receive full credit for the work missed.**It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teachers to make up the work that is missed**. Please refer to the Middle School Student handbook for complete information regarding absences.

We're looking forward to working and learning with you!

 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT CRITERIA

 LEARNER (STUDENT) EXPECTATIONS