DODGEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Syllabus 1st Semester
Course Title: Accelerated Content 8th Grade Georgia Studies Email:
Teacher: Jennifer Crawford Weblog: http://dodgenms.typepad.com/copp
Georgia Performance Standards may be accessed through PICASSO. http://picasso.cobbk12.org.
Topics of Study:
Georgia’s Beginnings
Georgia’s colonization
Foundations of Government
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches of GA
Resources:
Text book: Georgia and the American Experience by Bonnie Bullard London; Clairmont Press, Inc. (Replacement cost: Text book $49.95; CD $45.95)
*CD available upon request.
www.mystatehistory.com Text book online; password: ga11hist
www.clairmontpress.com
www.georgiaencyclopedia.com
Reading Standards:
The student acquires knowledge of Georgia authors and significant text created by them.
The student participates in discussions related to curricular learning in Georgia Studies.
The student acquires new vocabulary through Georgia Studies.
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts.
Compares and contrasts motivations and reactions of literary characters from different historical eras confronting similar situations or conflicts.
*Parallel reading: 2nd nine weeks: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes or My Brother Sam Is Dead by Collier and Collier (We have a few copies that can be checked out.)
The curriculum and instructional strategies for this course are differentiated in content, pacing, process skills emphasis, and expectations of the student outcomes for the typical 8th grade Social Studies course. Curriculum content has been designed for mastery and extension of state and district content standards. The course is appropriate for students who have high achievement and interest in Social Studies. The district has established criteria and guidelines that identify students who will be successful with the advanced curriculum offered in Social Studies. Students are placed in the class according to specific indicators of demonstrated ability and motivation. Students must meet continuation criteria to remain in the class.
***In order to remain eligible for gifted services, students must maintain an average of 80 in the class.
Grading Policy: Grading Policy: The grading method will use the point system. For each assignment, the following points will be assigned (these may vary slightly, depending on the assignment.)
Assessments: 100 points Projects: 50-300 points Quizzes: 50 points Classwork: 25 points
Work turned in late, other than for an excused absence, will not receive full credit. If a student is absent, he/she has one day for each day of absence to make up the work. (For example, a student absent 2 days would have 2 days to make up the work.) When an absence occurs, it is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to check my blog or assignment binder for make-up work. All projects will have a 15 percent point deduction for each day late. Missed tests and quizzes should be made up ASAP by arranging a time before or after school if possible.
Extra help: Any student needing extra help is encouraged to arrange a time to meet with me before or after school.
Please detach and return this portion signed by Friday, August 19th.
Your signature indicates that you have read and understand the classroom expectations and all information included in the syllabus. Syllabus is subject to change. Parents and students will be notified, in advance, of any changes.
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