Pre-AP United States History Syllabus
Ms. V. Gaytan
Room #: 420
Conference Period: 3rd (11:00am – 12:35pm)
School Phone #: (956) 254-5300 EXT. 1117
E-mail address:
Expectations: WELCOME to your Pre-AP U.S. History class! I am positive that together we can create a successful learning environment that will lead to your success in this Pre-AP U.S. class and the U.S. History End-of-Course exam. In order to accomplish such an important task, students are expected to be full participants in class on a daily basis. This requires students to complete required chapter readings, assignments, and writing activities, complete homework assignments on a daily basis, prepare for assessments, meet required deadlines, participate in class discussions, interpret primary and secondary sources, and attend tutoring sessions when necessary. Being that you selected this Pre-AP U.S. History course, please note that this course involves a rigorous curriculum that meets the Pre-AP expectations at the high school level and requires a willingness to devote considerable amount of time to the course and studies. If expectations are met, the student will accumulate fifteen points towards ranking.
Course description: This Pre-AP course begins with a brief overview of the foundation and establishment of our country and government and continues the historical study to present times. The students will be able to understand and comprehend the relevance of these historical periods, their effects on the government, people’s lives, the development of society, improvement of life through technology, American global influences, conflict and resolutions, and in turn prepare them for the U.S. History End-of-Course exam, which is one of the required state exams for graduation purposes.
Required Materials:
! Textbook (United States History Since 1877; McGraw Hill Education): Class sets are available for student use in the classroom, but parent(s)/guardian(s) may check out a textbook from the office for home use. Textbooks are needed to complete required readings, assignments and homework activities at home.
! Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
! Blue or Black Pen
! #2 Lead Pencils (assessments)
! 2 ½ inch Binder (for U.S. History material only!)
! 2 Spiral One Subject Notebooks
! 1 Bottle of Glue
! 3 sets of Dividers (These may be bought or man made.)
! 1 pack of ruled index cards (100 - 3” x 5”)
! 2 packs of post-its
! 1 USB Drive (8 GB)
Notebook Requirements:
· Your notebook will be organized by historical eras, which is why 3 sets of dividers are required. Notebook organization will be explained in more detail as the year progresses. A notebook is a crucial necessity in facilitating student organization and success.
Grading Policy: a marking period is a total of 9 Weeks.
¨ Daily Work (Assignments, Homework, Quizzes) …………………………………….. 40%
¨ Tests and Major Projects ……………………………………………………………… 60%
- Progress reports are issued to ALL students every 3 weeks regardless of grade.
Classroom Policies: The Student Shall…
1. RESPECT oneself, other people, and property! (Fighting, foul, obscene, abusive language or any negative action will not be permitted!)
2. Arrive to class ON TIME! (Students shall be seated in their assigned seat before the tardy bell rings.)
3. Always come to class PREPARED! (Bring textbook, required materials, and homework to every class session.)
4. Always Be On TASK!
5. Obey ALL School and Classroom Policies and Rules!!!
Consequences:
L Verbal or Written Warning
L Parent call
L Parent Conference AND Detention (Lunch or After School)
L Referral to office
L Any OTHER consequence determined by the teacher or administration
l Students shall understand and accept the consequences of their actions!
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Classroom Policies and Procedures
The following are certain routines and procedures established to ensure that the classroom runs smoothly and remove disruptions from the education of all children. All students must follow the following policies.
1. Binder Structure
3 Students are required to have a binder specifically for this class.
3 Students are required to have a title page in their binder, their syllabus is placed
behind the title page, and all signed progress reports should be placed behind the
syllabus. The complete order will be provided in class as the class progresses.
2. Seating Arrangement:
3 Students are assigned a seat that accommodates their learning needs and success. The
teacher reserves the right to change the seating arrangement to accommodate student
success.
3. Classroom Discussion:
3 During the learning process, there is NO sleeping, disrespectful comments, or off task
activities that are permitted.
3 The student must be courteous when asking or responding to a question or during
class discussions. Be courteous at all times! No Foul Language!
4. Classroom Promptness:
3 Students SHALL NOT loiter around the door before any bell and adhere to the LFHS
tardy policy.
3 Please remember the TEACHER DISMISSES YOU, not the bell!!!
5. Tests/Retests:
3 All tests will consist of an objective and subjective section. This means that
writing is required for ALL exams.
3 During a test, do not give the teacher any reason to believe you are cheating! NO
electronic devices are allowed during a test! They must be kept in a secure location.
If there is reason to believe that you were cheating or using your electronic device,
this will result in a zero and confiscation of electronic device. A parent conference will be
required to collect the electronic device from LFHS administration.
3 Students must complete test corrections for the exam they would like to retest.
Students requesting a retest must turn in their corrected test 3 days before
their scheduled retest.
3 Retests must be requested by the student. Retests and missed tests are given
before the beginning of the school day and after school. The student has two days after
their unexcused absence to make up the missed exam. All test and retests must be taken
before the next chapter test!
6. Daily Work, Make-Up Work, Late Work, & Homework:
3 Daily work must be turned in on the due date and at the beginning of the period!!!
3 Make-up work is permitted for all EXCUSED absences.
3 The student has an additional day to turn in an assignment late, and there will be a
15% penalty. An assignment is not accepted if the teacher has returned the graded
assignment to the class.
3 Homework assignments are extended instructional activities essential for maximum
learning and is to be completed at home the night before. The policies for Cheating also
apply to all assignments listed above!
7. Absentees/Tardies:
3 Students must follow the school tardy policy! Please note that instruction begins as
soon as the tardy bell rings. If you miss an activity due to an unexcused tardy, this
may warrant a zero on such activity.
3 If you are absent, you are responsible for getting the notes or missed assignments
from your peers or the teacher. If you are absent when an assignment is due, it
must be turned in the day you return class.
8. Classroom Neatness and Responsibility:
3 A student’s area must be kept clean and neat.
3 Respect school property, and this includes student desks!
3 Students are responsible for issued classroom resources (including textbooks).
9. Emergency Passes:
3 Each student will receive six emergency passes per semester, which may be used at your discretion.
3 No student will leave the classroom unless they have a pass, excuse, or emergency. Please note that your time in class is essential to student success.
10. Student’s Property:
3 Combs, brushes, make-up, perfumes, I Pods, illegal use of cell phones, drinks,
candies, food, etc. are not permitted in the classroom. This is in compliance with
District Policy!!!
11. BYOD:
3 Bring Your Own Device is a district technological initiative that will be utilized in this
classroom in accordance with district policy to enhance student participation and
learning. This is the ONLY time that electronic devices are permitted in this class for
the sake of student learning and academic success.
3 When utilizing your electronic device in class, the student must access and conduct all
class assignments through the district Wi-Fi in accordance with district policy. Please
be responsible and remember all log-ins and passwords because the teacher will not
have access to either.
12. Notes:
3 Each student will engage in a considerable amount of reading outside of class. Students
will complete graphic organizers and/or Cornell Notes for the assigned chapter readings.
3 Reading from the U.S. History textbook will be essential to your learning as not all of the
material will be spoon-fed to you in class; it will be your job to fill in the detail.
3 Lecture will be used to reinforce what was read the previous night. Remember, this is a
fast-paced course, so do not procrastinate and fall behind in your reading.
Student and Parent Syllabus Agreement
Student Portion:
My signature below indicates that I have read and understand the United States History Course Syllabus. I also understand that I will have my parent(s)/guardian(s) check out a U.S. History Textbook for my home use.
Student Name (Print) ______
Date: ______
Student Signature: ______
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Parent Portion:
It is my pleasure to have your son/daughter in my United States History course this semester. I am confident that your son/daughter will be successful if he/she follows the guidelines in this syllabus. Attendance is critical for learning and retrieval of credit for graduation requirements. I request your cooperation by being involved in your child’s educational career. Please encourage your son/daughter to do the following:
ü Attend class regularly and on time.
ü Ask questions in class.
ü Take notes, complete all daily and homework assignments, and keep an organized binder.
ü Prepare for all exams.
ü Attend tutoring either on designated days.
You may also contact me at the school 254-5300 or e-mail me at if you ever have any questions. Please provide your contact information in the Student Information Sheet provided. This must be returned to the teacher promptly.
Sincerely,
Ms. Veronica Gaytan
My signature below indicates that I have read and discussed the course syllabus with my son/daughter.
Parent Name (Print):______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Date: ______
U.S. History Timeline
The following is simply a guide as to what will be covered and when, but it is not finalized. The timeline may change due to uncontrollable circumstances. Students are responsible for reading the related chapters or sections.
Week 1: Review Syllabus and Begin Celebrate Freedom Week
Week 2: Celebrate Freedom Week
Ch. 1-3 = Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution
Week 2: Ch. 8 = Western Settlement
Week 3: Ch. 9 = Industrialization
Week 4: Ch. 10 & 11 = The Gilded Age
Week 5: Ch. 12 = Imperialism
Week 6: Ch. 13 = The Progressive Era
Week 7: Ch. 14 = World War I
Week 8 & 9: Ch. 15 & 16 = Roaring Twenties
Midterm Exams
Week 10: Ch. 17 & 18 = The Great Depression & The New Deal
Week 11: Ch. 19 & 20 World War II
Weeks 12 & 13: Ch. 21, 22, 23 & 25 = Cold War
Week 14: Ch. 24 & 26 = Civil Rights Movement, Politics and Protests
Week 15: Ch. 27, 28, & 29 = A Changing Society: 1970s – 1999
Week 16: Ch. 29 & Jarrett = 2000 – Present Times
U.S. History End-of-Course Exam
Weeks 17 & 18: Current Projects
Final Exams