BOYD COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
8TH GRADE
AUGUST-MAY 2011-2012
Course Description: United States History (8th-Grade)- Beginning to the Reconstruction Era.
Middle School level Social Studies – includes a variety of tools designed to enhance early history of the United States. Kentucky’s standards for Social Studies historical perspective, geography, economics, government and civics, culture and society is an integrated program which focuses on the Kentucky Core Content for Social Studies Assessment, grade 8.
The grade 8 course provides an overview of the United States history from how the American Spirit Was Born- and Why It Flourished even from the early years to the Reconstruction era. Particular emphasis is placed on the people, events, and ideas that shaped the early years of America’s history.
The student, in completing United States History 8th Grade will meet the standards identified in Kentucky’s Academic Expectations, Program of Studies for United States History 8th Grade, and Core Content for Assessment including the Depth of Knowledge. The materials from the Program of Studies and the Core Content are listed at the beginning of each unit.
Curriculum content was developed and aligned with the NCSS National Standards for Social Studies Teachers, Geography for Life, The National Geography Standards, The National Standards for Civics and Government, and Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics developed by The National Council on Economic Education.
Course materials:
Websites used- History online
+ www.tarvol1.glencoe.com
Password : Jarrell1 or cie
Access Code: A18B21A735
+ www.funbrain.com
+ www.quia.com
+ www.historychannel.com
+ www.nationalgeographic.com
Grading Criteria
· Homework
· Participation
· Classwork
· Composition class notebook
Formative and Summative assessment data
*Tests,quizzes and Bellringer questions for section assessment
Chapter tests will be given upon completion of each chapter. (See timeline for approximate dates).
Alternative assessments such as performance tasks and projects will be assigned.
Students will have an option during certain chapters during the 4th nine weeks to present a PowerPoint presentation of that Unit in place of the actual test.
Grading Scale:
A= 90% and above
B= 80-89%
C= 70-79%
D= 60-69%
Student Expectations:
+ Work and learn at high levels
+ Complete and submit work on time
+ Maintain a Social Studies composition book
+ Use their multiple intelligences (musical abilities, mathematical and artistic abilities) to enhance their learning experience
+ Use creative thinking in approaching and completing assignments
+ Become practiced users of the Internet as a source for research and
Learning
Parents could best help by:
+ Making sure your child brings textbooks home and keeping up with
reading assignments. Glencoe online and CD are also available.
+ Discussing current events and their relationship to American History.
+ Checking daily assignments of team email /or reviewing student assignments in their agenda
PLEASE NOTE
Chapter test/assessment dates are approximate and may vary due to changes in the school schedule
1st Nine Weeks
2nd Nine Weeks
+
3rd Nine Weeks
4th Nine Weeks
· Explore Test Sept. 19th-30th (8th will be administer during the 2nd week.
· Spring Testing: Last 14 days of the District Calendar (5 days) No trips will be scheduled after spring break for 8th grade.
------Cut here------
Please review the syllabus for 8th grade American History. Parent signature indicates that you as a parent or guardian understand the requirements for the class. Student signature also indicates that your child is aware of the curriculum as well.
Parent Signature: ______.
Student Signature: ______.
Date: ______Period: ______.
2