American history Columbus-Civil War

Syllabus         Unit 1     Unit 3    Unit 4    Unit 5   Unit 6   Unit 7   Unit 8   Unit 9     Unit 10     Unit 11/12   Unit 13/14/15      Unit 16

Overview
The purpose of this course is to teach you about the history and culture of the United States spanning from the first settlers of the country to the Civil War period.   In addition, students will learn about the basic framework of the United States' government. For more information please click on the syllabus or click on each unit for more details.   

Grades

This course is based solely on assessments, which are tests, short writing assignments, and projects.  Homework does not count as part of the final grade but it will be entered into the grade book. Anytime you see a 2 in the grade book, that is a homework grade.   Students will have the option to retest on assessments if they are not happy with their achievement level.  However, before students are allowed to retest they must complete the review guide and any past homework that goes with the section of the assessment they are not happy with. 

Students will also be evaluated in groups regularly based on core standards.  This will be a rotating grade.  Click on link for evaluation rubirc: Peer evaluation

Show me what you know!

Students can show me what they know by completing a project.  Students need to submit a proposal before they start the project and adhere to the requirements.  In addition, there will be deadlines for presentation of projects.    Deadlines will be announced in class and can be found on my bulletin board in my room along with projects rubrics.

Rubric for projects

Website   Games    Google Earth    Song/Poetry    Fakebook    Paper
Bubbles   Art          Video               Podcast         Storybook    Prezi
PPT         Dipty       Photo Peach     Persuasion Map

I use the philosophy of standards based grading in my class. I believe this type of grading truly shows what a student has learned.  
 The videos below explain that more.