Kelly McKirdy teaches United States History to all the 8th graders at Broadway Middle School. He uses a chronological survey that start with the American Indians and ends at the current era. He has taught at BMS since 1986. His goal is to teach his students to be knowledgable citizens and to give them a basic understanding of our nations history and government.
Mr. McKirdy Due date: 9/22/09
kmckirdy@seaside.k12.or.us
8th grade Social Studies/U.S. History Syllabus and Class Contract
Goals of the class:
1. To learn the basic facts of the history of the United States.
2. To become knowledgeable of our government and its three branches.
3. To educate each student with enough information to become an educated American citizen.
Expectations of the students:
1. Put your name, date, period, and book page on all work. NO NAME=NO CREDIT.
2. All homework is due at the beginning of the class period on the date it is due. NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED EXCEPT DUE TO AN EXCUSED ABSENCE. You have as many class days to make up the homework after being absent. The same rule applies to tests.
3. Students cheating on tests or homework will receive a zero and a referral. (step 3)
4. Students are expected to come prepared with a writing utensil, spiral, and their textbook.
Coming to class prepared will increase your industry grade. Students that need to return to their lockers, borrow a book, paper or pencil after the bell will be tardy.
5. Students should use only their own book. If you loan out or leave your book in class you are responsible for it. To avoid detention notify the teacher so that you can purchase a replacement book. Lost and damaged books cost up to $55. You will receive your money back when your original book is found.
6. Respect the rights, dignity and safety of other students and the teacher. Behavior that disrupts the learning process is inappropriate and will result in discipline steps. See student handbook for consequences.
7. Read the text “Call to Freedom”, complete the worksheets and other assignments. We will take a chronological look at American history starting with chapter one and ending with chapter 31.
What students may expect of the teacher:
1. Students will be treated fairly and with respect.
2. The classroom environment will allow all students to learn and get their work done.
3. Students will be given a reasonable amount of class time to start their work.
Extra credit: Work not assigned in the textbook maybe done at any time. Additional handouts will be available all through out the year. To insure that extra credit is not used as a crutch you may only raise your grade by one letter grade or 10%.
Citizenship and industry points:
Part of your grade is determined by your willingness to participate in class discussions, stay on task, come to class prepared, and your ability to cooperate with the teacher and your classmates. You will receive up to 33 points per trimester for demonstrating these types of positive behaviors and it will make up about 15% of your quarter grade.
Approximate grade weight:
15% citizenship and industry points.
25% projects, reports, e.g. grandparent report the 3rd trimester.
30% Chapter worksheets and section review questions, etc. from the textbook etc.
30% Unit tests and other exams.
Grading system: The following percentages will be used on all tests, quizzes and final grades: >90-A, >80-B, >70-C, >60-D, <60-F.
Major test dates and due dates:
November 24/30, 2009, United States test on locations and spelling.
Feb. 3/4, 2010, U.S. Presidents test #1-21 or hand written 6-page reports on presidents.
April 15, 2010, Grandparent/Senior Citizen report due by 4:00 p.m. even if you are absent.
May 14/17, 2010, U.S. Presidents test #22-43 or hand written 6-page reports on presidents.
Classroom assignments will include worksheet and questions out of the text book. We will have unit test at the end of each unit.
