8th Grade United States History I East Central Jr. High School Mr. Luneau | Rm.

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Email: luneaty@tulsaschools.org Phone: 918-401-0530 Website: http://luneausocialstudies.wordpress.com Course Description Welcome to 8th Grade Social Studies! This year, we will be exploring approximately the first half of American History, spanning from Colonial America to the Reconstruction Era (c. 1750-1877). In this study of American History, we will be looking at some of the major events that occurred during this time span. In addition, we will also focus on what is called social history, that is, the history of ordinary people living during these time periods. In order to become successful citizens, everyone should know that the impact of slavery and prejudice rooted in the foundation of this nation still affect the ways racial stereotypes exist within our culture. Students should know that the important and often forgotten history of labor movements in the United States have a direct impact on working conditions across the nation. In this class, we will focus on developing the following skills: effective reading and writing, critical thinking, articulating an opinion, and digging deeper into a topic through research. These skills and mindsets will prepare students to pursue whatever field they desire beyond high school, with a more informed understanding of American society. My vision for this class is to create an open academic community where students are motivated to learn about their nations past. Also, we will create a welcoming and open environment where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their opinions or beliefs on a topic, and more importantly, one where students can feel comfortable questioning what they have been told and will feel motivated and encouraged to seek out answers for themselves. If you as a parent, guardian, or student has questions about the course material, assignments, or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me! My preferred method of contact is email, but I can also be reached via phone. If you would like to set up a time to meet in person, I would be more than happy to arrange that. I will be reaching out to families frequently, providing updates on how students are doing in my class, and I look forward to working with each family to ensure their student receives the best possible education.

Goals With this vision in mind, I have set forth the following goals for my students: 1. 100% of students will pass the OCCT exam for 8th grade U.S. History with advanced proficiency. 2. 100% of students will pass an exam aligned to the standards of the NY Regents exam for 8th grade U.S. History, an exam that sets a national standard for social studies education in terms of academic rigor. 3. 100% of students will write a 5-6 page thesis-based research paper on a topic of their choice that falls within the time period being studied. All students will develop the necessary skills to write a paper that scores at least a 3 on each section of the relevant Pre-AP writing rubric. 4. Students will develop a personal plan for their path to college/university that includes the following components: a. Areas of study which they are potentially interested in b. Potential colleges or universities that they are interested in learning more about or applying to c. A personal statement that explains why pursuing higher education is important to them. d. Outlining areas of strength they have developed throughout the year, as well as areas or skills that they will need to improve upon in high school in order to be prepared for the rigor of college-level work. e. Taking the ACT Explore pre-test to assess their readiness for college-preparatory work in high school. Students will aim to score at least an 18 on this exam. f. Exploring the requirements of and applying for Oklahomas Promise. Course Materials Supplies needed for this class: - 3-ring binder (1.5 or 2) with divider tabs (used for this class ONLY!) - Notebook paper or a spiral notebook - Pens (blue or black ink only) - Planner or notebook for homework assignments - Optional materials: highlighters, markers, colored pencils Textboks and other course materials (provided by the teacher): - [textbook name here] - A Young Peoples History of the United States, Howard Zinn. - Primary source materials (letters, speeches, newspaper articles, photographs, etc.) - Journals and other secondary sources accessed through JSTOR

Classroom expectations In order to achieve as much learning and academic growth as possible this year, we need to establish a few guidelines for academic and behavioral expectations. Be in class, seated, and silent when the bell rings. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself Respect teachers and classmates. This means: o Use appropriate language; no put-downs, teasing, or other disrespectful language o Track the speaker. When a teacher or student is speaking in class, everyone should be quiet and paying attention with their eyes on the speaker. Follow directions the first time they are given. If directions are unclear, please raise your hand and the teacher will clarify. During lectures or class discussions, raise your hand if you have a question or would like to answer a question. No electronic devices of any kind (cell phones, iPods or mp3 players, handheld games, etc.) are to be out at any time during class unless otherwise specified by the teacher. o If seen using these devices, students will first be given a warning. If seen again during class, the teacher will confiscate the device until the end of class. Repeat offenses may result in the device being held until the end of the day or being given to the teacher at the beginning of class. Respecting your classmates right to learn. If you are being disruptive in any way, you are not only taking away from your own education, but you may be preventing other students from learning. No food or drink is permitted in class except for water. 10/10 rule: Students are not to leave the room (bathroom break, water, etc) during the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of class. If a student needs to use the restroom or get water, the student should raise his or her hand. Consequences: If a student fails to follow the above expectations (or others outlined in class), the following system will be used at the teachers discretion: o 1st offense: verbal warning o 2nd offense: relocation to focus desk o 3rd offense: lunch detention and/or call home to parent/guardian o 4th offense: call home to parent/guardian and/or behavioral essay o 5th offense: removal from class & write-up * note that more serious offenses may result in increased consequences (e.g. verbal or physical harassment, leaving class without permission, etc.)

Grading The following grading scale will be used: A+ = 97-100 B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79 D+ = 67-69 F = 59> A = 93-96 B = 83-86 C = 73-76 D = 63-66 A- = 90-92 B- = 80-82 C- = 70-72 D- = 60-62

The final grade for each quarter will be calculated as follows: Tests/quizzes = 20% Homework = 25% Classwork = 20% Class participation = 15% Projects/essays/etc = 20% Homework Homework can be expected 3-4 nights a week. The purpose of homework is not simply to make students do work, but rather to practice the skills that we have learned in class. Homework assignments should take no more than 20-30 minutes. Homework assignments will be on the board at the beginning of every class and will also be posted on the teachers website each week. Late work policy: Late work will be accepted, but each day that an assignment is late will result in a 10-point deduction. For example, if a student turns in a homework assignment 1 day late and earned a 90, the student will receive an 80 due to the assignment being late. Homework will not be accepted if it is more than 3 days late. Absence Policy: If you are absent from class due to illness or family emergency, there will be a folder in the classroom containing assignments from each day. Students are expected to seek out this folder on their own and/or meet with the teacher if they have been absent from class. Extra Help: I am always available for extra help before or after school. I will be in the building after school on 2 specified days per week (to be announced), and can stay on other days if a student requests extra help. Again, feel free to contact me at any time with concerns.