History Course Outline 2015-2016
Teacher: Mrs. Smithers
Email: esmithers@dentonisd.org
Phone: 369-4721
Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to History! I’m excited about the opportunity to get to know you, and I’m looking forward to a great school
year. Included in this syllabus is a lot of information about this course and how I operate my classroom. Please
carefully read through the Course Outline and Classroom Expectations packet, then sign and date the last page.
Remove the back page and return to me by Friday, August 28th. This syllabus should be stored in your journal for
future reference.
Course Description
Eighth grade U.S. History is a study of the United States through 1877. This course focuses on colonization, the
American Revolution, the creating of a republic, the growth of our nation, and the Civil War.
In seventh grade TX History, students study the history of Texas from early times to present. Students examine the full
scope of Texas history, including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration and the
eras of mission building, colonization, revolution, republic, statehood and the emergence from an agricultural to
industrial society.
Course instruction is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Social studies skills taught include critical
reading and thinking, research, and analyzing maps and primary sources. We will examine issues and topics related to
the following themes: citizenship, culture, economics, government, geography, and science/technology.
Grading Policy and Assessment
Please see the district’s secondary grading framework at www.dentonisd.org
Course
Major Summative
Minor Summative
Regular
60%
40%
Pre-AP
70%
30%
Major Summative Examples
Unit Tests
Projects
Research Papers
Essays
Performance Tasks
Minor Summative Example
Quizzes
Graphic Organizers
Oral questions in class
Exit Tickets
Journal Entries
All students will be given the opportunity for reassessment of all major summative assessments, excluding semester
exams. If a student does not meet the minimum passing score of 70% parents will be notified and the 10 reassessment
window will open to allow remediation in order to reassess. Students are required to remediate prior to reassessment.
Academic Honesty
I believe that everyone should practice honesty and live their life with integrity. Students gain nothing from cheating.
Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in my class. Anything that can be construed as
cheating will be taken as such, avoid engaging in suspicious behaviors.
Attendance and Tardy Policy
Students are expected to be in class every day. It is important that students attend regularly so they can learn the
material. Excessive absences and tardies lead to failure. It is expected that students arrive to class on time, as late
arrivals are disruptive.
Textbook and Materials
A textbook may be checked out by student if they wish, we will not be issuing a textbook to every student.
8th Grade: McGraw-Hill Education: United States History to 1877
7th Grade: McGraw-Hill Education: Texas History
7th and 8th Grade students will need:
Pens, pencils, composition notebook 8/27, scotch tape or glue sticks, tissue, highlighter (optional), colored pencils
and markers (optional).
Tutorials
I am happy to help students outside of class. If you have a question or need to make up an assignment, please come in
for tutorials. My schedule is posted on my website and outside my classroom.
Classroom Rules, Expectations & Procedures
To create a classroom that is conducive to learning and to make our class a safer place for all students, a number of
classroom rules and procedures will be implemented. These are outlined below so that all will be familiar with the
behavior expectations. Students will be responsible for their actions. Respect and observance of the rules and
procedures will help enhance everyone’s learning and enjoyment.
The main purpose of these specifically stated expectations is quite simple: If each of us shows consideration and
respect for one another, then the teacher can teach and the student can learn. Anything that gets in the way of
that process is “against the rules,” whether stated or not.
Cooperate with others
Organize your thoughts & things
Work is learning and learning takes work
Best effort is expected
Optimistic attitudes brighten the class
You can determine your future
Success begins with you!
The “Fair” Policy:
Fair does not mean doing the same thing for all students…it means striving to meet the individual needs of each
student.
All students are expected to follow all school rules and teacher directives. This includes substitute teachers. (See
student Handbook).
SEVERE CLAUSE: If a student is severely disruptive, exhibits defiant behavior, or becomes a threat to the safety of
others in the classroom, the student will be immediately removed from the learning environment.
Thank you for taking the time to read over and discuss the syllabus. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
I am looking forward to a great year and please remember: HISTORY ROCKS!
I have read and understood the syllabus including the rules and expectations and class structure.
Student Print name __________________________________________
Student Signature
__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name: ______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Contact
Information:_______________________________________________________________________
Date
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