Alejandro Vasquez (8C)
480-541-5954
avasquez@kyrene.org
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A+ School of Excellence
“A” school from the Arizona Department of
Education
Way to go Rattlers!
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and
American History
 Master’s degree in American Politics
 Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Education
Social Studies
 Arizona Highly Qualified and Certified in
7th-12th grade
 3.5 years teaching experience 8th grade Social
Studies
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This year we will be studying United
States History starting with the American
Revolution and how it led to the
formation of the U.S. Government, the
Constitution, and U.S. History from
WWII to the present.
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Students will work throughout the
year to demonstrate their
knowledge and skill through
individual and collaborative work,
project-based learning,
simulations, writing assignments,
and assessments. The focus this
year is to integrate the common
core standards into the curriculum,
so an emphasis will be placed on
practicing and assessing critical
thinking skills.
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1st Quarter
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2nd Quarter
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The Constitution
Bill of Rights
Arizona Government
3rd Quarter
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The Road to Revolution
The American Revolution
World War II
The Cold War
4th Quarter
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The Civil Rights movement
The Vietnam War
The 1980's -Present
Personal Finance
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American History Textbook and Atlas
Civic in America
Consumer Economics and Personal Finance
Atlas of United States History
Historical Reader: Forging a New Nation,
World War II, Japanese-American Internment,
The Vietnam War, and Civil Right.
Technology in the room
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Please check the 8C Team Calendar and my
website to stay updated with current
assignments and test dates.
Our Social Studies textbook is uploaded to
my website. Volunteer?
www.classzone.com is a website connected to
our book to provide activities for quiz and
test review. I am always available via email
for questions on assignments/exams, etc.
LETS
TAKE
A
CLASSROOM
TOUR!
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Assessments: 90% (tests, quizzes, projects, and writing
assignments)
Practice: 10% (classwork )
Studying: Review vocabulary and returned
assignments/notes. Make flashcards, use the interactive
reviews on Classzone, creating a timeline to understand
cause and effect, etc. You are not limited to just these
strategies. Do what works for you and try other things as
well.
Test makeups: Exams are announced well in advance, so
please prepare accordingly. Unless there are extenuating
circumstances, I do not allow makeups for poor performance.
Late Work: Students will receive partial credit until the next
unit test
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One 3 ring-binder just for Social Studies (Students
are expected to take their SS binder home nightly to study for
the upcoming assessment or to complete an in class
assignment. There is always an exam ahead, so study if you
have the time).
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Folder (Returned assignments should be kept and saved for
future assessments)
Pencils (daily)
Highlighters(pink, yellow, green, and blue)
Crayons/colored pencils/washable markers
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Class donations- Copy paper/tissues/Lysol wipes
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Test Differentiation
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I provide test differentiation using student scores on the reading and writing
portion of AIMS and based on early assessments and observations at the start of
the school year. Student assessment data shapes instruction.
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This provides higher level questions/vocabulary for more capable students and
grade level questions/vocabulary on smaller scale for other students.
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I give two tests for each unit – vocabulary and written. The written test is short
answer, extended response, and multiple choice. Students choose 3/6 short
answer, 1of 2 extended response to answer, and all of the multiple choice
questions.
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I have a bonus question to help encourage all students to go above and beyond.
(worth 2 extra points)
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By differentiating, I am able to monitor and adjust the assessment
given to students as they show growth. I assess progress on the tests on an
as-needed basis, but usually quarterly.
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By differentiating and providing choice in what questions to answer, I can speak
to specific strengths and/or areas in which a student needs improvement.
Akimel A-al Motto
High Standards; High Achievement;
High Expectations for All
We want students to be independent
and responsible learners
How can we achieve this?
Questions/comments??
Please email me or fill out an index card with your information
and I will answer promptly.