8th Grade U.S. History
Mrs. Shavaun Gonsior
La Paz Intermediate
B.A. Political Science, and Teaching Credential,
from UCI
A Little About Me:
• 12th year teaching U.S. History here at La Paz
• 2 daughters, Sienna and Sydney, ages 7 and
(almost) 5
• Married 9 years
• Soccer mom 
Course Objective
The goal of this class is to maximize the learning of the
students through the delivery of educational experiences
that teach students how to be creative, responsible, and
collaborative critical thinkers prepared for college, career
and global citizenship. Students will understand some of
the most important events, concepts, people, and
ideologies that helped shape and continue to influence the
United States of America. As we explore our past we will
reflect on not only what makes us all unique but what also
binds us together. While learning about U.S. History, we will
practice skills that build character and prepare students for
the real world.
Topics Covered This Year
• Revolutionary Era
• Constitution
• Developing as a New Nation (Washington,
Adams, Jefferson, Madison)
• War of 1812
• Jacksonian Era
• Growth and Expansion (Manifest Destiny)
• Nationalism and Sectionalism
• Civil War
• Industrial Revolution
Classroom
Expectations
To earn an Honors Recommendation
for 9th grade History:
(for students in a non-honors 8th grade U.S. History class)
• Earn a high “A” all three trimesters
• Earn an O in Citizenship and Work Habits all three
trimesters
• Display (at least) grade level writing and reading
skills
• Complete the differentiated, higher level
coursework when it occurs throughout the school
year
• Participate in an End of the Year Project to be
completed within the all-honors classes.
Periods 2, 5 and 6: High School Honors
Recs
• Students in the all honors history class must meet the following
requirements to be recommended for honors history their
freshman year:
• Obtain an A or B all three trimesters
• Obtain an O or S in citizenship and work habits all three trimesters
• Demonstrate the writing ability at grade level or above
• Students may enter one the following classes next year.
− Honors Globalization/Global Connect/IB
− Globalization MUN (Model United Nations)
− (some campuses) AP Human Geography
PARENT COMMUNICATION
• E-mail is the best way to get a hold of me.
gonsiors@svusd.org
•Access my website at:
www.svusd.org/gonsiors
•Use to view absent lessons, homework and
upcoming due dates for projects and tests.
•Check your students progress in class by
accessing grades online.
•I email home often to inform parents of
upcoming test and quiz dates as well as project
due dates. If you have not received an email
yet please check with the front office.
The Common Core Standards
• More focus on literacy, writing, and higher-level
THINKING and speaking in ALL core subject
classrooms.
• One strategy being employed in my History class:
Document-Based Questions (primary source use)
− Valley Forge example
− Question: Valley Forge: Would You Have Quit?
Examples of the “Documents”:
Other Documents for analysis:
Thanks for coming!
• gonsiors@svusd.org