U.S. History syllabus

U.S. HISTORY
MS.JOLLY
ROOM 206
ms.tkjolly@gmail.com
tierra.jolly@rsdla.net

“We didn’t land on Plymouth Rock. Plymouth Rock landed on us.” –Malcolm X

This course is designed to do two things: 1) help you understand the events between 1865 and now that have made Americans of all backgrounds who we are; and 2) prepare you to pass the GEE and graduate.

REQUIRED MATERIALS
-One 1 ½” binder with a clear insert cover
-At least 100 pages of loose leaf paper to go inside your binder
-The Autobiography of Malcolm X, by Alex Haley
-Pens and pencils

GRADE VALUES & POLICIES
Monday: Opening (4 points)
Notes (4 points)
Guided Practice (4 points)
Independent Practice (4 points)
Learning Log (4 points)

Tues-Thurs: 9 Primary Sources: Comprehension & Synthesis (20 points each)

Friday Unit Assessment (100 points)
UNIT TOTAL: 300 POINTS

Monday’s work will be scored with the 4-point GEE constructed response rubric, which is available for review on the classroom wall. All primary source assignments will receive a grade of 100% - if the work is complete and shows full mastery of the skill and content being assessed. If the work is incorrect, sloppy, or incomplete, no credit will be given until the work is re-submitted to show completion and full mastery, at which point you will receive full credit for your work. Friday’s unit assessments will vary in format; I give traditional tests with multiple choice and constructed response questions and performance assessments like cartoons, skits, and posters.

Extra credit will be given to students who complete more than the required 9 primary source evaluations. I reserve the right to assign extra, mandatory primary sources and alternate assessments to students who demonstrate the need for an accelerated program.

RULES
1. Arrive early and prepared.
2. Follow directions quickly.
3. Raise your hand for permission to speak.
4. Only say helpful things.
5. Keep your teacher happy.

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES
As a class, you will spend the semester competing against me for points. If you beat me in points in a week, you will win a perk – 10 free minutes at the end of class, no homework, 5 extra credit points on a test, music in class for a week. The perk and when you receive it will be decided at the end of each Friday’s class.


NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES
When you break a rule, you prevent the class from learning. Since you’re working against the team, you’re working for me. This means that I earn points when you act a fool. Give me 3 points in one class period, and we need to talk privately in the hallway. We will decide on a consequence for your in appropriate behavior, and then we will continue our regularly scheduled program of learning.

OTHER REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF
Lupe wasn’t lying when he said, “You can’t pass if you’re missing, G.” If you miss 8 or more days of my class this semester, you will fail the whole class. This is an RSD policy, so no exceptions. Plus, if you miss that many days, you’re probably not making up the work – which means you’re failing anyway.

I do not accept late work.

All lesson plans and primary sources will be available at http://msjolly.blogspot.com. If you miss school for any reason, you are expected to visit the site and complete the posted work by the assigned due date. You may submit work via email, to ms.tkjolly@gmail.com or tierra.jolly@rsdla.net.

I do not give bathroom passes. If you have a specific medical concern that requires you to use the restroom frequently, see me privately after class to discuss your needs.

If you have a question or concern about any part of this course, don’t be afraid to talk to me about it. I am available in person during third period, second lunch, and after school. Feel free to email me anytime. You and your guardian may also reach me by telephone between 7am and 9pm.


This is going to be a great semester. Let’s get started!