Contract

United States History and Geography: Class Expectations and Contract

Purpose and Framework

The major emphasis of the course is to provide a study of the geographic, economic, political, social, and cultural changes that have shaped the history of the United States during the 20^th century. Students will review the nation's beginnings and the impact of the foundation of the United States democratic ideals. They will analyze the change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power.

Students later will evaluate the current political, economic and social problems of our time and understand the United States role in today’s drastically changing global environment. Students understand that the preservation of our rights under the U.S. Constitution depends on an educated citizenry for which they will become an active part of.

Course Outline

Unit	Description	Weeks
1	American Revolution and Creation of Government	1-3
2	Civil War and Reconstruction	4-5
3	Causes and Effects of the Industrial Revolution	6-9
4	Imperialism and World War I	10-11
5	Roaring 20s/Great Depression/New Deal	12-14
6	Causes and Effects of World War II	15-18

Culminating Tasks, Homework and Exams:

Culminating Tasks, Tests or Quizzes will be given upon the completion of a unit or grading period, approximately every 3-4 weeks. Culminating projects and homework will make up roughly 35-40% of the students’ grade, while Quizzes and Exams will be worth 15-20%.  For culminating tasks, students must adhere to the rubric and/or mandatory requirements given in order to earn points for the assignment.  If all requirements are not completed by the due date, then a “0” points will be given for that project. Should a student receive a “0”, then he or she may make the necessary changes and re-submit 1 project for half credit within one week of its due date during the course of the semester.  A parent or guardian must also sign all tests, quizzes, and culminating tasks.  They must be returned within one week, or students will lose the points earned.  

The other 45-50% will consist of class work, participation, and behavior.  All homework (excluding Current Events) and class work must be turned in at the end of the unit to which it applies, in their notebook. No late work will be accepted.  Students must adhere to the rubric and/or mandatory requirements given in order to earn points for the assignments and notebook. If all assignments are not completed by the due date, then a “0” points will be given for that notebook check. Should a student receive a “0”, then he or she may make the necessary changes and re-submit 1 notebook check for half credit within one week of its due date during the course of the semester. 

Plagiarism is against the school honor code, and thus any cases of plagiarism, for any assignments, will be dealt with accordingly.

Attendance

As we begin this school year, we look forward to working with you to ensure your child’s success.  Excellent school attendance paves the way for academic achievement.  The LAUSD goal is for all students to attend school 96% of the time or better, having no more than 5-7 absences per school year.  Please ensure that your child attends every day, on time and for the full length of the school day. A note must be provided and verified for every absence to obtain make-up work.

 

Supplies

1. 8.5” X 11” Spiral bound notebook with 100 pages or more. Plastic cover required.
2. Colored pencils
3. Stapler or tape

Classroom Management Plan:

1. Notebooks must be brought to class daily. No notebook = no entry. Class time may not be used to retrieve the notebook. Students will be docked points for every infraction.
2. Arrive to class on time. 3 tardies = “U”
3. Participation in all class activities is mandatory or students will be docked points.
4. No food or gum is allowed in class. Students will be docked points for every infraction.
5. Cell phones, music devices and make-up will be confiscated if seen or used during class.  Students will be docked points for every infraction.

Violations will be dealt with in the following manner.

1^st infraction – warning

2^nd infraction – conference between student and teacher

3^rd infraction – Conference between student and teacher and parent contacted

4^th infraction - Dean’s Office Referral

Semester grade scale:

90%+ A            80-89% B         70-79% C         60-69% D         below 59% Fail

I encourage active participation in your child’s education, and hope for an open channel of communication between us.  If you wish to contact me, please send a note with your student or e-mail at cad9937@lausd.net.  For important school information, visit www.sanpedrohs.org or for class assignments and grades, please visit www.jupitergrades.com.

Sincerely,

Ms. Carly DeBenedictis                                                             Ms. Holland (ms.saraholland@gmail.com)

United States History: 11^th Grade                                               Student Teacher

Please sign and have your son or daughter return this form to class. All points earned are pending until the contract and notebook are turned in.

We have read the Parent- Student Contract and understand what will be required in United States History.

Student Name: ________________________________________________  Per. ________

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Student Signature                                                                                                                            Date                                                                                                                          

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Parent Name                                                                                                         Date                   

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Parent Signature                                                                                                   Date