Dear Scholar and Parent or Guardian,
I am thrilled to be working with you and your scholar this school year. I am very excited for the opportunity that I have to get to know you and your scholar and share with them the importance of the history of our world. This letter will provide you with the rules and expectations for my classroom. I look forward to a wonderful year and a great beginning at John Adams Academy
The California State Standards for social studies serve as the guide for this course. The class will cover the following standards this school year.
10.1 Relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in Christianity to the development of Western civilization
10.2 Compare and contrast the Glorious Revolution of England, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution and their enduring effects worldwide on the political expectations for self-government and individual liberty.
10.3 Analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States.
10.4 Analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in the following regions or countries: Africa, China, India, and Latin America.
10.5 Analyze the causes and course of the First World War.
10.6 Analyze the effects of the First World War.
10.7 Analyze the rise of totalitarian governments after World War I.
10.8 Analyze the causes and consequences of World War II.
10.9 Analyze the international developments in the post–World War II world.
10.10 Analyze instances of nation-building in the contemporary world in the Middle East, Africa, China
10.11 Analyze the integration of countries into the world economy and the information, technological, and communications revolutions.
These standards will be covered using the following texts:
*Note- This list is preliminary and is subject to change according to teacher discretion.
The Prince- Niccolo Machiavelli
Plato’s Republic
Aristotle’s Politics
Hard Times- Charles Dickens
Passage to India- E.M. Forrester
Man’s Search for Meaning- Victor Frankl
Snow Falling in Spring- Moying Li
Your involvement is important to the success of your scholar. As I do my part in the classroom, I will need your help at home. Please remind your scholar of the work they need to accomplish for class and motivate them to do his or her best work. Scholars will have reading assignments on a regular basis on which they will be quizzed. They will be expected to complete rigorous homework, class work, and group work on a regular basis. In addition, scholars will be expected to master each of the 11 identified essential standards for this class. They will be required to show this mastery by completing 11 unit tests throughout the year as well as a cumulative end of year assessment. Should a scholar not pass a unit assessment, provisions will be made to allow the scholar to retake the assessment to show his or her mastery of the essential standard.
In order to aid communication between my class and your home, I have established a class blog where assignments and lesson plans will be posted. It is important to check the blog nightly for reminders and updates on class work, assignments, and upcoming assessments.
http://10thgradehistoryjaa.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns by email kroskelley.jaa@gmail.com
Please know that I am dedicated to the success of your scholar. I know that with your support we will help your scholar achieve success in this class. Again, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ms. Roskelley
kroskelley.jaa@gmail.com
The teacher reserves the right to make any changes to the syllabus, assignments or grading as the need arises.
Expectations
Each scholar is a valuable contributor to the growth and learning of the entire class. The success of all scholars requires a positive and safe classroom environment. I expect each scholar to take responsibility for his or her own learning and actions. Disruptive and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated in this classroom. The classroom behavior expectations are as follows:
Be Respectful:
Have respect for your classmates, your teacher, and yourself. Do not speak while the teacher or another scholar is talking. “Putdowns” and inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Show consideration for differing viewpoints.
Be Prepared to Learn:
Enter the room in a quiet, orderly manner. Remain in your seat, sitting properly until you are dismissed. Be ready to learn and always bring all necessary materials (a pencil and pen [blue or black ink only], paper, a binder for class work, and your text) to class. Be on task. The bell does not dismiss you, I do.
Be On Time to Class:
Scholars are expected to be in their assigned seat when the bell rings. All electronic devices (turned off and out of sight), gum, and food are to be stowed in backpacks. A clear bottle of water is acceptable. Notebooks and a pen and pencil should be out and ready to use. Scholars are expected to already be in their seat and working on their daily starter once the bell has rung.
Be Responsible:
Scholars are expected to do their work on time and to the best of their best ability. Assignments must be turned in when they are due (Note: “Your printer is out of ink” is NOT an excuse, please email me your homework if your printer breaks). All absent work is the responsibility of scholars to obtain; scholars are allowed one day to make up work for everyday they have an excused absence. Scholars can pick up their absent work from the absent box upon entering the classroom. COPYING or PLAGIARISM of any kind will not be tolerated in this class. Plagiarism will result in all scholars involved having to redo the assignment outside of class time. Scholars have the right to make their own choices and decisions; however, they must also accept responsibility for each and every choice that they make.
