Ward's World Studies

Hi! Welcome to my World Studies classroom!

What do we learn?
In World Studies 2, we will explore the Age of Revolutions from the Industrial Revolution to the revolutions that came out of the Age of Imperialism.

How do we learn in here?
Dates and facts aren't as important to learn as why things happened in history and what people influenced events and ideas. It is more crucial that we learn how a war ended so that we can prevent another war. It is more important to find out why dictators come to power so that we can stop them. If we want to end world poverty, keep children from becoming slaves, make the lives of workers better, or advance as a society, we need to know what to do and history can give us those answers!
1. Writing - We are always asking why or how history happened. Every day, we will write in a daily notebook.
2. Reading - Historic texts and current events help us gather information to answer those questions that we write about.
3. Projects - Maps and creative products can also help us put together ideas and explore interesting pieces of history.

How are we graded?

Grading Scale:

4 pt. Scale

A	100.00%	3.65%
A-	3.64%	3.50%
B+	3.49%	3.25%
B	3.24%	3.00%
B-	2.99%	2.70%
C+	2.69%	2.30%
C	2.29%	2.00%
C-	1.99%	1.70%
D	1.69%	1.30%
F	1.29%	0.00%

Categories and Weighting:

Assessment (Red)	60%
Assignments (Light Blue)	30%
Citizenship (White)	10%

1. Standards - every assignment has standards that we must meet (Reading, Writing, Geography, Civics, Social Studies, and Professionalism).
2. Scoring - For each standard in a product, you receive a score. Scoring guidelines look something like below;

4 Exceptional	In addition to exhibiting level 3 performance, in-depth inferences and applications that go BEYOND what was taught in class and assigned. Level 4 learners are very creative and analytical. They add details from many sources. They put all of the details in their own words and add their ideas with those ideas. Level 4 learners ask questions of all different types (see levels questions). Level 4 learners spend time explaining their answers.
3 Mastery	No major error or omission regarding any of the information or processes (SIMPLE or COMPLEX, that were taught) Level 3 learners have some creativity and analysis They may only rely on a few sources. They may leave out some details but cover the question. Level 3 learners have their own words and ideas but may not fully understand or research the questions. They spend time explaining but may have holes in explanation.
2 Passing	No major errors or omissions regarding SIMPLER details and processes BUT major errors or omission regarding the more complex ideas and processes. Level 2 learners know the right answers, but they are basic answers and lacking in creativity or analysis. They answer with details from single source. They will answer question without explaining or expanding ideas. Level 2 learners will not always use their own thoughts or words to answer.
1 Striving to Reach Standard	With HELP, a partial knowledge of some of the simpler ideas/details and processes demonstrated. Level 1 learners are trying to understand questions or ideas. Level 1 learners may only have basic information in their answers. They struggle with research and gathering details. Level 1 learners may not be able to analyze information.
0 Missed Attempt	Even with help, no understanding or skill demonstrated Level zero learners cut and paste or take other's work.

Percentages of each score are set at the midpoint. You can earn a + or - depending on how well I think you've been striving to meet the standard.

How will I know what my overall grade is?
Your grade is computed using weighted categories.
Assessment - 60 %
Assignment - 30%
Citizenship - 10%
How will I know what category an assignment is going to be in?

Assessments (Red) = Large creative projects such as cartoons, comics, and maps, Tests, Essay, and Projects
Assignments (Light Blue) = Daily Notebooks, Grammar Checks, Vocabulary, Quizzes, Graphic Organizers
Citizenship (White) = Note checks, Growth Notebooks, Participation, Project Evaluations, Professional Standards

You are responsible for checking your grade in Skyward.

In Skyward the title will include the name of the assignment as posted on Google Classroom and the code of the Standard that applies.

You may see multiples of the same assignment name but each will have different standards codes.
For example DN 1 African Kings which would mean Daily Notebook - African Kings - Reading History Standard 9-10.1 - Determines central ideas of readings and summarizes the development of the central ideas in the reading.
You can click on the assignment name (link) to find more of an assignment description.

As you do your daily work (daily notebooks and projects), you will receive a score for each standard that is addressed in the assignment. For example, a daily notebook where a student must write about Pre-Imperialism African tribal views towards marriage and the rights of women might receive a score in both Writing and History. This means that the assignment has two grades (both worth 4 points of the overall grade) and that adds up to a 20 for the assignment.

Grade EXAMPLE;
Joey receives his Colonial Government poster back. The poster was worth three grades and so his scores were as below;

Reading History 9-10.4: Analyzes historic documents. (Student presents key ideas about the various types of colonial governments.) 2/4 Writing History 9-10.2: Uses evidence to support analysis and thesis. (Student included examples, facts, and details from research sources in poster to help support key ideas.) 3 /4

Reading 3.2: Knows the importance of key vocabulary words (impact of people, places, events, and ideas in history). (Student took notes in vocabulary graphic organizer. Defined and added examples to vocabulary. ) 3/4

Professional Student 5.1.5: Creativity - The student demonstrates a creative and individual approach to the product. (Student included a variety of visuals, charts, and photos on poster.) 3/4

Which of the categories in the grade book do you think the standards are most likely to go under?
What is his overall grade? Do the math (just this assignment is in the book).

I will return work to you in Google Classroom. Open the work. Each product will have a list of the standards attached either at the bottom or as a slide (in a Presentation). If I am grading Daily Notebooks, they will be returned to you in your student Gmail. The email will tell you the scores for each standard, include your answers, and sometimes have helpful comments if you wish to improve that notebook.

Late Work

What is late work? Anything that you were supposed to submit on the due date that you failed to submit.
Can I turn in late work? Students may turn in any work related to the project only until the end of that project.

Late Work Policy:

For assignments

Late work will be accepted up until the final assessment for that unit.
Maximum points possible - 2 out of 4

For essays and projects (assessments) parameters for acceptance of late work/revisions will be at teacher discretion

Excused Absences do NOT excuse you from due dates for any work submitted online.

Unless specified by the teacher, all work is due by midnight of the date listed on Google classroom. Dates will be checked in the course of assignment corrections.

So what can I do to get a better grade?

Extra Credit:

Will be offered as appropriate at teacher discretion
Will be designed to supplement student learning
Chances are fairly high that any extra rewards opportunities will NOT raise your grade.
Extra opportunities will go under the assignment or citizenship categories.

You are better off if you do these strategies;

Always do your Daily Notebook - Make sure that even if you don't finish your notebook during the class period that you go home and finish it for homework. Before you submit your daily notebook, you should;
a) Proofread it for grammar and spelling
b) Check for enough description, examples, or explanations.

On Time Work - Always turn in your work on-time EVEN if it is not finished. Getting a 1 or 2 on an assignment is better than getting a zero. Even if you get zero on PART of your assignment, it is better because you get a chance to do THE REDO. Work in class can have multiple parts to it. Make sure that you complete it so that you can get grades in all the standards.

Retakes

Retakes will be offered in the form of test or assessment revisions
Students will have the opportunity to correct tests or revise their assessment to receive a higher score. Chances are high that a student will move up one score level only. Students rarely move from a 3 to a 4.
Time window for test corrections/revisions will be at teacher discretion - but in most cases 10 school days
Corrections/revisions may be completed as a class assignment or after school.

Please save ALL of your emails. I will not resend you work. However, you can consult with me on what you can do better. Pay attention to the chart above to help you determine how you can do better not only on your redo but also on future assignments.

Tips for Good Retakes.
1. Fix any grammatical errors.
2. Add more detail, explanation, or examples.
3. Pay attention to comments.
4. Don't wait until the last minute to redo something.
5. Do not delete your original work. Instead, make the changes inside the original work so that I can compare.
6. Follow the retake format that is given to you.
7. Some retakes will be mandatory. You will be given instructions.

How will I know that I have work to do?

Daily Notebooks - We usually open up class with a Daily Notebook in Google Classroom. Daily Notebooks are important ways to learn skills that will help write better for the standardized test. Daily Notebooks also help students learn history ideas and facts. Daily Notebooks must be finished the day that they are assigned but students can go home to finish writing them if they want to make changes or add more when the class discusses the ideas. Daily Notebooks are submitted through Google Classroom and will be returned through classroom with suggested changes in the document. Sometimes Daily Notebooks can be worth multiple scores.

Successful Daily Notebook tips

1. Make sure you have all the facts and details.

2. Be descriptive.

3. Always have two or more different ideas, reasons, or points.

4. Proofread your writing before turning it in. Use both spell check and your own eyes to make sure that the sentences are correct and flow.

5. Use periods not commas to separate sentences.

6. Always capitalize I and proper names like China.

7. Follow the directions on Google Classroom.

8. Answer ALL of the question.

9. Be creative.

10. Do your own work.

11. Remember the discussion after the 10 minute writing time will help you add details or new ideas so go home and revise.

12. Hit the SUBMIT button otherwise it will be late and I will NOT take it.

13. Explain all the evidence in your own words.

Projects - Students will work on their own or collaborate with other students to create, display, or present ideas. Projects can include technology challenges, debates and speeches, maps, and graphic representations of history. Students are scored on their own contributions when in a group environment.

Homework - You will always have homework if you don't finish your daily notebook or project work in class. There is more than enough world history to learn!

How do I turn in work to this class?

The main way that we will turn in work is through Google Classroom. Your classroom code is

jjdr8s

The second way that we will turn in work is in folders placed on tall table in front of class. Please be sure that you check the sticky note on each folder to make sure that you are turning in the right assignment.

Technology is very important in this classroom. All North Thurston Public Schools policies will be followed while using this valuable resource. If those policies are not followed, it is at my discretion to remove you from the technology and/or follow the NTPS disciplinary procedures. Please note that this will have a severe impact on your grade as most of the work that we do in class does not have a hard copy option.

It is expected that you will bring your Chromebook charged to class every day. While I may have charging locations, having cords around the classroom is a movement hazard and not safe. Charging in class would be for emergencies only. There are no extra Chromebooks around. You may not borrow one from the library. You may not go out to commons to charge at a station. You may not borrow someone else's Chromebook.

RAMS - Your Behavior
I have high expectations for your behavior. Now that you are in high school, I expect you to communicate freely and maturely with your teacher and peers.

As always we follow all the rules of the school and district including the RAMS standard.
Respect Ourselves and Others
Act Responsibly
Model Safety
Strive For Excellence

I have included RAMS charts to help you identify standard behavior procedures in class. Please keep the hard copy that will be provided to you during the first week in your binder along with the syllabus.

Absences and Tardies - In this classroom, all absence reporting is done according to the district and state rules. If you have an excused absence, you may turn in papers upon your return. Extra time is not given on assignments unless the time has been long enough that the assignment was given in absence. In other words, if you are gone on Thursday during the course of an assignment that was given prior to your absence, you are expected to turn the PAPER in when you arrive on Friday EXCEPT in the cases of ONLINE work which is expected to be turned in on deadline.

Tardies - If you receive two tardies in one week, you will receive a lunch detention on the same day as the second tardy. You will receive a special lunch detention pass and will be reported to detention so that the detention teacher can check you in a report back to me whether you arrived.

Behavior
Green slips (office referrals) and lunch detentions can be given for other discrepancies as well. Examples of reasons why lunch detentions might be give are;
a) overuse of cellphones
b) profane language
c) inappropriate use of class time
These are just a FEW of the reasons why you might receive lunch detention.

Other methods of discipline may include; removal of student from classroom, email home to parent, notes made in Skyward about behavior, or a write-up to the office.

Food, Beverages, and Gum
There will be no food in classroom unless it is provided by teacher. Food can be left out on the table at the door. For food provided by teacher (if such), please make sure to dispose of
Beverages are not allowed in the classroom. They can also be left outside the room on the table.
Gum is absolutely not allowed in the classroom.
There are three marked trash cans if you wish to dispose of your food, gum, or beverages upon entry into the classroom.
The only exceptions made to these rules will be health exceptions. If you are a health exception (and it is not noted in Skyward), please talk to teacher.

Behaviors that I like to see in the classroom include;
Productive work with all of your peers.
Positive communication with your teacher and peers.
Respect towards yourself and others
Responsible use of all of the technologies around you.
Acceptance and understanding of differences.
Responsibility towards being a good student.
Owning your behaviors and improving on them.
Questing and Exploration of history. Ask questions!

Ward's World Studies

Monday, March 9, 2015

The End of World War I and the Versailles Treaty

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Alliances of World War I

Monday, October 13, 2014

Geography - Africa Map Resources

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Welcome and Class Syllabus

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