Hello My Name Is...

<Sandra Seals>

Masters in educational psychology from U.M.K.C. Taught 16 years. I presently teach social studies at Ervin middle school.

Social Studies
Syllabus 2009-2010
Instructor: Sandra Seals
8th Grade Civics / Geography 

Contact Information: (phone) 316-7548 (E-mail) sandrahb@hickmanmills.org

Expectations for Formal Written work / Student Portfolios

Students are required to keep a course portfolio with all completed assignments.  The portfolio will include tests. Quizzes, assessments, written work along with all rubrics are to be kept in student portfolios.  Parents, students and administrators may review portfolios upon request.  Parents also have access to students grades through the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus.

Curriculum

The Social Studies curriculum is based on M.A.P. (Missouri Assessment Program) standards and grade level expectations.  The following order of topics and skill sets is an overview of what will be covered in the upcoming year.

Principles and Processes of Government and of Constitutional Democracy

• Analyze cultural interactions between various groups.
• Analyze the motives for migration.

Cause and Effect of Political and Social  Institutions

• Compare and contrast heritage, values, customs and traditions.
• Understand the influences and ideas that led to American democracy.
• Analyze important historical documents.

Economic Principles

• Demonstrate understanding of supply and demand.
• Compare and contrast capitalism with other forms of economies.

Relationships between individuals, groups and institutions

• Provide examples of how the constitution affects our lives today.
• Describe how the Constitution and Bill of Rights has shaped American society.
• Analyze the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Course Description and Philosophy

The course is designed to invite the students to gain a greater understanding of government, the role of citizens as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.  The students will gain an understanding of the foundations of American government as well as it’s evolution into current day.  It is my desire to inspire the students to gain a better understanding of themselves and others in order to foster pride, humility, empathy and excellence!

Homework and the Power of  “I”

Homework will be given three times a week.  It is the expectation that the students will complete all assignments.  In the event a student fails to turn in an assignment the student will be given an “I” for incomplete until the missing work is made up. When the student submits the missing work the highest possible grade is a B.  If the student fails to get the missing assignments turned in the “I” becomes an F.  Students will have the opportunity to retake tests and various assignments.

Grading:

Grades are calculated on a scale that is weighted. The following percentages will determine each student’s grade.

A= 90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
I= 69-0%

Parents are encouraged to help support the learning environment by visiting our classroom and observing.  Parents are also encouraged to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.  Providing your child with the best education I can is my goal.  When people work together for the common good GREAT things happen!   

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