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8th Grade

Social Studies (8th Grade) at Inman Middle School

Course Syllabus: Georgia History and the American Experience

 

Teachers:       Mr. Mike Dorsey

                        (BA & BS, Georgia State University, M. Ed. Leadership, Kennesaw State University;

                        Ed.S., Lincoln Memorial University)

                        Team 8-2, Room 2024

                        dmdorsey@atlanta.k12.ga.us

 

School Phone: 404-802-3200

 

Text:

Georgia: It’s Heritage and It’s Promise. Caldwell, Lee Ann. Atlanta (GA): Clairmont Press, 2011.

 

Access the full textbook (including an audio book version) and other resources at www.mystatehistory.com

·         Select Georgia: It’s Heritage and It’s Promise 2011, Full Version

·         Password: gamsh17 (click go)

 

Course Description: Throughout the year, students will study the geography, government, and history of Georgia within the broader context of United States history. 

 

Course Objectives: Students will examine various social studies themes, including how people adapt to and change their environment, historical cause and effect, and the cultural responsibilities of a citizen in a democratic society.  The social studies skills that will be practiced include information processing, chronology, map skills, and interpretation of historical sources.  Gifted and Talented students will be provided appropriate differentiated instruction to help gifted students reach their maximum potential.  The exact activities will be determined according to the students’ various needs paired with the required Georgia state learning standards. 

 

Course Standards:

 

  • The course follows the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) outlined by the Georgia Department of Education (GA DOE) – SS8H1-13; SS8G1-2; SS8CG1-6; SS8E1-5.

 

            https://www.georgiastandards.org/Standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards/Grade%20Eight%20updated%206-15-2011.pdf

 

  • The course follows the Georgia Program Standards for Gifted and High Ability Learners as outlined by the GA DOE – CP&I1.1-1.4; CP&I2.1-2.4; LE1.1-1.3

 

http://www.gadoe.org/ci_iap_gifted.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements:

 

(1)    Students are required to bring the following items to EVERY CLASS:

·         Pens (blue or black ink) and pencils (mechanical, with extra lead)

·         three ring binder with plenty of loose-leaf paper & divider

·         Portable USB drive (for storing projects and other assignments)

·         colored pencils, highlighter, and glue stick (strongly recommended)

 

(2)    Special projects, quizzes (weekly), and tests (every 2-4 weeks) will be given.  Most projects will require art supplies and/or computer access.

 

(3)   Gifted Students are required to maintain at least “B”. 

 

(4)   Active participation in all class activities and discussions, along with the completion of all assignments, is extremely important for success!

 

Behavior Expectations: Students are expected to abide by the rules of conduct and behavior set by APS and Inman Middle School.  Behavior that will result in immediate disciplinary action includes: failure to respect faculty, other students, and school property, failure to follow directions, disrupting the learning environment, lack of preparation for class, and any behavior that distracts from the objective of learning.

 

Course Evaluation and Grading:  Student grades will be based on several components. 

 

Classwork/Participation ………....30%

Tests………..………….…………20%

Projects…………………………...20%

Quizzes…………………………..20%

Homework………………………..10%

 

**Assignments must be turned in on time!! NO late homework accepted except in the case of an excused absence.  Late classwork and projects may be accepted with a 25% penalty.  Make-up work must be turned in within 5 school days.

 

The school-wide grading scale is as follows:        A = 90-100       Excellent Achievement

B = 80-89         Above Average Achievement

C = 70-79         Average Achievement

F = 0-69            Failure to Achieve

 

Conferences and After School Tutoring: 

 

Mr. Dorsey: Monday 3:45-4:45 pm

Please make an appointment for all parent-teacher conferences by contacting the designated teacher on your team via email.  If email is not available, you may call the front office and leave a message. 

 

Special Note: The teacher reserves the right to adjust any section of the syllabus at any time during the semester to more adequately meet the needs of the students.

 

Website: For more information about this class, assignments, and other announcements, please visit the Inman website.