Course Description:
US history II is a sequel to US History I, which will trace the development of America from the late 1890s until the present. Students will research information and present their findings in various modes. Emphasis will be placed on developing analytical skills to derive meaning from both primary and secondary historical sources in order to use evidence to support their claims. Students will improve their deep reading of informational text and their compositional skills through Document Based Questions and Free Response Questions. Writing assignments are related to the content studied in class and through independent student research. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards will be addressed through this coursework.
Class Topic Overview
MP 1
Progressive Era
Imperialism
WWI
MP 2
Roaring 20’s
The Great Depression
The New Deal
WWII
MP 3
The Cold War
Civil Rights Movement
Kennedy & Johnson
MP 4
Vietnam War & Nixon
Ford & Carter Years
Reagan Revolution
Grading Rules
Summative............. .......80%
Tests, DBQs (40%)
Quizzes, SAQs, Socratics (40%)
Formative......................20%
Homework (portfolio), progress checks
classwork activites
1) Formative Assessments:
Designed to determine whether students are learning what is being taught, for the purpose of adjusting instruction, reteaching, providing students with additional support or intervention, etc. Sometimes these assessments can be reassessed at the discretion of the teacher, announced before the original task. Examples include but are not limited to quizzes, tests, homework evaluated for learning, projects, essays, journals, interactive notebook evaluations, exit cards, displays, logs, etc.
2) Summative Assessments:
Designed to assess whether students know and are able to do what has been taught, after instruction at the end of an instructional cycle or unit. Examples include but are not limited to unit tests, final exams, and major projects. Typically these assessments are not eligible for reassessment.
3) Prepare / Practice:
Homework/classwork will be assigned in order to preview, review, reinforce, or extend concepts in the curriculum. It is critical for students to complete homework as it is assigned, as it directly impacts their level of understanding. If a student does not understand an assignment, it is expected that he or she will make an effort to seek help from the teacher or through other supports (i.e. reads over notes from class, contacts homework buddy, asks a family member, attend Mentoring etc.). Homework should be done completely and turned in on time.
A) Homework/classwork completion for practice or preparation (counted for completion only). When turned in by the deadline, this homework is given credit for completion. Teachers will use professional judgment to determine the value assigned to partially completed work.
B) Homework/classwork assignments that are evaluated for learning will count as a formative or summative grade in the final marking period grade. The teacher will announce ahead of time that a homework assignment will be collected and graded in order to assess student understanding of a concept.
*Other assignments will also be given (not counted for a grade) These assignments may be discussed with the entire class and used to informally assess student learning and reteach as necessary. Students failing to complete these assignments will not get the intended benefit.
Binder Requirements (preferred)
3 Ring Binder
Loose left paper
4 section tabs
Section 1 - Warm – up/ Do Now
Section 2 - Notes
Section 3 - Handouts / worksheets
Section 4 - Tests / quizzes / other assessments