Secondary Course Syllabus

Building:  Sterling Jr. High School

Course Title:  U.S. History 8

Teacher:  Jody Richards / Mark Koley

Email:  richardsj@eastmont206.org                        Phone:  (509) 888-2551

  koleym@eastmont206.org                                   (509) 888-2550

Course Description:  This course covers U.S. history and government, focusing on beginnings through Reconstruction.  We will look at the foundation aNd beginning of our country and explore the development of politics, society, and the economy.  We will use a variety of social skills, including conducting research, deliberating, forming and evaluating opinions through the processes of reading, writing and communicating.  It is essential to ask questions and be involved in class.  

Pre-Requisites:  N/A

Textbooks and Instructional Materials:  There are a variety of instructional materials that support learning in this course.  The primary textbook is Discovering Our Past:  A History of the United States Early Years and is also available in digital media.  Technology is integrated in this course through Google Classroom and includes a variety of digital media and supplemental resources.

Grading:  Students achieve their grade in a points based grading system.  Grades are maintained within the Eastmont School District Student Information System.  The secure student information system including the gradebook for this course, are accessible to students and parents 24/7/365 through the student and parent portal via our website at www.eastmont206.org.

Grades are based on the following percentages and points for GPA calculations:

Accommodations and/or modifications:  Appropriate accommodations and/or modifications will be provided for students with documented disabilities.  Accommodations and modifications are types of adaptations that are made to the environment, curriculum, instruction, or assessment practices in order for students with disabilities to be successful learners and actively participate with other students in the general education classroom or in school-wide activities. Specific accommodations and modifications are determined by the student’s Section 504 team or Individual Education Program team.  If a student with a documented disability is eligible to receive accommodations and/or modifications their special education case manager will contact me within the first two weeks of class and provide me with explicit directions and/or resources to implementing the accommodations and/or modifications that are included on the student’s Section 504 plan or Individual Education Program.  Communication with me is essential to the successful completion of course expectations and the implementation of accommodations and/or modifications.

Attendance, Behavior, and Performance Expectations:  Student success is dependent upon respecting and following the rules of conduct outlined in Board Policy and described in the student handbook.  Both are available on the website at www.eastmont206.org.

Make-up Work:  Eastmont School District Policy and Procedures #3122 for excused absences and make-up work apply to this course.  Specifically, “If an absence is excused, the student will be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time limits…”  All the activities and learning opportunities for this course are expected to be completed.  Absences, whether excused or unexcused, cause gaps in learning.  All course work is expected to be made up one (1) week prior to the end of the semester.

Clubs, Activities, and Leadership opportunities:  Many opportunities for group work, participation and leadership will be available during a variety of course activities throughout the trimester.

Printed Documents:  Print copies of digital documents are available.  Please contact the main office for printed copies of documents that are referenced and published on the website.