AMERICAN HISTORY 1

YARBROUGH

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Welcome to a new year at Butler. We are looking forward to working with you to make
this a successful and rewarding academic year.
American History 1 is a graduation requirement. You must pass the class as part of
the Social Studies curriculum.
The following topics will be covered:
CURRICULUM
Unit 1 Pre Columbian World: Exploration and Colonies
Unit 2 Era of Conflict: 1733-1871
Unit 3 A New Government: 1781-1797

Unit 4 The New Nation: 1790-1812

Unit 5 Nationalism, Sectionalism, Expansion
Age of Jackson, Reform:1800-1850
Unit 6 Civil War/Reconstruction: 1850-1877

There will be tests/quizzes covering the above material, as well as a Midterm and Final Exam.
Students are expected to have assignments completed on time and conduct themselves in a manner
conducive to a positive learning environment. All Butler and CMS Behavior Guidelines will be followed.
Students will be evaluated on daily assignments, homework, quizzes, tests, possible projects, and class
participation. Reading a textbook and writing skills will be essential. In order to ensure the strongest
possible instructional program, students must be prepared each day. This includes regular attendance,
participation, note-taking, and turning in homework on time.
Homework, when it is assigned, will serve several purposes, including:
- reinforcement of in-class learning, especially vocabulary, key terms/people, and major events
- development of reading and writing skills
- development of independent learning, responsibility, and time management skills.
Parents/Guardians can be active in the learning process as well:
- Be aware of school and class procedures.
- Check for progress reports and report cards.
- Provide a quiet area and time to do homework.
- Ask your student about school, homework, class, etc.
- Contact the teacher with specific concerns (* email is very effective and immediate).
Students and parents/guardians should read this information carefully, including the Classroom Procedures.
Sign and return the attached sheet, signifying your understanding. Im looking forward to a successful year
together
Blake Yarbrough
980.343.6300
blakt.yarbrough@cms.k12.nc.us
TEXTBOOK: The Americans (McDougal Littell). Each student will have a class set book that stays in
class, and access to the online version.
MATERIALS: American History Workbook; 3 ring notebook with tabs and paper; Folder for
handouts, Pen, Pencil, Highlighter
HONORS CURRICULUM: Honors Curriculum will move at an accelerated pace, with more in-depth
discussion, development of critical thinking, expository and argumentative writing skills, and analysis of
historical documents and images.

GUIDELINES/PROCEDURES: The class will be governed at all times by one broad guideline:
* DO NOT DISRUPT THE LEARNING PROCESS *
This means your own learning as well as others. Included in this guideline are several procedures that will
be followed to help all of us be successful:
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Be in YOUR seat and prepared when the bell rings.

Bring your materials with you each class.
Raise your hand if you have something to say.
Permission to leave the class is for emergencies only. Using the restroom is rarely and emergency.
Keep your head off the desk. Stay awake and be involved.
Keep all combs, brushes, makeup, etc. in your bookbag or purse.
Keep quiet during any announcements.
Class is finished when the lesson is finished, which may not be exactly when the bell rings. Please
wait for me to end class before you start to pack up to leave.
9. Stay in your seats until the bell rings.
* All Butler High School and CMS Behavior Guidelines regarding tardies, absences, and general behavior
are in effect. Additional procedures may be added as necessary.
CONSEQUENCES: There are always consequences for our actions and choices. Therefore, if you have
any difficulty following any of the procedures at any time during the year, the following steps will be taken:
1. Conference with teacher and verbal warning.
2. Conference and/or phone call or email with parent/guardian.
3. Referral to administrator.
* All Butler High School and CMS Behavior Guidelines are in effect.
GRADES: You have control over how well you do. There are two categories of assignments:
Formal Assessments (70%) Tests, Quizzes, Projects
Informal Assessments (30%) Homework, Classwork, Film Guides, Class Participation
Both formal and informal assessments will be assigned various point totals.
Formal Reassessment Policy
Students will have an opportunity for additional practice and a reassessment when scoring below an 79 on
a formal assessment. Options for additional practice my include: key terms, guided notes, contracts, others
as necessary. Students who want to take a formal reassessment must contact the teacher and complete the
additional practice within 7 calendar days of receiving the graded original formal assessment. The final
grade for the formal assessment will be the higher score/grade, up to an 79.
Late Work Policy
Late work may be turned in for partial credit
TUTORING: Extra help is available in the morning before 1st block or Monday and Friday afternoons by
appointment.
HOMEWORK: Homework is due at the beginning of class. After that, it is considered late, and worth
half credit.
MAKEUP WORK: If you are absent, you have 5 days to make up the work, test, etc. Missing work
means zero points. Tests can be made up before 1st block or Monday and Friday afternoons.
HONOR CODE: All students will abide by the Butler Honor Code regarding homework and tests. If it is
a group assignment, you will know in advance.