Grade 8 U.S.

History/Humanities

Teacher: Mr. B. Harrist

You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history."
- David McCullough, Historian

Learning Objective In Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Students will evaluate how economic, social, and political characteristics shaped key events in our nations history. Learning Resources The American Republic, Textbook History Alive, Textbook Document Based Primary and Secondary Sources Alternative Texts: The use of music, movie segments, games, television, art, poetry, comics, political cartoons and etc. to engage student learning and inquiry. Composition Book/Student Work Binder Students are required to maintain a Student Composition Book/Notes and a Student Work Binder. The Binder will be assessed as part of the MYP requirements. Make-Up Work / Missing Assignments It is the responsibility of each student to make up missed assignments. Assignments are posted in the classroom and located in the Assignment Box. Teacher Web-Page Access our daily Learning Objective and additional classroom information. http://teacherweb.com/TX/GradyMiddleSchool/Harrist/apt1.aspx Humanities As part of the Humanities/MYP requirements, students will complete a Unit MYP project for each unit. Assignments throughout the unit will cover curriculum objectives and IB Humanities objectives. The Humanities MYP project is essential to student success. Lesson Extension (Homework) Lesson extensions activities will be developed and used as an educational supplement to concepts and objectives covered in the course. These assignments will be assessed as part of the student completing their Humanities MYP requirements.

Classroom Norms Norms are consistent and efficient patterns of behavior that make the classroom a safe and productive learning environment. In this class we: Arrive on time with materials ready to learn (composition book, writing utensils, and assignments). Respect the learning environment. Comply with HISD and Grady Middle School policies. Follow classroom procedures. Work hard to be successful. Classroom Procedures Students will be successful in this course if they choose to follow these procedures. 1. Write Lesson Objective in Student Agenda. 2. Keep an updated and organized binder. 3. Take assigned notes as directed. 4. Complete assigned activities and Unit Plans. 5. Participate in classroom discussions. Corrective Actions In this class students are respected as individuals. Consequences will be distributed on an individual basis based on the severity and frequency of the action. Repeated Level I infractions: 1. Verbal redirection 2. Teacher administered consequence 3. Student conference with Professional Learning Community 4. Parent Contact / Parent meeting with Professional Learning Community 5. Administrative Referral/Action Level II, III, IV infractions will receive an immediate Office Referral for administrative action. Mr. Harrist Contact Information Mr. Harrist E-Mail: bharrist@houstonisd.org Mr. Harrists Web-Page: http://teacherweb.com/TX/GradyMiddleSchool/Harrist/apt1.aspx Grade 8 Professional Learning Community: http://classjump.com/grady8plc/ Grady Middle School: 713-625-1411, ext #130