Brief Description of CourseToday, the world is fast becoming a global village, with many countries enjoying a multicultural environment. Understanding different cultures is not only critical, but it also promotes ample coexistence. As we learn about diverse cultures, it is worth noting that all of us are individuals. Rather than generalizing, we should treat each other as individuals. This will go a long way in creating a better environment where we can all thrive.
From the Georgia Department of Education’s Standards of Excellence: In eighth grade, students study Georgia geography, history, government, and economics. While the four strands are interwoven, ample opportunity is also provided for in-depth study of the geography of Georgia and the government of Georgia. U.S. historical events are included, as appropriate, to ensure students understand Georgia’s role in the history of the United States. |
Course GoalsThis is a well-rounded program that hopes to captivate, entertain, and stimulate while developing an understanding of conceptual and factual historical knowledge. In addition, we will also focus on developing reading comprehension skills with expository text, formal reasoning, note-taking, research, collaborative work, oral presentations, technology-based projects, highlighting, outlining, concept mapping (graphic organizers), current events, debates, and simulations.
There are high expectations for every student in this class. Organization is a priority and a skill that we will develop and nurture within the scope of learning history. |
Course Expectations
-During this course, students will participate in a hybrid learning model. Sometimes referred to as blending learning, hybrid learning is a mix of face-to-face and online instruction that lends itself to individualized learning, collaboration via online discussions, and several modes of interacting with course content for different learning styles.
Because of this, it is important to make sure everyone is aware of online classroom etiquette. Here are some basic rules:
- Be on time
- Dress appropriately
- No toys, internet browsing, social media, or any other distractions
- Communication is critical!!
Student Progress
Semester progress reports shall be issued four and a half, nine and thirteen and a half weeks into each semester. The progress of students shall be evaluated frequently, and plans shall be generated to remediate deficiencies as they are discovered. Plans shall include appropriate interventions designed to meet the needs of the students. See Board Policy IH.
Academic Integrity
MAKE-UP WORK DUE TO ABSENCES
When a student is absent because of a legal reason as defined by Georgia law or when the absence is apparently beyond the control of the student, the student shall be given an opportunity to earn grade(s) for those days absent. Make-up work must be completed within the designated time allotted. See Board Policy IHEA.
GRADING SYSTEM
The DeKalb County School District believes that the most important assessment of student learning shall be conducted by the teachers as they observe and evaluate students in the context of ongoing classroom instruction. A variety of approaches, methodologies, and resources shall be used to deliver educational services and to maximize each student’s opportunity to succeed. Teachers shall evaluate student progress, report grades that represent the student’s academic achievement, and communicate official academic progress to students and parents in a timely manner through the electronic grading portal. See Board Policy IHA.