This course surveys the major turning points in American history during the twentieth century.  Following a review of the nation’s beginnings and the impact of the Enlightenment on the United States’ democratic ideals, we will examine American culture including society, literature, art, economics, education, ethnic diversity, politics, and the mass media. To ensure student success (English language learners, special education, and low performing students) SDAIE methodologies, IEP, and 504 accommodations are incorporated by the teacher.  It is expected that students will master major historical, cultural, and geographical concepts in this course.  This course will comply with the PVUSD Million Word Challenge program.  In addition, students will further develop their skills in thinking, reading, writing, teamwork, thoughtful discussion, note-taking, and managing paper work.

 

Materials:

Materials required:

                Spiral notebook, one per semester  # 2 pencil     Pen                                                         Text: The Americans

                Glue stick                                               Highlighter                Colored pencils                                    (students have home copy)

 

Student Expectations:

The US History teachers are committed to supporting students in achieving skills that are essential to success at Aptos High School and beyond.  In this course, assignments and curriculum are designed to help each student achieve at the highest level.  Students in US History are expected to:

1. THINK CRITICALLY                                                                    3. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

2.  BE PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY                4. BE RESPONSIBLE, SELF-DIRECTED, INDIVIDUALS

(These expectations are referenced by number throughout this course outline)

 

Grading and Policies:

Your grade is based on a point system.  Successful students will attend regularly, come to class on time, participate in class, and do all assigned work.  The following is a list of ways to make the most of your educational experience in this class.  If you do these things, you will learn more!

* Participation (expectations 1, 3, 4)                                          * Interactive notebook (expectations 1, 3, 4)

* Classwork assignments (expectations 1, 2, 3, 4)                     * Homework assignments (expectations 1, 3, 4)

* Exams and quizzes (expectations 1, 3)                                              * Community Awareness activities (expectation 1, 2, 3, 4)

* Bell assignments (expectations 1, 3, 4)                          * Essays (expectations 1, 3, 4)

* Projects (expectations 1, 3, 4)                                       

 

Grades are based on a cumulative point total throughout the entire semester.  This means that quarter and final exam grades are not averaged to determine a semester grade.  At every grading period (D/F notice, quarter grade, semester grade) all points you have earned up to that time are added, then divided by the total number of points possible to calculate a percentage score.  You will receive your grade on the percentage score you attained.

Percentage grading scale:

90 -- 100 = A          89 -- 80                 = B          79 -- 70 = C             69 -- 60   = D                59 -- lower = F

 

·         As per California Education Code and District Policy, the student must create all work. Cheating of any kind will result in a grade of zero (0) on the assignment, notification of your parent or guardian, and a discipline referral to the Administration. 

 

·         In order to protect student privacy, the integrity of confidential grade books, and encourage responsible student/teacher communication, I will post grades online only at each grading period.  Students in their Junior year are working on increasing personal responsibility for their education, therefore, students have access to their grades in the classroom whenever new assignments are entered.  Please feel free to email or call me any time for an update on your student’s progress.  (ppughe@aptoshs.net or 831-688-6565, ext. 681)

 

Attendance and Make-up Policies: (Student expectation 4)

·     Late work is not accepted for unexcused absences.

·     There will be no make-up work given (except for excused absences) and no extra-credit assignments. 

·         It is the student’s responsibility to get the work from the teacher on the day he/she returns to school.

·         If you are absent on the day of a test, you must take an alternative make-up test during the next tutorial.  

·         Tests that are not made-up within a week of the original test date will automatically turn into a zero (0) grade. 

 

Other policies and related information:

·         Interactive notebooks will be collected and kept by the teacher at the end of each semester.

·         Students must return their books (or a receipt for payment) and notebooks on the day of the final to take the exam.

(all of the above meet student expectations 1, 2, 3, 4)

 

Rules:

All school rules apply to the classroom, which include all attendance, tardy, and discipline policies.  Please note the school tardy policy: when a student has been late to class 5 times they are automatically assigned to Saturday school. 

 

Keys to success--

In order to succeed, these basic guidelines must be followed:

1.        Respect people.  Everyone has the right to express his/her opinion in an appropriate manner.  One of the critical goals of this class is to learn to be respectful of opinions even if you disagree with them (expectations 1, 2, 3, 4).

2.        Come to class prepared to work. Always bring your pen, pencil, and interactive notebook (expectations 3, 4).

3.        Do not disturb the learning process.  Applying make-up, hairbrushing, etc. are disruptive to the class (expectations 3,4).

4.        Participate. Take control of your education—be an active participant in your school experience (expectations 1, 2, 3, 4).

 

 

 

US History/Pughe

I have read and understand the above information.

Please ask your student if you have any questions. Feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or questions about any of the above information. During the appropriate units, the movies (or excerpts of) “Glory” (rated “R”), “Memories of the Camps,” “American Graffiti,” “Woodstock” (rated “R”), “Born on the 4th of July” (rated “R”), and “Letters Home From Vietnam” (rated “R”) are shown.  If parents or guardians have any objections or questions about any of these movies, please contact me for an alternative for your student. Signatures imply consent to view these films.

Your signature indicates an understanding of the course requirements for US History.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 Student                                                                 Print name                                                      

 

                                                                                                                                               

Parent                                                                     Current phone number     

 

 

 

 

 

US History/Pughe

I have read and understand the above information.

Please ask your student if you have any questions. Feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or questions about any of the above information. During the appropriate units, the movies (or excerpts of) “Glory” (rated “R”), “Memories of the Camps,” “American Graffiti,” “Woodstock” (rated “R”), “Born on the 4th of July” (rated “R”), and “Letters Home From Vietnam” (rated “R”) are shown.  If parents or guardians have any objections or questions about any of these movies, please contact me for an alternative for your student. Signatures imply consent to view these films.

Your signature indicates an understanding of the course requirements for US History.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 Student                                                                 Print name                                                      

 

                                                                                                                                               

Parent                                                                     Current phone number