US/ MA Civics
8th Grade Course Description
Mr. Derosier
Central Tree Middle School
Room 226
Walter_derosier@wrsd.net
Course Description
We are excited to be teaching the new eighth-grade civics course at CTMS, building on the new history and social studies state standards for Massachusetts. You will see eighth graders developing crucial content knowledge and skills that will help them be productive, effective, and engaged citizens and residents--not only in the future, but now as 8th graders!
Materials and resources used included but are not limited to the textbook, worksheet packets, supplementary readings, videos, book excerpts, numerous primary source documents, map and presentations. Assessment will be based upon tests, quizzes, projects, research paper, and class participation .
Course Materials
You will need the following materials to be successful in this course:
· 3 Ring binder with dividers OR A notebook with perforated edges
· Writing utensils (pencils, or pens with blue or black ink)
· Planner/organizer
Research Paper
As a requirement for this course, you will be asked to write a research paper. The paper length will vary on the level you are taking this course, but the standard length is 2-4 pages. Throughout the year we will learn techniques essential to writing a quality paper for a history class, including how the research, include citations, and format your paper. Class time will be provided for some research and writing, but the majority of the work will be done outside of class on your own.
Classroom Expectations
· Be prepared for class and be on time!
· Be respectful at all times to every individual in the classroom
· Keep the classroom clean.
· No use of cell phones in the classroom
· Homework Policy: If you do not have your homework the day it’s due, you can pass it in the next day for half credit. On the third day, it is a zero and I will not accept it. ( It is your responsibility to hand in late homework, I will not remind you)
· STAY IN YOUR SEATS UNLESS GRANTED PERMISSION!
***Heading: All work should have the following heading on the top left and corner of the page:
Name
Date
Period
Assignment
Organization
Throughout the year you will receive primary source readings, articles, and worksheets in addition to your textbook. Keep these handouts organized in your binder or notebook. The more orderly your materials are kept, the easier it will be to prepare for tests, quizzes and cumulative exams.
Grading Policy
You will be graded on a points system. The larger the assignment, the larger the grade. Homework and class work are usually worth 10 points. Homework is graded on a check minus, check, and check plus scoring system. Check plus= 10/10. Checks= 7/10, and check minus = 5/10. Quizzes and small projects are usually worth 25-50 points. Tests, Essays and large projects are usually worth 100 points. At the end of each quarter you will also receive a participation grade which will consist of the following:
20 points on a combination
1. Participation
2. Effort
3. Attentiveness
4. Attitude
Cheating/Plagiarism
Central Tree Middle School policy is that anyone who is caught plagiarizing will receive a zero for the assignment and will face appropriate disciplinary consequences from the teacher and administrators.
*Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook.
Bullying
There will be zero tolerance for bullying in this classroom. Those who are caught bullying will be disciplined according to school policy.
*Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for a definition of bullying and consequences