Syllabus

Schoology

As explained by the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards, Global Studies 8 "features geography as the 'lead discipline' with a strong secondary emphasis on contemporary world history. Content drawn from citizenship and government, and economics, enriches the study of world regional geography, and further develops the interdisciplinary 'studies' approach. Students in grade 8 explore the regions of the world using geographic information from print and electronic sources. They analyze important trends in the modern world such as demographic change, shifting trade patterns, and intensified cultural interactions due to globalization. Students participate in civic discussion on contemporary issues, conduct historical inquiry, and study events over the last half century that have shaped the contemporary world. They analyze connections between revolutions, independence movements and social transformations, and understand reasons for the creation of modern nation states. They learn that governments are based on different political philosophies and serve various purposes. By learning economic principles of trade and the factors that affect economic growth, students understand why there are different standards of living in countries around the world."

The following regions are addressed:

• • North America

  • Latin America

  • Europe and Russia

  • Southwest Asia and North Africa

  • East Asia and Southeast Asia

  • South Asia and Central Asia

  • Africa South of the Sahara

  • Australia and Oceania

The following time periods will be addressed:

• • The World After World War II: 1950 - 1989

  • The New Global Era: 1989 - Present

The following themes and skills will also be addressed:

• • Cultural characteristics, Technology, and Ideas

  • Economic Development and Trade

  • Population and Migration

  • Human Interactions with the Environment

  • Skills such as Civic Participation, Economic Reasoning, Geographic Inquiry, Geospatial Technology, and Historical Inquiry

A majority of teachers in the 7th and 8th grade, including myself, are moving towards encouraging a growth-mindset in our students and, with that, a standard-based grading system. Students will complete assignments/assessments and be asked to both self-assess their understanding of the standard and meet with me to discuss the understanding level that they demonstrated of each of the "Power Standards." Assignments/Assessments may only link with one standard, or multiple ones, and students' understanding of each standard will be demonstrated multiple times throughout the school year. Expectations for meeting each standard will be communicated clearly. Moreover, students will be encouraged to redo/revise assignments/assessments until the end of each unit.

I realize that this is probably confusing and a large change from the traditional grading systems students are accustomed to. Please know that I am available and ALWAYS willing to answer questions from students and parents to clear up confusion. If you're struggling, chances are many others are too and are uncomfortable asking questions. Never hesitate to call, email, or stop by if you have any questions! We're all in this change together!

Standard-Based Grading Scale:

4 - Extending - Meets course standards with a high level of achievement

The learner consistently and thoroughly:

• • applies concept or skill to new situations

  • extends ideas and draws connections to real world situations

  • demonstrates a deep understanding of the concept or skill

  • meets grade level expectations with enriched understanding

3 - Meeting - Meets course standards while making making progress toward a high level of achievement

The learner:

• • applies the concept or skill to situations with increasing confidence

  • demonstrates an understanding of the concept or skill

  • demonstrates an understanding by drawing conclusions

  • meets grade level expectations

2 - Developing - Partially meets course standards

The learner:

• • demonstrates a basic understanding of the concept or skill but needs more practice to apply it

  • needs assistance to meet learning goal and to continue to explore the topic

  • demonstrates an understanding of the topic, but more attention to detail is required

  • mostly meets grade level expectations

1 - Approaching - Does not yet meet course standards

The learner:

• • begins to demonstrate a basic understanding of the concept or skill

  • provides explanations that are inconsistent and shows minimal connections to related concept or skill

  • is at the beginning stages of learning and needs to revisit the topic in order to develop better understanding

  • does not yet meet grade level expectations

Minnesota Global Studies Power Standards Being Assessed

Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies (2011)