The code for Google Classroom is sxfsdri (period 1) or yrw2yhk (period 4)

Welcome to Mrs. Hall’s Multi-Cultural Studies Class

Auburn Mountainview High School

2021-2022 Fall Semester – Room 301

ehall@auburn.wednet.edu 253-804-4539 ext. 3010

Introduction

This one-semester Social Studies elective course will be taught at all Auburn School District High Schools. It is critical that all students see themselves as valued and represented in school curriculum, and this class strives to bridge the gap between what IS and what is NOT traditionally taught in U.S. History classes. Each unit is structured similarly, including vocabulary instruction, history of specific ethnic/racial groups and their experiences in the American story. Students will write extended responses and prepare for and participate in Socratic Seminars. There will be many times throughout the course where students will be provided with choices and how to explore their blind spots related to different cultural groups. Most importantly, norms will be established on day one so students know the expectations of the class. In the end, students will open their minds to multiple perspectives and gain new insight as members of the diverse society that is America.

Course Study

Unit 1: American Identity

Unit 2: Black/African American

Unit 3: Latinx

Unit 4: Pacific Islander/Asian-American

Unit 5: American Indian

Unit 6: Reflection, Connection, & Action

This is the link to the full district framework. There is no way for all of this material to be covered in a semester, but this is what I will pull from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ALPEICN7V9omyTkVtHdJqgyuua8aWxwPvdsGCnDUTjA/edit?usp=sharing

Chromebooks

We use Chromebooks most days in MCS. Students are expected to have them charged and ready to go. I also expect that students will be professional in their classroom use of the device, abide by all ASD expectations, and have good digital citizenship.

Attendance

The more absences you acquire, the harder it will be to earn a good grade in this class. Please pre-arrange absences if you know you will be gone. The most important learning happens during class. Plan to be here each day ready to learn and have fun.

Classroom Rules and Consequences

In addition to being responsible for following school-wide rules, we will also work together to create a positive, welcoming classroom environment by following these rules:

Be prepared and on time each day (meaning in your seat and working when the bell rings)

Listen to directions the first time they are given

Be respectful (please do not talk if the teacher is addressing the class, likewise if a student is addressing the class)

All differences are nurtured in this classroom (there will be immediate consequences for bullying or hurtful teasing/harassment of any kind… we are a family)

I will give students ONE warning. Next will be a private conversation about his/her behavior and a call home. If neither of these deters behavior, a detention will be issued. Mrs. Hall reserves the right to change or skip consequences in the case of severe behavior.

Late Work Policy:

Late work is accepted at 70% of the original credit and only taken until the date of the subsequent unit’s assessment.

Assessment Retake Policy:

Retakes are allowed only if you fall below 70% on your original assessment. The highest you can receive on a retake is 80% (meets standard). Retakes are allowed only when all daily work is turned-in for that unit. If you choose to not take the assessment on the original day given you are ineligible to retake the assessment.

Your grades are weighted by the following categories:

Assessments 80%

Classwork & Homework 20% (Includes: 21st century skills like Participation/Citizenship)

Film:

There are an extensive amount of documentary clips that will be used in this class. Some of the titles include: Black America since MLK, The Thirteenth, The Hate you Give, Race: The Power of an Illusion, The Canary Effect, and more. I will let you know in the weekly email what we are watching specific to that week and you can always contact me if you have any questions.

I will email you through the Skyward system every Monday by 4 pm. If you want to receive this email, please make sure the Registrar has it on file.