SS Disclosure Document
7th Grade Social Studies
Mrs. Janssen 522-6454 Rm. E18 ~ holly.janssen@bsd7.org
This course will cover world history from the rise of the Roman Empire through the Enlightenment Period.
Course Description: Students will continue their study of World History and geography this year. Students will examine the time period of 500 B.C. to 1789 A.D. which includes the following historical events:
· Roman Empire and Fall of Rome
· Byzantine Expansion and Fall; includes Christianity
· Rise of Islam and Golden Age
· China’s Golden Ages
· The European Middle Ages
· The Renaissance and Reformation
· The Scientific Revolution, Exploration, The Enlightenment
Each unit will focus on five strands: history, civics, geography, economics and culture/diversity. In addition, when time allows, we will discuss current events and how they relate to historical events and our lives. We will be following the content and standards approved by the Bozeman Public Schools. To view the Bozeman Public Schools’ middle school social studies standards, please click on this link: 6-8 Social Studies Standards
Course Objectives:
Students will be able to:
· Think chronologically
· Comprehend a variety of historical sources
· Engage in historical analysis and interpretation
· Conduct historical research
· Engage in historical issues---analysis and decision-making
· Relate current issues to past and past events/issues to present.
We will be completing a variety of activities to reach these objectives.
Materials: We will be using the textbook: Journey Across Time: The Early Ages
Social Studies (SS) Notebook: composition book or spiral bound book. Notebooks should only contain SS material and not be used for every class. Notebooks will be kept in the classroom and students will bring them home when necessary.
· *Loose-leaf notebook paper; pencils and/or pens.
*Art supplies to be kept in locker colored pencils and markers, glue stick, scissors, hand-held pencil sharpener.!
*I have supplies of all the above materials in case students forget them, or are unable to supply their own.
*A book of the student's choice...from home, library or my classroom library to be brought to class everyday.
Absences: Students are required to check in to see what was missed during class time of an absence. Student accountability for all instruction lends itself to increased student responsibility, independence, and success. Before school, after school, and lunchtime are good times to check in with teachers following (or prior to) absences. E-mails and phone calls are also encouraged.
GRADING: - The academic grade is based on the number of points earned compared to the number of points possible. Students play an active role in their grading and are encouraged to be advocates for themselves by checking PowerSchool and communicating with me when they have questions. I do give students the opportunity to rework, redo, revisit work that receives a grade that is less than expected. This philosophy allows for growth and shows grit.
Written work will be graded using standards-based grading. Standards-Based Grading is a practice of assessing and communicating that accurately shows evidence of student learning and progress toward mastery of skills based on a targeted set of adopted standards. Marks are not a comparison of one student to another, but rather a way to measure how well students are doing on grade-level/course level standards. A standards-based grading and reporting approach allows parents and students to understand more clearly what is expected of students and how to help them be successful in their educational program. You will find below, a chart that explains standards-based grade descriptors and compares them to a traditional understanding of grades.
PARENT COMMUNICATION: Please do not hesitate to contact me, by e-mail or phone, with any questions, or concerns. Email tends to be the easiest way to contact me for timely responses.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS: All behavior should contribute to the progress of the class!
Falcon Four
* Be prepared
* Be positive
* Be respectful
* Be responsible
Respect yourself, your teachers, your peers, your classroom and school supplies. Students have the right to learn. Teachers have the right to teach. We all have the right to be safe. All SMS rules and policies are effective. Please see the beginning of the student handbook/ agenda for policies and consequences of misbehavior.
Parents:
Please feel free to contact me at any time and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Email is the easiest way for me to communicate with you. I may contact you for a variety of reasons; my favorite is to celebrate the successes of your student! The 7A team is going to have an updated website available to share up-to-date information about classes and events. This information is also on my links on the 7A website and can be referred to at your convenience.
Contact information:
Email: holly.janssen@bsd7.org Phone: (406) 522-6454
https://sites.google.com/a/bsd7.org/7-absaroka-sacajawea-middle-school/
Standards-Based Grading:
