Civics Honors

What separates an honors class from a college prep class? In general, the courses will cover the same topics and material, but how we cover it will look different. Specifically, I will be expecting the following things:

1. A greater independence in your learning. This means you are working hard to make sure you are up to date in class, accomplishing independent tasks, and taking ownership of what you need to succeed. A successful honors student knows when they need to stay after, isn't afraid to ask questions, and uses their time wisely. 

2. An ongoing civics project over the duration of the course. Massachusetts State Law requires that students in the 8th grade complete a Civics project. As opposed to College Prep Level classes which generally complete the project as a stand alone unit, Honors Civics will embed themselves in the project for their full year, utilizing 1 period per 7 day cycle to work on their project. In a rough outline, students will determine their focus in October, complete their research by January, implement their project by April, and report their findings in June. The level of expectation is high, and to complete the project successfully will require students to step out of their comfort zone interacting with state and local officials to represent student voice.

3. A higher level of participation. Honors classes thrive on the students who get themselves involved in discussions, group work, and the general advancement of the class of a whole. By participating in class you will help others learn, and help us understand your perspective within our class. YOU WILL NOT AGREE WITH EVERYONE IN OUR CLASS, BUT THEIR OPINION IS VALID AND IMPORTANT.  We will engage in civil discourse frequently throughout this course. Mr. Cully's ultimate goal is to act as a moderator, and not determine what is right or wrong. Your worldview, experience, engagement, and a multitude of other factors will affect your perception in this class. There will be times where you disagree with others, but what matters is how we work to move forward in those moments. If you don't speak up, your position can not be considered. We don't respond against people, instead we listen to and react to positions using research, facts, and sourced evidence. We need to accept this in order to thrive this term.