Teacher:  Ivan Jefferson

  Email:  ijeffers@greenville.k12.sc.us

 Phone:  864-355-0392

 Extra Help: Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment

ESSENTIALS OF SOCIAL STUDIES  

• Essentials of Social Studies II emphasize the governmental system of the United States. Students will learn how various powers are granted and distributed among branches and levels of government, and how checks and balances prevent one branch from overpowering the others. The study of United States Government provides a basis for students to develop the skills necessary to live and thrive in America’s constitutional democracy and participate in society as active and informed citizens.

 GOVERNMENT 

• Standard 1: Demonstrate an understanding of foundational political theory, concepts, and application.

• Standard 2: Demonstrate an understanding of foundational American political principles and the historical events and philosophical deas that shaped the development and application of these principles.

• Standard 3: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic organization and function of United States government on national, state, and local levels and the role of federalism in addressing the distribution of power.

• Standard 4: Demonstrate an understanding of civil rights and civil liberties, the role of American citizens in the American political system, and distinctive expressions of American political culture.

Competency Goals

• United States Government

• 1. Demonstrate an awareness of the organizational structure of the United States Government and its functions.

• 2. Demonstrate knowledge of all branches of federal government (i.e., executive, legislative, and judicial).

• 3. Summarize core principals of United States Government (i.e., checks and balances, separation of power, rule of law, freedom, and equality).

• 4. Develop an understanding of American founding documents (i.e., the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

• 5. Demonstrate an understanding of civil rights and civil liberties, and the role of American Citizens in the American Political System.

• State Government

• 1. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of state government, state officials, and their functions.

• 2. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of state government on life in South Carolina (i.e., society, education and economics).

 CITIZENSHIP 

• Standard 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States.

Competency Goals

• 1. Describe and evaluate the ways citizens can participate in the political process at the local, state, national, and global levels.

• 2. Inquiry into how individuals become citizens in the United States and the importance of those rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.

• 3. Analyze contemporary issues and governmental responses at various levels in terms of how they have provided equal protection under the law and equal access to society’s opportunities and public facilities.

Classroom Materials:

• Google Chromebook & charger 

• Pencils, pens, highlighters (provided by teacher)

• Loose-leaf paper or notebook paper (provided by teacher)

• Folder with pockets and three prongs (provided by teacher)

• Plug in headphones for Chromebook (provided by teacher or you may use your own) (NOT BLUETOOTH) 

Classroom Expectations:

1) Be PREPARED

• Arrive to class on time

• Bring all necessary materials (Charged Chromebooks, assignments, & an open mind)

• PHONES & HEADPHONES KEPT IN BACKPACKS!   

2) Be PRESENT

• Physically & mentally 

• Active participation (ask questions, seek help, make connections, & help others) 

3) Be POLITE

• Be respectful towards your teachers, classmates, and yourself

• Be open-minded, patient, and respectful during class and collaborative discussions

4) Be POSITIVE

• Come to class ready and open to learning new concepts and material

• Be someone who others want to collaborate with, respect, and be around. 

• You will make mistakes, but you will learn and grow from them. 

Uniform Grading Scale

The Uniform Grading Policy approved by the State Board of Education is effective for all students enrolled in unit-bearing classes, including those offered at the middle school level.

The SC Grading Scale is as follows:
A= 90-100; 

B= 80-89, 

C= 70-79, 

D= 60-69, 

F= 0-59

WF= 50, FA=50, 

2nd-12th Grade

The following grade scale will be applied to students in grades 2-12.

A=100-90    B=89-80    C=79-70 D=69-60 F=59-50     

For Carnegie Unit courses please refer to the state Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) for quality points and state regulations guiding credit-bearing courses. 

Grading Floors

High School Students (Grades 9-12)

A floor of 50 will be applied to quarter report cards for High School Students (9-12).  The floor will not be applied to Interim Progress reports.

Redo/Retake/Revision

Students will be given the opportunity to redo minor assessments and retake major assessments due to failing grades based on teacher's discretion