SC History
Social Studies Syllabus
Bryson Middle School
Eighth GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES SYLLABUS
Scott Stevens (864) 355-2123
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The focus for social studies in grade eight is the story of the history of South Carolina and the role that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a nation. This study begins with South Carolina's colonial development and settlement as a British colony. South Carolinians played pivotal roles throughout the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention, which established the foundations for the new nation. Sectional division came as a result of the growing institution of slavery, interpretations of the role of government, and expansion of the nation. South Carolina led the secession of southern states, culminating in the Civil War. As the nation attempted to heal the wounds of the war, Reconstruction policies brought about political change while sectional division remained. The end of the 19th century ushered in industrialization to South Carolina and the nation, providing new opportunities for many people. Throughout the 20th century, South Carolina emerged as a national leader for defense production, agriculture, and tourism. As the state grew economically, social change was also brought on by the Civil Rights Movement. During the turn of the 21st century, South Carolina continues to attract businesses and people, while continuing to find solutions to new challenges.
Instruction should utilize the historical thinking skills (Comparison; Causation; Periodization: Context; Continuities and Change; Evidence) and themes developed for grade eight. These historical thinking skills are aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, with a focus on world-class knowledge, world-class skills, and life and career characteristics.
SC History Standards
Link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RkwubYN37CHodVNK8MUvY0lDZnv2rTcb9_FVsN4LDHg/edit?usp=sharing
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
Google Classroom
Hicks, T. (2013). The South Carolina journey. Layton, UT: Gibbs Smith Education.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Please have a charged Chromebook for each day of school.
· Three-Ring Binder/Folder
· Notebook Paper
· Highlighter/Dry Erase Markers
· Blue/Black Pen
· Pencils
COURSE EVALUATION
Students progress will be assessed every quarter based on three major areas. They are as follows:
· Major Assessments- 5 0% - Tests are given at the end of every unit of study. The frequency of tests varies; however, students will generally have a test every two to three weeks. All tests are announced at least one week in advance. Papers and projects will also be counted as major assessments.
· Quizzes and Daily Work - 50% - This includes class work and homework. All work is expected to be completed. Quizzes are given periodically throughout a unit of study.
COURSE GRADING SCALE
The following scale is used to assign grades:
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F Below 60
STUDENT RECORDS
Student records are maintained as directed by the School District of Greenville County and Bryson Middle School.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is a tool which provides several opportunities: finishing an already begun task, practicing new ideas and skills, preparing for future lessons, preparing for evaluation activities, learning responsibility, and developing good long-lasting work habits. The school district recommends an average of 90 minutes of homework per day. Homework is assigned an average of two to three times a week. The assignment is clearly stated in class, posted in Google Classroom, and students are encouraged to write all assignments in their agenda. Even when students do not have a written assignment in history, it is always a good idea for students to study the notes taken in class.
Unless a student has an excused absence, late homework will not be accepted. Homework assignments will be listed daily on my front board.
PROCEDURES FOR MAKE-UP WORK
All students with excused absences may make-up work. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange with his/her teacher(s) a method of making up missed school work. The work should be made up with five (5) days after the student returns to school. If a test or other project has been previously announced before the student’s absence, the student should be prepared to complete the assignment on his/her return to school.
Make-up work is posted on an assignment calendar located on the chalkboard in my classroom. When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to write down any missed assignments, get the materials and make up the work.
Eighth Grade Schedule
1st Period (S.A.I.L) 8:30AM-8:55AM
2nd Period (RA 1) 9:00Am-9:46AM
3rd Period (RA 2) 9:51AM-10:37AM
4th Period 10:35AM-11:36AM
5th Period 11:38AM-12:35PM
Lunch 12:55PM-1:20PM
6th Period 1:20PM-2:15PM
7th Period 2:17PM-3:15PM
ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES
South Carolina Law requires the regular attendance of all pupils. To receive credit for a course, students must attend at least 170 days of each 180-day course. When a student is absent, he/she should bring a written excuse to the Attendance Office. Students who are tardy to school should report to the Attendance Office where he/she will be issued an admittance slip.
The tardy policy to school and/or class states that the fourth tardy results in ISS during lunch/courtyard time.
DISCIPLINE PLAN
Rules for student behavior and violation consequences are located in the Bryson Handbook which is posted on the Bryson website.
In addition to district and school rules, students will adhere to the following classroom rules:
1. Follow all adult directions the first time they are given.
2. Be seated and prepared to begin class promptly. Bring all necessary materials to class.
3. Keep all activities from disrupting others.
4. Show respect and consideration for your classmates and teachers.
5. Obey all school rules.
PROCEDURES FOR NON-INSTRUCTIONAL ROUTINES
Assemblies : Students will line up, exit my classroom to the left, and walk to the appropriate location. During assemblies, students will sit as a class. Appropriate behavior is expected and enforced.
Class Change : Academic classes are fifty minutes long. Students have two minutes between each class. Teachers stand at their doors during class change to monitor student behavior.
Collection of Work : Class work and homework will be placed by the student in the appropriate tray on the back counter. There is a tray clearly marked for each class period.
Daily Assignments: Assignments are posted daily on my front board for students to copy in their agendas. It is the responsibility of the student to copy posted assignments and announcements in the agenda.
Dismissal: At the appropriate time, the teacher (not the bell) will dismiss students to go to their next class. At 3:15, car riders and walkers home are dismissed. Bus riders and walkers to Hillcrest will remain in their related arts classrooms until their bus is called or 3:45. At 3:45, the remaining bus riding students will report to the bus holding area.
Emergency Procedures: Routine drills are conducted at specified intervals for fire, bomb, tornado, earthquakes, and bus evacuations. Evacuation routes are posted in each room and reviewed regularly. Lockdown and shelter-in-place procedures have been developed and are initiated by a code sentence over the intercom. Students practice these procedures periodically throughout the school year. During each drill, the teacher must account for all students and complete a People Locator sheet that is given to an administrator.
Homeroom : Students report to homeroom beginning at 8:15. Students come into the room and sit in their assigned seats. During this time, I check the roll and distribute materials such as letters from the PTSA, library notices, etc. Announcements are made over the intercom. The Pledge of Allegiance and the moment of silence are also done during this time.
ID Badges: For safety reasons ID badges must be worn by all students, faculty and staff. At the beginning of the school year, students were given a picture ID badge.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
In order to have a successful year, there must be an open line of communication between the teacher and the parents. Several tools are used to communicate effectively with parents:
Conferences: Conferences are set up through guidance at the request of the teachers and/or the parents. Ms. Lewis is the sixth grade Guidance Counselor. She can be reached at 355-2100
Course Syllabus : This explains the classroom rules and consequences, as well provide parents and students with a course description, state standards, and the timeline for covering information. My course syllabus is available on my web page.
E-Mail: Parents and students are encouraged to e-mail comments, concerns, and questions to me at swsteven@greenville.k12.sc.us.
Phone Calls : If needed, I will call parents at home and/or work to discuss a student’s progress. Parents should feel free to call me at 355-2123 if they have a concern.
Progress Reports/Report Cards : Student grades are sent home regularly by the school to inform the parent of their child’s progress. Dates for progress reports and report cards are in the student agenda.
MagicSchool AI Tools for Students
This year, students will have access to MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform built for schools that will help them learn to use the technology safely and responsibly.
With tools like ChatGPT and others being used in the professional world, it’s important that students learn how to use the technology safely. By using MagicSchool in our classes, your student will be prepared for the future of technology in the workforce.
While students use MagicSchool tools for purposes such as receiving real time feedback, getting their questions answered, generating images, and in other exciting ways, I will have access to their chats to ensure that it’s used appropriately. Rest assured, MagicSchool does not collect or train on student data.
Be sure to ask your child about how they’re using AI in the classroom and take a look at the engaging ways they’ve utilized the MagicSchool tools to enhance their learning!
For more information, go to www.magicschool.ai or reach out directly with questions.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.