2009-‘10

Steven R. Powers

U.S. History

Course Description

Course Description: U.S. History is a year long survey course required for graduation. It is designed to help students appreciate the major historic events of the United States and how these events have and continue to affect all of us. Students will read, view, and interact with the stories of people in United States history and begin to see how they have impacted our nation.

Materials needed for class: Textbook, folder and college rule notebook (specifically for U.S. History), student planner, and a pen/pencil daily.  A white class crate is located in the back of the room on a counter and it contains a class set of file folders, one of which has been assigned to you. You are encouraged to keep handouts/guided reading organizers, maps, etc. in there in lieu of a folder should you so choose. I may also place corrected work or other papers in there if you are not in class during a day papers are passed back to students. The college rule notebook is for recording notes, or other information I may share with you in class or that you complete outside of class. Your notebook as an important tool as is the student planner. 

Student Work:   I will share a variety of strategies and assessments that will include working with primary and secondary documents, class discussions, maps, vocabulary, note taking, homework, quizzes, chapter tests, podcasts and DVD’s where appropriate From time to time we also focus on current events from several different sources.

Homework: Generally speaking, students will have homework assigned about two to three times per week in addition to the activities we complete each day in class. While it does depend on the individual, a typical homework assignment might take about thirty minutes to complete. Studying (as opposed to just reviewing) for anticipated quizzes or announced tests may well require more time.

Grading: Students grades will be kept on the SPPS Campus Gradebook system. This system allows you to check your grade 24/7. I will be using a total point system. Points will be totaled from tests, quizzes, classroom assignments, participation, homework, and citizenship skills.

Grades will be assigned on the following percentage basis:

90%-100 % =A, 80%-89% =B, 70%-79% = C, 60%-69% = D, 59% and lower =N (no credit)

Students may receive half-credit for work that is late and is completed and turned in to me within the next day. Credit for late work done well is better than no credit. Students with legitimate, excused absences will not be penalized and other accommodations will be made as needed.

Behavior/Citizenship: Success means following basic rules and guidelines that the SPPS District, CPSH Administration, or I have established. Four general guidelines are that you should strive to be respectful, responsible, prepared, and work hard. Should you follow these general guidelines you should find yourself increasingly: more on task, in a better learning environment, completing your work thoroughly and on time and succeeding in the classroom.

Consequences: Students not following these and other guidelines (some of which are posted in the room or found in your student handbook) for behavior/lack of citizenship, may be assigned detention or referred to your administrator in the office. For example, be on time to my class, if you are tardy to class you may be assigned a detention.

Contact me: By all means if you want or need to contact me do not hesitate to do so. My telephone number is 651-293-8800 ext. 1427 and please leave a message. My preferred method of communication is email at: steven.powers@spps.org  As a rule I am available after 2:00 p.m.(except Tuesdays) and in the building until about 4:30 p.m