8th Grade GA Studies Syllabus
Mrs. Laura Garner
School phone: 706-253-1830
Email: [email protected]
Welcome to 8th grade Georgia Studies!!! I look forward to spending the year with you learning about the history of our state as well as some United States history. The CRCT for Georgia Studies is a challenging test, but I feel confident that you can be successful AND have some fun along the way.
The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards for Georgia Studies are covered over 13 units. These units are:
Introduction: Connecting Themes Used in Georgia History
Unit 1: Georgia Geography and the Prehistoric Period
Unit 2: Exploration and Colonization
Unit 3: Statehood
Unit 4: The Civil War
Unit 5: The New South
Unit 6: The 20th Century
Unit 7: Post WWII Georgia
Unit 8: Civil Rights
Unit 9: Modern Georgia
Unit 10: State and Local Government
Unit 11: Adult and Juvenile Justice System
Unit 12: Personal Finance
Grading policies are as follows: Summative: 40%
Formative 60%
Class Procedures:
As we go through the units, homework may be assigned. This homework may include anything from reading, to projects, to current events, to studying for tests. Although homework may not be taken up daily, due dates will be given and work is expected on that date. A late penalty of 10 points per day late will be applied to any late work.
Current Events: Current Events will be due at the end of each month. A current event form will be available for you, and you will turn in the form, as well as a copy of the article for a daily grade. The current event MUST be related to the state of Georgia, and you may use any reputable news website for an article. Websites such as www.pickensprogress.com or www.ajc.com are recommended as well as any of the television news stations.
Warm-ups: Each student will be required to have a composition notebook which will stay in the classroom. Every day will begin with two warm-up questions that students will be required to copy and answer. These warm-ups will be cumulative and are not to be thrown out. They will be checked and recorded as a daily grade.
Notebooks: All worksheets assigned for homework or class work within a given unit will be collected on test day as a unit notebook. Grades for the notebook will be based on completion of the assignments. Because assignments are not collected daily, organization is of the utmost importance!!! You will be required to keep all work and notes in a 3- ring binder.
Projects: Projects will be assigned from time to time, and due dates will be given. While every attempt to allow some class time for independent project work will be made, MOST work for projects will be expected to be done at home.
Tests: Tests will be given at the end of each unit. In addition, cumulative mastery tests over 2-3 units may be given for a grade, and benchmark tests may be given (this grade is purely to monitor progress and will not be factored into the class average). Study guides may be given for unit tests but, in general, studying your work and notes is just as effective. Tests will be made up of multiple-choice, true/false, matching, short-answer, and essay questions. Students receiving a failing grade on a test will be given the option of retaking the test during morning remediation.
Please regularly check your student’s point card in the agenda. The point card is a tool used to monitor and track student behavior and progress. Our goal is to communicate regularly with parents to ensure your child’s success. Please feel free to contact me regarding any academic or behavioral concerns you may have.
Let’s have a great year!!!!!
I have read and reviewed the above syllabus with my teacher and my parents and understand the policies outlined for Georgia Studies.
_________________________________________ ___________________________
Student Signature Date
I have read and reviewed the above syllabus with my child and understand the policies outlined for Georgia Studies.
________________________________________ ___________________________
Parent Signature Date