6th+Grade+Syllabus+-+Social+Studies

Year: 2010-2011
 * Course:** **__ Social Studies - 6th Grade __**
 * Course:** **__ Social Studies - 6th Grade __**

Instructor: Ms. Furlow

Contact Information: rfurlow@atafordpas.org (best method) (313) 625-4700 This course is designed for sixth grade and will integrate the Social Studies curriculum. Students will explore the themes of Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics/Government, and Economics), by analyzing world cultures. The focus is the Western Hemisphere, but will include all world cultures. Students will learn to apply mapping strategies, use charts and graphs, diagrams, timelines, learn vocabulary, and engage in supplemental readings throughout the course. Students will be engaged in classroom activities and discussions, along with many individual and group research projects. Course Objectives Students will: Be able to interpret historical evidence which can be used to make informed decisions in contemporary life. (History) Be able to describe the relationships between people, places, and environments using information that is in a geographic context. (Geography) Be able to analyze how people identify, organize and achieve the purposes of government. (Civics and Government) Be able to identify and analyze how people manage their resources by producing, exchanging, and using goods and services. (Economics) Textbook(s) __Social Studies – World Cultures and Geography__ (Houghton Mifflin)
 * Availability by appointment only: after** **3:00** || Room: 162 ||  ||
 * Course Description**

Textbook Policy Textbooks and supplemental works are the property of ATA. Books are to be used in the classroom only. If a book is signed out with the instructor, it is to be returned to the classroom the following day. If a book is signed out to a student, it must be returned to the instructor in good condition, or a fee may be charged.

Materials Students should own or have access to these necessary course materials and resources: 2 notebooks Loose leaf paper 1 package index cards 1 highlighter Pencils (#2) 3 folders Pencil box Book for independent reading (daily) Colored pencils or markers

For classroom use: Hand sanitizer Requirements

Students will be required to do the following work: Be prepared for class daily **__(have all necessary materials)__** and turn in assignments on time. Daily reading and classwork assignments. Carry independent reading book daily. Vocabulary activities. Journal entries: Reading reflections and response to writing prompts, etc. Writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. Participate in classroom activities and discussions. Homework assignments (at the teacher’s discretion).

Grading Grading Scale **Classroom Rules, Procedures**, **Policies** Failure to follow all rules, requirements and procedures will result in disciplinary action. Rules: Students are expected to follow the REACH Values in all daily interactions and comply with the Student Handbook at all times. PLEASE NOTE: (Taken from the Student Handbook)*
 * A = 93% -100% || C = 73% -76% ||
 * A- = 90% -92% || C- = 70% -72% ||
 * B+ = 87% -89% || D+ = 67% -69% ||
 * B = 83% -86% || D = 63% -66% ||
 * B- = 80% -82% || D- = 60% -62% ||
 * C+ = 77% -79% || F = 0% - 59% ||

Food, including but not limited to, candy and gum and beverages are not permitted in the classroom.

Electronic devices including, but not limited to radios, Walkmans, iPods, CD/DVD players, laser pointers, and cell phones are not permitted in the school. If they are seen and/or heard, they will be confiscated and turned over to the Dean of Students.

__** Note: Parents and students have a responsibility to become familiar with the Student Code of Conduct **__.. Consequences: Conference with Student Behavior Report/Letter to parent by student Parental contact Discipline Referral to Dean of Students Parent/Teacher/Dean Meeting

__***Any physical aggression will result in immediate referral to the Dean of Students**__. Procedures: Students are expected to enter the classroom quietly and begin writing in their planners and begin assigned work. Planners will be randomly checked for completeness and organization. **Attendance and Course Policies:** Absent Work/Late Work: Students will be allowed one make-up day per EXCUSED absence. __**STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS AND ANY MISSING ASSIGNMENTS.**__
 * 1) Students MUST raise their hands to be called upon. Shouting out answers or talking out of turn will not be tolerated. It is disruptive and interferes with a positive learning environment.
 * 2) All class work must be completed independently unless otherwise stated by the instructor – copying is not allowed, and any students involved will receive a zero for that assignment and possibly face further disciplinary action.
 * 3) Each classroom is required to have assigned seating. Students MUST remain in their assigned seats unless otherwise instructed.
 * 4) A designated restroom break is scheduled; bathroom passes will be rarely given unless it is for health reasons with a required letter.

Cheating is not tolerated at ATA. Students who choose to cheat may expect a variety of consequences, including, but not limited to, loss of grade, suspension, or loss of privilege. Consequences will be at the discretion of the instructor involved and will be discussed with the student, parent(s), and administrators.
 * Academic Integrity**

All parties agree that academic success is the product of a cooperative effort. To ensure that will benefit from this effort, each party has the following responsibilities: (Student) As a student, I will:
 * Course Responsibility Contract**
 * 1. Practice the //Amistad// values:** **REACH: R**espect, **E**nthusiasm, **A**chievement, **C**itizenship, **H**ard Work
 * 2. Put my best effort into my school work.**
 * 3. Obey all classroom rules and procedures.**
 * 4. Come prepared to school with assignments and materials**.
 * 5. Read syllabus thoroughly.**

As a parent, I will: As an instructor, I will:
 * 1. Monitor my child's school work and extracurricular activities.**
 * 2. Support classroom discipline policies and student handbook policies.**
 * 3. Contact teacher as needed and attend parent-teacher conferences.**
 * 4. Ensure my child is on time and attends school regularly.**
 * 5. Read syllabus thoroughly.**
 * 1. Provide a safe, comfortable environment for all students.**
 * 2. Enforce school and classroom rules consistently.**
 * 3. Provide students with clear and concise expectations.**
 * 4. Work to make learning an enjoyable experience.**
 * 5. Provide a syllabus to each student**.

Please sign and return immediately. __ Date: ___ || ** Parent Signature ** __ Date: ___ || ** Teacher Signature ** _ Date: ||
 * ** Student Signature **