La Paz Intermediate

B.A. Political Science, and Teaching Credential, from UCI

8th Grade U.S. HistoryMrs. Shavaun Gonsior

A Little About Me:

• 12th year teaching U.S. History here at La Paz

• 2 daughters, Sienna and Sydney, ages 7 and (almost) 5

• Married 9 years

• Soccer mom

Course Objective

The goal of this class is to maximize the learning of the students through the delivery of educational experiences that teach students how to be creative, responsible, and collaborative critical thinkers prepared for college, career and global citizenship. Students will understand some of the most important events, concepts, people, and ideologies that helped shape and continue to influence the United States of America. As we explore our past we will reflect on not only what makes us all unique but what also binds us together. While learning about U.S. History, we will practice skills that build character and prepare students for the real world.

Topics Covered This Year

• Revolutionary Era

• Constitution

• Developing as a New Nation (Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison)

• War of 1812

• Jacksonian Era

• Growth and Expansion (Manifest Destiny)

• Nationalism and Sectionalism

• Civil War

• Industrial Revolution

Classroom Expectations

To earn an Honors Recommendation

for 9th grade History:(for students in a non-honors 8th grade U.S. History class)

• Earn a high “A” all three trimesters

• Earn an O in Citizenship and Work Habits all three trimesters

• Display (at least) grade level writing and reading skills

• Complete the differentiated, higher level coursework when it occurs throughout the school year

• Participate in an End of the Year Project to be completed within the all-honors classes.

Periods 2, 5 and 6: High School Honors Recs

•Students in the all honors history class must meet the following requirements to be recommended for honors history their freshman year:

•Obtain an A or B all three trimesters

•Obtain an O or S in citizenship and work habits all three trimesters

•Demonstrate the writing ability at grade level or above

•Students may enter one the following classes next year.− Honors Globalization/Global Connect/IB− Globalization MUN (Model United Nations)− (some campuses) AP Human Geography

PARENT COMMUNICATION

• E-mail is the best way to get a hold of me. gonsiors@svusd.org

•Access my website at: www.svusd.org/gonsiors

•Use to view absent lessons, homework and upcoming due dates for projects and tests.

•Check your students progress in class by accessing grades online.

•I email home often to inform parents of upcoming test and quiz dates as well as project due dates. If you have not received an email yet please check with the front office.

The Common Core Standards

• More focus on literacy, writing, and higher-level THINKING and speaking in ALL core subject classrooms.

• One strategy being employed in my History class: Document-Based Questions (primary source use)− Valley Forge example− Question: Valley Forge: Would You Have

Quit?

Examples of the “Documents”:

Other Documents for analysis:

Thanks for coming!• gonsiors@svusd.org