Mr. Montgomery 2011-2012
The Purpose of
this Course
This course
is designed to provide students with an introduction to the history and
culture
of Africa and
Grades and
Assignments
Each quarter we will cover 3-5 units of material. The grade for each of the units will be averaged together to form the quarter grade. The students will be given a list of assignments and will then choose how to complete the required amount based on a series of options.
Homework
The first day we focus on a new chapter we will go over what we already know about the material, preview it, and then start to read. They will be given the period to read and many will finish the entire chapter. They will then complete either the section questions nightly or chapter review. They may work ahead but are expected to stay up to date with the assignment sheets provided to them. The assignment list is also available on the website.
Wiki
We will be working together as a class to collect and synthesize the information available on the different countries that we are studying. Each student will have a page on the class Wiki to put their work. The class will also have page where we collaborate.
Tests
Tests will be given at the end of each unit. Some of the tests will focus on geography. Most tests will focus on how the actions and events that we studied have had an impact on the world today. Another main goal is to assess how well the students understand the themes of history and recognize historical patterns.
Notebooks
Each student will keep a notebook to complete daily activities and take notes. The notes that the students complete will form the basis of the test questions.
Projects
For most units students will complete a project. Students will receive several choices of how to show what they learned on the topic. While students are working on the projects, there will not be any additional homework.
The grading scale
will be:
A+ 97-100%
A 93-96%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 60-62%
F 59 or below
Books
There are two books for the class and they will be used at different times of the year. The book we will use for most of the first semester is World Explorer: Asia and the Pacific. The book we will use for most of the second semester is World Explorer: Africa. There will also be many handouts and additional required readings.
Technology
The web address for this class is: http://roycemoreschool.org/teacher/montgomery. Students will receive a written description of the requirements for each unit. This website contains a link to the publisher of the class textbook at Asia and Africa. The publisher's website has self-check quizzes that can be taken online and lists many useful links for the topics covered in each chapter. Students will post some of their work on the 7th Grade Wiki page at http://roycemore7thgradehistorywiki.wikispaces.com/. The blog for all of Mr. Montgomery's classes is at http://andymoteach.edublogs.org/. The blog will provide updates about what is going on in the class and homework updates.
Expectations
Students are expected to bring their textbooks, notebooks, folders, homework, and additional handouts to class, and to be prepared for class discussions and activities. Students are expected to follow the rules and procedures for the class and to follow the Roycemore School Code of Conduct.
Differentiation
Students will be challenged to do their best in this class. This may mean that there are different expectations for different students. If you feel the class is too hard, please let me know. If you feel the class is too easy please let me know.
Quarterly Calendar
1st Quarter
South, Southwest and
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
Cultures of
4th Quarter
Central and Southern