The mission of the social studies department is to teach students to understand and engage the world that they live in by providing them the tools to critically think, analyze evidence, and formulate conclusions thereby creating an informed citizenry and fostering democratic participation.

This is an American History Course, which traces the events and their effects on the United States and the world from the beginning of the U.S. Civil War to the beginning of World War II. This standards-based course examines the relationship of historical events and people, significant themes, ideas and beliefs. This course incorporates the five strands of Social Studies according to the Arizona State Standards and Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards.

The textbook used in Social Studies classrooms is Holt McDougal’s United States History. The textbook can be accessed online at the username: smspotts and password: spartans205. This information will be available throughout the year on my Teacher Page. Students may also check out a hard copy of the textbook from the Sossaman Media Center.

The Higley Unified School District uses an online grading system. Parents and students can gain 24- hour access to grades using ParentVue and StudentVue. If your student is new to the district you will need to contact the front office to gain access to the online grading system. Additionally, Smartphone users can download the ParentVue app in order to monitor student grades. In monitoring student grades you may see comment codes and/or comments in addition to the grade for each assessment, assignment, or project.

Minimum Value (MV) 50% Penalty – Student scored below a 50% on an assessment. The value of the assessment will be listed (example 25/25), and 50% will be deducted off of the full value of the assessment. Missing – The assignment is missing and scored a 50% in the grade book. The value of the assignment will be listed (example 25/25), and 50% will be deducted off of the full value of the assessment, assignment, or project. Late – The assignment was turned in late. There is no penalty for late work; this code is for documentation purpose

Grades will be based on 80% assessments and 20% class work and homework. Assessments may include but not be limited to quizzes, chapter tests, unit tests, final exams, projects, writing assignments, DBQ's (document based questions) and speeches. Class work and homework may include but not be limited to discussion, formative assessments (shoulder assessment), note taking, reading assignments, preparation, prewriting etc. Grading Scale: 90%-100% = A 80%-89% = B 70%-79% = C 60%-69% = D 59% or below = F 80% Assessment: 60% = Social Studies Unit Assessments/Quizzes 10% = HUSD Semester DBQ Final Assessment 10% = HUSD Semester Multiple-Choice Assessment

Students have the ability to retake a quiz or unit assessment until the conclusion of the quarter in which the quiz or unit assessment was administered. In order to retake a quiz or unit assessment, students must complete the “Assessment Retake Form” with a valid parent signature. Students will need to schedule a day and time to retake unit assessments during a time approved by the teacher before school, after school, or during lunch. Students may not retake an assessment if they have missing assignments. Late, missing, and red line assignments will be accepted up to fourteen calendar days from the due date.

Sossaman Information “Homepage” Social Studies class links

DUE BY FRIDAY Using the district website, husd.org filter to Sossaman Middle School Teacher Pages and locate my Teacher Page. With your parents review the Social Studies Syllabus and complete the Parent Contact Information / Syllabus Confirmation sheet.