Crane Country Day School

Each year our Eighth Grade explores the roots of our country. We learn about the triumphs, challenges, heroes, villains, winners, losers and the contributions of the people who shaped our world. As we learn about the past we try to find a connection to our current issues. We believe that the present must be understood through the lens of the past. We must be informed and critical thinkers if we want to be responsible decision makers in the future.

"The study of history should connect people and events across time and include all kinds of human thought and activity---political, social, cultural, economic, technological, philosophical and religious and the interactions among them. The diversity and the connections help to make history exciting." (U.S. History Framework 1994, U.S. Dept. of Education)

In our study of United States history we strive for the following results: a clear idea of the major developments, events and significant characters of United States history; an interest in current issues and their links to the past; an understanding of the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship; an understanding of the causes and consequences of war and an awareness of the complexities surrounding conflicts; an awareness of bias and point-of-view in the analysis of primary and secondary source material; a knowledge of the experience and contributions of the people of the United States - and not just the decision makers in Washington; a perspective concerning the reasons for the economic and social successes and failures of our country, including current challenges; and an understanding of the challenges of leadership through the study of the presidency, noting the increasing demands for balancing domestic and global responsibility.

The following topics are included in our study of United States history: settling the New World, the struggle for independence, the American Revolution, the Constitution, development of the New Nation, slavery, roles of minorities, women and blacks throughout United States history, the first presidents, westward expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, settling the West, industrial changes, immigration, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, life in the fifties and sixties, years of protest and change, and challenges of the 1980s and 1990s.

We approach many of the important topics in our study by asking "Essential Questions." What is the purpose of Government? Have any groups been excluded from the protections and liberties stated in our Constitution? Is capitalism a constructive or destructive force? What causes war? These are a few of the questions posed to the students to stimulate critical thought and increased understanding.

Students learn from a variety of the following experiences: reading, note-taking, group discussions, debates, research, lectures, videos, slides, laser disk images and video clips, student presentations, written tests and quizzes, interviews, and written analysis of important documents and events.

Resources

Textbook: The American Nation, Prentice Hall, 1998; American History Slide Collection; American History Laser Disc; CD of Historic Speeches; PBS Video Series: The Civil War; Eyes on the Prize Laser Disc and the Teaching Tolerance video: The Civil Rights Movement.

Tips for Success in Class 

Respect yourself, respect others, and respect school property

Come into the classroom quietly and on time, sit in a seat, get out your notebook and pencil and be ready to learn. Do the assigned homework with diligence, neatness, and imagination. Most homework assignments are incorporated into the classroom discussions. Missed assignments will affect your ability to contribute positively to our discussions. Connect current events to topics we have discussed. We will have weekly opportunities to search for these connections. Class participation is important. Intellectual curiosity is highly valued in our discussions. Ask questions in class. Listen to your classmates, respect their thoughts and you will help make our classroom a safe place to express ideas. Display an interest in learning more than the basic facts presented. Go beyond the obvious.

Grading Policy

Tests, quizzes, projects, papers, assignments are given a certain number of points. Quizzes are typically 25 - 50 points. Tests are usually 100 points. Major projects and research papers could be worth 150-200 points. General homework assignments are worth 10 points each. Late homework and projects will lose points and hurt your overall grade in the class. Because we are in the classroom for almost 225 minutes per week, I believe this time is very valuable and should be used wisely. I do assess and grade your class behavior and level of participation. Disruptions to the learning environment will negatively affect your overall grade. All points are tabulated at the end of the term and grades are earned based on your performance in all areas of evaluation.

Notebook

All class notes are to be written in a spiral bound history notebook. Most homework assignments are to be written in your notebook. You must bring your history notebook to all class sessions. Please do not waste space in your notebook. Occasionally, I will collect your notebooks to assess your work.

Absences

If you miss class, you are responsible for getting the assignment from your classmates. Check my website or call a responsible student and ask them for the homework. Ask them about the class discussion and the notes that you missed and try to improve your understanding of those topics. Each class builds on the previous topics covered.

Communication

Take responsibility for your learning. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information or are struggling to understand the connections being made, ask me for some help. Do not wait until the night before a test. See me at school, or call me at home before 9:00 p.m. My phone number is 969-2721

Role of Parents