Welcome to 8th Grade Social Studies

Alejandro Vasquez (8C) 480-541-5954

avasquez@kyrene.org

A+ School of Excellence

“A” school from the Arizona Department of Education

Way to go Rattlers!

Welcome to Akimel A-al

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and American History

Master’s degree in American Politics Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Education

Social Studies Arizona Highly Qualified and Certified in 7th-12th grade 3.5 years teaching experience 8th grade

Social Studies

About Mr. V

This year we will be studying United States History starting with the American Revolution and how it led to the formation of the U.S. Government, the Constitution, and U.S. History from WWII to the present.

What do we study in 8th grade Social Studies?

Students will work throughout the year to demonstrate their knowledge and skill through individual and collaborative work, project-based learning, simulations, writing assignments, and assessments. The focus this year is to integrate the common core standards into the curriculum, so an emphasis will be placed on practicing and assessing critical thinking skills.

1st Quarter◦ The Road to Revolution◦ The American Revolution

2nd Quarter◦ The Constitution◦ Bill of Rights◦ Arizona Government

3rd Quarter◦ World War II◦ The Cold War

4th Quarter◦ The Civil Rights movement ◦ The Vietnam War ◦ The 1980's -Present◦ Personal Finance

Curriculum By Quarter

(estimated)

American History Textbook and Atlas Civic in America Consumer Economics and Personal Finance Atlas of United States History Historical Reader: Forging a New Nation,

World War II, Japanese-American Internment, The Vietnam War, and Civil Right.

Technology in the room

Classroom Resources

Please check the 8C Team Calendar and my website to stay updated with current assignments and test dates.

Our Social Studies textbook is uploaded to my website. Volunteer?

www.classzone.com is a website connected to our book to provide activities for quiz and test review. I am always available via email for questions on assignments/exams, etc.

Website

LETS TAKE

A CLASSROOM

TOUR!

Assessments: 90% (tests, quizzes, projects, and writing assignments)      

Practice: 10% (classwork )                Studying: Review vocabulary and returned

assignments/notes. Make flashcards, use the interactive reviews on Classzone, creating a timeline to understand cause and effect, etc. You are not limited to just these strategies. Do what works for you and try other things as well.

Test makeups: Exams are announced well in advance, so please prepare accordingly. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, I do not allow makeups for poor performance.

Late Work: Students will receive partial credit until the next unit test

Grading

One 3 ring-binder just for Social Studies (Students are expected to take their SS binder home nightly to study for the upcoming assessment or to complete an in class assignment. There is always an exam ahead, so study if you have the time).

Folder (Returned assignments should be kept and saved for future assessments)

Pencils (daily) Highlighters(pink, yellow, green, and blue) Crayons/colored pencils/washable markers

Class donations- Copy paper/tissues/Lysol wipes

Supplies for Social Studies

Test Differentiation• I provide test differentiation using student scores on the reading and writing

portion of AIMS and based on early assessments and observations at the start of the school year. Student assessment data shapes instruction.

• This provides higher level questions/vocabulary for more capable students and grade level questions/vocabulary on smaller scale for other students.

• I give two tests for each unit – vocabulary and written. The written test is short answer, extended response, and multiple choice. Students choose 3/6 short answer, 1of 2 extended response to answer, and all of the multiple choice questions.

• I have a bonus question to help encourage all students to go above and beyond. (worth 2 extra points)

• By differentiating, I am able to monitor and adjust the assessment given to students as they show growth. I assess progress on the tests on an as-needed basis, but usually quarterly.

• By differentiating and providing choice in what questions to answer, I can speak to specific strengths and/or areas in which a student needs improvement.

Akimel A-al Motto

High Standards; High Achievement; High Expectations for All

We want students to be independent and responsible learners

How can we achieve this?

Thank you all for coming!

Questions/comments??

Please email me or fill out an index card with your information and I will answer promptly.