Social Studies
Within our Social Studies programming, students will receive instruction over the course of a school year by one teacher. Students will receive a numerical grade at the end of each marking period and an overall numerical final grade in June.
Social Studies: Units of Study & Department Overview of Grading Policy
Tests/Quizzes |
Pre-Tests: ● Given at the beginning of each unit of study to all students. ● 25 multiple-choice questions covering all skills within the upcoming unit. ● Pre-tests do not count towards student’s averages, rather the data collected is used to assess prior knowledge as well as differentiate instruction throughout the unit. Post-Tests: ● Given at the end of each unit of study to all students. ● 25 multiple-choice questions covering all skills that were assessed in the pre-test and taught throughout the unit as well as several content-based questions. ● The first portion of the post-test are questions based on texts included in the test and assess skills such as; identifying a main idea, finding text details to support a claim, identifying cause and effect relationships. ● The second portion of the post test are questions based on content knowledge that was covered throughout the unit. ● Data from each post-assessment is used to measure growth and to determine whether or not students need further interventions to meet their goals. Quizzes: ● Quizzes are given at teacher’s discretion throughout each unit of study.
Tests and quizzes make up 30% of each marking period grade. |
Homework |
● Homework assignments vary based on teacher discretion. ● All homework assignments are expected to be handed in on the day they are due. ● Homework will consist of work to review the day’s lesson and skills, reinforce previous knowledge, or extend student’s understanding of the topic. Homework assignments make up 20% of each marking period grade. |
Class Participation |
● In Social Studies class, all students are expected to participate in small group and whole-class discussions. ● In addition, students are expected to come to class prepared with their materials and ready to work at the start of each class.
Class participation makes up 20% of each marking period grade. |
Portfolio Tasks |
● For each unit of study, students complete at least one formal writing assessment. These writing assessments are used to showcase students’ understanding of historical concepts and themes. ● Additionally students will complete at least one project for each of the 5 units of study. Projects will be completed both independently and or collaboratively in groups. Each project will have a specific task with rubric and students will be asked to create a final product to showcase their understanding of historical concepts and themes. Portfolio pieces make up 30% of each marking period grade. |
6th Grade Topics
7th Grade Topics