Social Studies » Social Studies

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.