6​th​ Grade Social Studies

Khalidah Bilal Contemporary World Culture & Geography

Khalidah.bilal@islamicschoolofirving.org 2019-20
972-812 2230
8am – 1:30pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION: ​In Grade 6, students study people, places, and societies of the
contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe,
Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South
America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast
Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups
on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and
geographic characteristics of various societies. Students identify different ways of organizing
economic and governmental systems. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are
introduced, and students describe the nature of citizenship in various societies. Students compare
institutions common to all societies such as government, education, and religious institutions.
Students explain how the level of technology affects the development of the various societies and
identify different points of view about events. The concept of frame of reference is introduced as
an influence on an individual's point of view.

Teaching Strategies: ​To support the teaching of the eight strands of the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), a variety of primary and secondary materials will be utilized that
incorporate various disciplines and critical-thinking skills. Students will experience many
methods of learning, including, but not limited to, social studies skill builders, experiential
exercises, response groups, problem-solving group work, and technology applications.

Class Expectations:
1. Arrive to class on time.
2. Be prepared (bring all your supplies).
3. Respect yourself and your education.
4. Respect other students, adults, and property.
5. Enjoy your class!

Grading Policy​: All averages are on a percentage system based on a total of 100. Please refer to
the ISI Student and Parent Handbook for a detailed description of the school’s grading policy.

Attendance & Punctuality: ​Students have the opportunity to earn 100 marks daily as a
Participation Grade. This grade is broken down into four categories as follows:

25 – Participation (being attentive, on task, and non disruptive in class)

25 – Punctuality (arriving within the first ten minutes of class)

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25 – Preparedness (having everything necessary to have a successful lesson)

25 – Presentation (being in correct school uniform)

Absences and Tutorials:​ When students are absent, they are responsible for following up on
missed assignments. Students should work with me to identify when the missed assignments is
due. Tutorial time is the best time to find out about missing work.

Late work:​ Late work is graded in the same manner in all classes and courses. Students may
turn in assignments after the given due date for a penalty of 10% for one day late, 20% for 2 days
late, and 30% for 3 days late. After 3 days late, a grade of zero will be recorded.

COMMUNICATION: ​I may be contacted through our classdojo anytime. I may not respond
immediately during quiet hours but this is the best way to contact me. Alternatively I may be
contacted via email khalidah.bilal@islamicschoolofirving.org

Supplies:

- Pencils

- Pens to grade Daily Warm-Ups (DWU).

- Colored Pencils

- One section divider titled “Social Studies” in your school binder

- Technology – no cell phones

- Scissors, rulers, and staplers for students to use

CELL PHONES, COMPUTERS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES: ​Ipads, tablets,

laptops, and desktop computers are learning tools. You are not allowed to use any of these tools
unless you have been given permission to do by Sr. Khalidah or any other responsible adult. If
you bring your own equipment to school, you will deposit it in the technology bucket when you
come into class. Technology should not be left overnight for safety. When using technology it
should always uses as instructed and/or for educational, constructive purposes. Misuse will have
consequences. In short rules are as follows:

Rules​:
1. Use the Internet and camera only when instructed.
2. The sound should always be muted or use headphones.
3. Technology should be placed face down on the student’s desk at the start of class until
instructed by the teacher to begin using the device.
4. When it is time to transition to another activity, stop using the technology immediately and
follow instructions.
5. Technology, all other electronic devices, and earbuds are not to be seen or used in the
hallways, particularly during passing periods.
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Technology 1-2-3 Policy
1. Warning.
2. Parent phone call.
3. Student’s technology will be sent to the office.
4. If a student’ technology is used to access or download an inappropriate app, the student will be
sent to the office with their technology. The student will be without their technology until they
are seen by the Principal.

FOOD AND DRINK​: Food and drink will not be allowed to be consumed during class unless
pre-authorization has been granted.

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