U.S.

History—Dedvukaj

SIGN UP FOR CLASS REMINDERS ON REMIND.COM: TEXT @USMRSL TO 81010

READING A SYLLABUS OUT LOUD IS BORING AND NO WAY TO START OUR SEMESTER TOGETHER!

So, I’ll try to keep it simple & quick. Here goes!

THE BOOK: You have a textbook AND I will give you access to an online version of the book. We use the book
as a reference, but I will also expect you to read other primary and secondary documents—more on that later.

SUPPLIES: Your own paper, pens, pencils, sticky notes (for in-book note-taking), a highlighter, 3x5 cards

WHAT WE WILL COVER:

• 1st semester—Foundations Documents and Post Reconstruction through the causes of WWII
• 2nd semester—World War II through The Persian Gulf War and even some current events!

WHAT I EXPECT FROM YOU:

• Along with reading, you will also be asked to discuss, research, write, present and participate in role
plays. If you feel that you have trouble in one of these areas, please ask for help! We don’t expect
everyone to be a perfect student, but we DO expect everyone to try his or her hardest.
• Plagiarism/Cheating Policy: We hold our students to the standards set forth in the RCS Code of
Conduct. A notation of ‘C/P’ will be posted online so parents will be notified that cheating or plagiarism
occurred. Depending on the severity of the infraction, administration may be notified, as well.
• Cell Phones: Pretty simple. Sometimes we use them, but most days we don’t, so be respectful. Please
note: my classroom is a photo/video-free zone. Taking photos or video without permission will result in
your phone being taken. If it becomes a distraction, I will take it for the hour. If it becomes a pattern,
we will talk to parents and/or administration. I do have a charging station at the front of my room you
are free to use, but your phone stays there the ENTIRE hour. J

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME:
• Organization—all assignments and tests on calendars, available each unit
• Clear expectations which are fair and firm
• Challenging work with opportunities for growth & learning
• Preparation for all local & state assessments (bubble tests—yuck!)
• An insistence that we BE KIND TO EACH OTHER
• Any student who is struggling (whether you think you are or not) will be given preferential seating.
• Students will be allowed to use the Academic Center for support.

SOME LEGALITIES & fine print:

• Absent/Late Work Reminders:
o If you do not have your work when it is due, come to me with a solution NOT a story. While I will always
help you, I do expect you to be your own advocate and problem solver.
o You are expected to keep up with all work, even if you are absent. Check your calendar to see what you
may have missed and find extra materials in the file crate or on Google Classroom.
o Late or missing work will be accepted up until the day of the unit assessment. Any work turned in late or
that is missing will be noted online for parents to see.
o If you are going to miss more than ONE DAY of school, please notify me via email and copy a parent. I will
reply with what you will miss and/or what will need to be made up.
o If you miss an assessment, be ready to take it your first day back (see bullet #2 above).
o ALL projects are announced WELL in advance. Therefore projects are due on the due date, regardless of
absence. Contact me PRIOR to the due date if that is a problem.
U.S. History—Dedvukaj

SIGN UP FOR CLASS REMINDERS ON REMIND.COM: TEXT @USMRSL TO 81010

ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT (dun, dun duuuuuuuuuun!):
I use a Standards Based Learning approach. One of the main philosophies of SBL is to remove “effort grades” from the
final grading report, so that everyone has a clearer understanding of what information the student has mastered.
Students know that their grade comes from their ability to show mastery on a specifically defined set of content
standards. Please read carefully and ask questions when you are confused. This class is still graded on weighted
categories. I reserve the right to alter these guidelines as necessary if I see something isn’t working or could be working
better.

Opportunities for learning and practice:

• Lecture
• Guided notes—this is the only kind we use
• Analysis of maps, graphs, charts, visual images
• Research
• Partner, small group & large group discussion
• Short projects or presentations (1-2 days)

Grade codes for homework/classwork completion:

Ø Com—assignment completed Ø Abs—absent; needs to be completed
Ø Inc—assignment incomplete Ø C/P—copied or plagiarized work
Ø L—assignment was late Ø M—missing and is a zero until submitted
Ø Nhi—assignment not handed in Ø Pdg—Pending; work is being graded

Standards & formative assessment: 70%

• Standards “check point quizzes”—1 or 2 a week, graded as follows:
o 5 represents “unsatisfactory” or “insufficient information” (not turned in, incomplete or not
the student’s own work)
o 6 represents a “basic” understanding (student needs help to finish or understand)
o 7 represents an “emerging” level of achievement (student shows some confusion)
o 8 represents “satisfactory progress” (student makes few errors & has a good grasp of concept)
o 9 represents “proficiency” (student demonstrates sound reasoning)
o 10 represents “exemplary progress” (student is able to extend his/her thinking and apply
concepts to other historical or current situations; can teach the concept to classmates)

Summative assessment: 30%

• Chapter & unit tests—designed to take 30 minutes or less to allow all students to finish in a timely
manner; every test will be announced well in advance of the test date.
o Each unit will have an accompanying Quizlet study guide with answers provided prior to the
assessment
• Projects & presentations, including your Inquiry Project (more on that later)—all are chunked into
smaller pieces to make them manageable and clear.

Extra Credit: I do not offer extra credit. If you are concerned about your grade, see me about re-takes, re-
assessments or other opportunities to prove you understand the material.

CONTACT INFO: Ms. Dedvukaj: kdedvuka@oakland.edu

2nd hour conference period; 248-726-5700 ext: 6376

I am not always available on a daily basis before or after school. Please use your class time wisely and then
make appointments for extra help and retakes/reassessments.