United States History 11

2017-2018
Andrew Daramola
Email: adaramola@davincischools.org
Website: http://dvcdaramola.weebly.com
Phone: (310) 725-5800 x.3103

Welcome to United States History 11

The focus of our studies this year is on themes in American History, and the different narratives of what has
happened in our past. Each project will have both individual and collaborative components, and will be
focused on having a deep understanding of all historical factors that impacted a particular place, people, or
time. We will not just be discussing the past, but relating it to the modern world and having discussions
centered about how the past informs us today and motivates our decisions today.

Coursework

Semester 1
American Narratives (4 weeks)
Industrial Revolution & Gilded Age (2 weeks)
Roaring 20s and Depressing 30s (5 weeks)
The Makings of Modern America (4 weeks)

The classroom will be a mixture of the following during the year:

- Lecture
- Socratic Seminars
- DBQ Essays
- Projects

Areas of Assessment (Skills and Knowledge):

1. Historical Thinking Skills 20%

a. Cause and Effect
b. Sourcing Skills
c. Context
d. Change over time
2. Literacy 10%
3. Accountability & Appropriate Use of Technology 10%
4. Collaboration 10%

5. Knowledge: American Narratives 10%

6. Knowledge: American Empire 10%
7. Knowledge: The Roaring 1920s and Depressing 30s 15%
 8. Knowledge: The Makings of Modern America 15%

Mastery-Based 4 Point Scale: In our pursuit of excellence for all students, Da Vinci Communications has
adopted a school-wide grading practice called Mastery based Grading. MBG connects student mastery to
course skills and knowledge. These skills and knowledge will be included in the gradebook.. Throughout
the year, studen0ts will be assessed on these standards, sometimes with more recent scores replacing
previous scores. Standards will be graded on a scale of 1-5.

Letter Grade
Points Meaning
Equivalent

0.0 No evidence. Mark as Missing in the grade book. I

1.0 Evidence demonstrates partial understanding. I

2.0 Evidence demonstrates basic understanding. C

3.0 Evidence demonstrates understanding. B

4.0 Evidence demonstrates detailed understanding. A

Evidence demonstrates detailed understanding and connections

5.0 A+; Honors
that go beyond the scope of teacher instruction.

Required Materials: Due Thursday 8/24

3-ring binder (Minimum 2 inches thick)
Pens, pencils
Notebook Thick 8 by 11 notebook with holes punched to go in the binder

Classroom Expectations: As Juniors, you have increased responsibility and a growing level of maturity. I ask
that you come to class each day prepared to contribute positively to the classroom environment. I have very
simple rules for our time in class:
Be present. This means being not only physically present, but also mentally focused on class
conversation and involved in discussions and activities.
Be responsible. Be aware of class rules and routines. Come to class on time each day with your
assignments completed and ready to participate as a valuable member of the class.
Be respectful. Treat your classmates with courtesy and kindness. Recognize that you are in a school
setting and understand the behavior that is appropriate for this environment.

Late Work Policy: Late Work is placed as a 0 in the grade book. It will only be accepted up to one week from
the due date. Late work, up to one week from due date = 1 in accountability. If your work is late, you will
forfeit the opportunity to demonstrate re-mastery on that assignment. Students enrolled in Honors will not
be allowed to turn in their work late. Homework is always due at the beginning of the period.

Technological Devices: Cell phones should not be used during class time. They should be on silent and put
away. If I see or hear your phone, it will be confiscated until the end of the day.

Chromebooks: You should bring your CHARGED Chromebook to class every day. Yhey should be used during
the allowed time and for the allotted purpose.

Food & Drink: Food and drink (except water) is not permitted during class time, due to our use of
Chromebooks. Please store or dispose of any food or drink before entering the classroom. Water should be
in a bottle with a fully closeable top.
Backpacks/Bags: Bags, backpacks, and extraneous items are not permitted on desks during class time. Only
items pertaining to the work at hand will be allowed on desks; everything else must be placed underneath
tables.

Outside Work: No outside work is allowed during class time unless you receive express permission from the
teacher.

Academic Integrity: I encourage you to study with other students and to use outside resources that will aid
your learning. However, all work must be your own. Cheating or plagiarism of any kind will not be
tolerated. If you are found guilty of either, you will receive a zero on the assignment in question with no
opportunity to make it up; a call home will also be placed.

Absences/ Make-up Work: If you are absent from class, please do the following:

(1) Pick-up your handouts (in the absentee binder) located at the student center.
(2) Copy the class notes.
(3) Speak to your teacher at lunch time or office hours to find out what you missed.
(4) Make-up your work as soon as possible.

Whenever you are absent, you are still responsible for finding out what you missed and being prepared for
class the day you return to school, such as making sure you are caught up on reading assignments. In
addition, check my DP, Project Calendar, or other students for information you missed. You have the length
of time you were absent to make up your work for full credit.

Tardy Policy: Students will be expected to follow the schools tardy rules and will be expected to be in their
seats at the time to start class. The maximum tardies for the class will be 3. On the third tardy, the student
will be issued a detention.

Bathroom Passes: Students may use their agendas as bathroom pass. Only one student may use bathroom
passes at a time. Students are expected to use bathroom passes appropriately and be mindful of their
classmates need to use the facilities as well.

Office Hours: I am available for tutoring before school Monday Friday and by appointment. Office
hours will be Tuesday and Thursday from 8-9.

Behavior: If a student is behaving in an inappropriate manner I either redirect the student or have a
conversation with them in order to develop a strategy to cope with the school environment. Otherwise I
will follow DVCs intervention policy.

Rated R Movies: There will be times in the classroom when I use portions of rated R movies such as
Amistad, Saving Private Ryan, or Schindlers list. This will be for academic purposes.

Family Teacher Connection: Grades and class information are available on Power School. Please feel
free to contact me. Email or phone are the most convenient ways to reach me. If you would like to meet
in person, please call to set up an appointment. I may also contact you regarding the student using the
telephone and/or email you provide below.

***The teacher reserves the right to make changes to this policy as necessary. Changes will be announced in class.
 DVC United States History

Mr. Andrew Daramola, 2017

REQUIREMENT: Please go to www.dvcdaramola.weebly.com to fill out student and teacher contact

information. Note This is the same survey as English 11, so no need to fill it out twice!

Student Name (print): _________________________________________________Period: _____

Parent Name (print): ______________________________________________________________

Parent Phone (Best Number):

_________________________________________________________________

I have read the course policy and classroom procedures. I understand the academic/behavior
expectations and consequences.

Student (signature):

_________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent/Guardian (signature):

_________________________________________________________________Date: ____________