Crusader Team 2014-2015

7
th
Grade Social Studies Syllabus

Mr. Huff Room 107

Welcome to Mr. Huffs 7
th
grade World History. I am very excited to be your leader this year on our
learning journey. This is also my first year at Valley and I am just as excited as you are to make our
school the best! As you prepare for this year I want you to know there are two keys to having success in
our class: attendance and participation. Come each day prepared to participate and I guarantee we
will have a successful year together.
Listed below are the Key Focus Topics that will be covered during this school year. Four times
throughout the year, students will be given a JCPS District Proficiency Assessment to evaluate their
mastery of the content. In addition, there will be other tests and quizzes given throughout the year with or
without advanced notice. Therefore it is very important that each student study, complete assignments,
and be prepared for class.
Historical Tools
Human-Environmental Interaction
Production/Distribution/Consumption
People Form Governments
Classical Civilizations Impact The World
Elements of Culture
Economic Decision Making
Civilizations Influence Each Other
Conflict and Cooperation
Geographic Tools
Movement

Grade Composition
Your grade will be broken down into 6 categories which will total 100%.
Warm-Ups- 10%
Homework- 20%
Quizzes/Diagnostic- 15%
Daily Work- 20%
Test & Proficiencies- 20%
Projects- 15%


Grading Scale

A 93 - 100%
B 86 - 92%
C 79 - 85%
D 70 - 78%
U Below 70%


Contact Info
victor.huffjr@jefferson.kyschools.us - Email

http://huffthegreat.weebly.com/ - Class Webpage

http://vikingnation.weebly.com/ - Team Webpage

502-485-8339 School number

Supplies

Each student is expected to bring 1 spiral notebook, 1 two-pocket folder, and a writing utensil to
class. The folder and notebook will remain in class unless you want to take them home to
study/work on a project.


Late Work

When a student is absent, the student is allowed the number of days absent plus one day to
complete the assignment without a late penalty. If a student is absent on a Friday the weekly sheet
and warm-ups for last week must be turned in on their next day back to school. This is because
they do not have to make up any part of those assignments, they just need to write absent for the
Friday missed and place it in the make-up work bin. Late work in any other circumstance will
only be accepted for one week after the first day it is collected. Work accepted under these terms
will have a maximum grade of 50%.

Authentic Assessment

I believe that not all students learn in the same way and similarly not all students display mastery
of content in a like manner. With that being said I will have a running assignment in my class
that will allow students the opportunity to display their mastery of content outside of a normal
exam. During each unit (3 weeks in length) student will have to complete a number of
assignments from a list that is given to them (and posted to my webpage). The students have
freedom of choice on what to complete as long as it meets the following 2 standards:
1. Student completes assignments equal to the number of points required by Mr. Huff.
2. Student completed the required amount of assignments from each category.

For example: If I require the students to turn in 180pts worth of assignments, they might be
required to complete 80pts from the 10/20pt sections and the remaining points would be required
from the 30/40pt sections. This ensures that each of the students completes a mix of basic and
higher level thinking assignments to demonstrate their mastery of the content.

Students may or may not be given time in class to complete these assignments. This will be
considered homework and will account for 20% of the students grade for the class. It is vital
that students make time to complete their Authentic Assessment items for each unit and budget
their time accordingly.


I am looking forward to having a great year and expect that we will all be successful!

Mr. Huff