Course Title:

8th Grade South Carolina

History - 2015-2016
Tim Donaldson
(843) 784-2630230

Teacher:
School Phone:
Email:
Planning/Conf. Times:0 *
12:35pm 12:55pm

tim.donaldson@rloacs.org

8:05am 9:00am &

What is South Carolina History?

South Carolina History is a social studies class that explains the history of one of the
American States which is South Carolina. We are going to look not only at the places and
the events that have shaped our state heritage, but at the major themes, such as
colonialism, revolution, slavery, civil war and civil rights issues that continue to be
questions in our society today. With the media, Internet, and communication making our
state very popular with each new event, it only makes sense that we know a little bit about
the state of which we are citizens of as well.
In South Carolina History, we will look at the history and socialization of an American
state from the 1500s to the present day. In addition to our content work, we are also going
to look at America itself and it was influenced by South Carolina physically and culturally. I
am very excited about this semester. We will work very hard, but we have very much to
learn!

Grades
Authentic Assessment 40% - Tests need little explanation. Tests in this class will vary in
format, from multiple choice and matching to short essays and map identification. The best
way to prepare for these exams is very simple: do your assignments and take notes in
class. You will never find material on my tests that we did not cover in class! Throughout the
semester, you will be given out-of-class project assignments, which will count as a major
grade for the quarter in which it is assigned. Authentic Assessments will include:

Multiple Choice Tests

3D Projects
Essays

Classwork & Notes Quizzes 30%

All classwork should be completed. Quizzes will be given to check for understanding and to
ensure you that you understand what I give you within your notes. Classwork includes the
following:
Dailey Journals
Mini Projects
Webquests
7th Grade Social Studies

Exit Slips

Enrichment and Acceleration 20%

Enrichment activities includes the following:
USA Test Prep
Practice Worksheets
Graphic Organizers
Participation 10%
Participation is important since it reinforces what is taught in the classroom. This includes:
Copies Notes
Copied Objectives
Board work
Group support

South Carolina Grading Scale:

100
92
84
76
69

93
85
77
70
0

A
B
C
D

Is there a Pass Test?

Yes there is a Pass Test at the end of the year with over 60 multiple choice questions based
on everything you have learned throughout the year. We shall be using the Pass Coach
book for reviewing key information that covers all of South Carolina History for 8 th Grade
Standards.

Is there a final?
Yes. 8th Grade South Carolina History is a core course; therefore all students must
adequately meet 80% of the state aligned district standards and take a school mandated
end of course exit exam. The exam will count for 20% of your final grade. Extensive review
and preparation will be made to ensure that all students perform well on this exam. The
exam will be an end of the year 3D model project.

Cheating
Obviously, there is zero tolerance for cheating. Cheating, in my class, is defined as
copying another students work and presenting it as ones own either in my presence, such
as on a test, or out of class, such as copying a paper. It is also defined as plagiarism, which
is copying a copyrighted source and presenting it as ones own original work. Any instance
where a student is caught cheating will result in zero credit for the test, assignment, paper,
etc., and immediate notification of a parent/guardian.
7th Grade Social Studies

All objectives are in accordance with the South Carolina Department of Education,
and the 8th Grade Social Studies Standards for Learning.

Absences

It is your responsibility to acquire and complete make up work within the time
permitted.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get the notes from a classmate or me.
Unit review days are a privilege. You are not excused from a test if you miss the
review day.
If you are absent from a test, you will be responsible for scheduling a time with me to
make it up. The sooner the betterthe longer you wait, the more time you have to
forget!

Supplies

Textbook
Pass Coach Work Book
Notebook & Paper
Pens & Pencils
Good Attitude

Additional Assistance
Tutoring is available afterschool as needed. Please make an appointment with the teacher.

Go royal knights!!!!!

7th Grade Social Studies