8th Grade United States History

Open Disclosure Statement

Teacher: Danielle Dallof
Email: teachername@schooldistrict.org
Phone: 801-555-5555
Room Number: 2107

Introduction:

Parents and Students, Welcome to a new school year! I am excited to have you in my class this
year. The purpose of this disclosure statement is to help you be informed about what to expect
out of this class this year. This is not meant to be a complete list of all policies, but should
provide answers to questions that parents and students frequently ask and give you an
overview of expectations.

Course Description and Objectives:

In this class we will study events and issues in United States history from the Age of Exploration
through Civil War and Reconstruction. Topics include but are not limited to: early exploration,
colonization, Revolutionary War, Constitution, nation building, Civil War, Reconstruction, and
westward expansion. Students will also learn and master historical thinking skills such as:
sourcing, corroboration, contextualization, and close reading. Additionally, students will compare
and contrast the early history of the United States with current events. This class examines
history so that students may understand the lessons that history teaches.

Classroom Expectations:

All students will be held to high expectations for conduct, preparedness, and engagement.
These expectations are:

- Be Connected: students should be prepared to CONNECT with the school, daily lesson
objectives, other students, adults in the school, and with their families as they describe
their school day. This includes asking questions and participating in class.
- Be Thoughtful: students should be THOUGHTFUL about their interactions with others in
school, reflect on the differences that make us unique, and think about how ideas help
shape who we are. This includes being kind and attentive.
- Be Responsible: students should be RESPONSIBLE with their school work. This
includes being on time to class and being prepared with a pencil, planner, and other
necessary materials each day.

Course Materials:

Students will use a variety of textbooks, atlases, primary sources, and electronic sources
throughout the year. We will also use library materials.
Utah has developed a Core Curriculum for U.S. History. The Core includes ideas, concepts, and
skills which provide a foundation on which learning may be built. The Core can be accessed on
the Utah State Office of Educations website at http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/core

Format and Procedures:

This class will contain a variety of instructional activities. These include cooperative group
learning, project based activities, whole class instruction, and individual work. Students will learn
to take notes, conduct research, and write multi-paragraph essays.

Grading Information:

Grades will be based on student completion of classwork, homework, classroom participation,

tests and quizzes. The quality of student work is very important and grades will reflect this.
Students will likely have homework every week this is part of your grade. Progress will be
reported at the mid-term, at the end of term, and at Parent-Teacher conferences. Parents and
students are also encouraged to track grades and progress through the schools online grading
system.

Grade weights:

Classwork/homework: 60% Tests and quizzes: 30% Participation: 10%

Grade breakdown:

100-93%= A 92-90%= A- 89-85%= B 84-80%= B- 79-75%= C 74-70%= C- 69-65%= D

64-60% = D- 59% or less = failing

Late/Missing work:

Late work will only be accepted with an excused absence and should be turned in on the day
following the students return to class. This means that students should receive the work they
missed on their first day back to class and turn it in the following day. I realize that there are
sometimes special circumstances and will be willing to work with students in those cases. If this
situation arises, late and missing work may be made up as arranged with the teacher.

Food and Drink:

Students are welcome to bring water to class provided that it is in a water bottle with a lid. Food
is not permitted.

Electronic Devices:

Please be courteous and keep cell phones turned off and put away. If I see you using a
cellphone or other electronic device in class, I will confiscate it. There may be special
circumstances in which we will use electronic devices for educational purposes, but they should
never be used without teacher permission or for non-educational purposes.

Attendance:

If you know you will be absent ahead of time you should get the work you will miss from the
teacher before you miss class. Students are expected to be in class every day as it is important
to their learning. Once a student misses 10% of the total possible school days the school will
work with families to remedy the problem this is a district policy. You may refer to the student
handbook for further information which can be found on our school website.

Academic Honesty/Cheating:

Students are expected to be honest in the completion of their classwork and homework.
Academic honesty refers mainly to the issue of plagiarism. Plagiarism is when you copy another
persons work or ideas without giving them credit for it. Students should always properly cite
outside materials used for schoolwork or homework. Students are also expected to complete
their work and tests independently of classmates. Even during group work, students should all
contribute and not just copy another persons work.

Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated under any circumstance. If a student is caught
cheating or plagiarizing they will automatically receive a zero on that work and will not be
afforded the opportunity to make up those points. Such incidents will also be reported to a
school administrator and to parents. Because this is such a serious issue, students will receive
these consequences on the first offense.

I have read and understand the U.S. History open disclosure statement. Please tear off
and have your student return this paper to class.
Parent Signature ______________________________ Date ________________

Student Signature _____________________________ Date ________________