Friday, October 30, 2009

American Government 10/30/09

In Class - Finish political cartoon project presentations. Continue to discuss and meet with your groups concerning your educational reform bill.

Homework - Random sample survey due Wednesday, November 4. Have a safe Halloween!

World History 10/30/09

In Class - Use class time to complete Chapter 5, Section 1 summary and primary sources. This is due before you leave.

Homework - Have a safe Halloween!

American Government 10/29/09

In Class - Political Cartoon Project presentations (extra credit). Turn in project along with your works cited. Also, complete educational reform bill works cited (this is due today, typed: 15 sources).

Homework - Continue to research for your bill. Random sample survey due on Wednesday, November 4.

NOTE - If you did not turn in your project today, I will still accept it through tomorrow, but I will deduct two letter grades.

World History 10/29/09

In Class - Industrial Revolution simulation. Introduction to Industrial Revolution. Discuss reading strategies.

Homework - Read Chapter 5, Section 1 and summarize the section (see the section focus question for assistance). Also, I will collect the primary sources and section 1 and 2 on Friday.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

American Government 10/28/09

In Class - Continue to work in groups discussing educational reform bill.

Homework - POLITICAL CARTOON PROJECT DUE TOMORROW!!! If you want extra credit, give a short presentation about your project to the class. If you have a powerpoint, be sure you save it to a flash drive and bring this in. Works cited for your educational reform bill (15 sources) also due tomorrow.

World History 10/28/09

In Class - Test corrections from Chapter 3 Test: French Revolution. Correct the multiple choice questions only. Find the correct answer in the book, write the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper, and turn in with your original test. Completing this with the correct answers will increase your overall test score. When you are done, work on the back side of the primary source handout (from yesterday) or complete the primary sources for tomorrow.

Homework - Complete handout for tomorrow (Chapter 6, Section 1 and 2 Quiz and Primary Sources).

American Government 10/27/09

In Class - Continue to work in groups on Educational Reform Bill. Be sure that you are doing some outside research and prepared to work in your groups on a daily basis.

Homework - Political Cartoon Project (50) due on Thursday, October 29. Works Cited for Educational Reform Bill due Thursday, October 29.

World History 10/27/09

In Class - Hand out Industrial Revolution Primary Sources: "Looking at London in the 1820's" and "From Hard Times by Charles Dickens." Every time a primary source is analyzed, you will highlight or underline the information from the primary source that will answer the questions. This is how these are going to be done from here on out. I will no longer accept work unless it is completed this way.

Homework - Complete analysis of these political cartoons. Answer the questions for each primary source.

Monday, October 26, 2009

American Government 10/26/09

In Class - Continue to work in groups on your educational reform bill. Works cited (15 sources per group) is due by Wednesday, October 28. Also, Political Cartoon Project due on Thursday, October 29.

Homework - Continue to research for works cited. Political Cartoon project due on Thursday.

Articles to check out:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/building-a-bill-in-congress.html#

http://www.fedstats.gov/ - statistics from the US federal government

http://nces.ed.gov/Forum/nclb_links.asp - NCLB Resources

http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml - official state and federal NCLB site

http://www.publicagenda.org/ - Helping Americans Explore Today's Issues

http://www.publicagenda.org/ - Find stats on student performance, spending revenue, tax data, school environment

http://www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/sr/tq/tiiresources.asp -

http://www.lii.org/pub/topic/statistics -

http://www.lib.umich.edu/government-documents-center/explore/ - a central reference and referral point for government information

World History 10/26/09

In Class - Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-3). Complete midterm and turn in.

Homework - None

Friday, October 23, 2009

American Government 10/23/09

In Class - Continue to work in groups on education reform. Remember, every group member must bring stuff to work on every day. To avoid any outside group meetings, use the class time given to you the best you know how.

Homework - Continue to research. Works Cited (15 sources) due by Wednesday, October 28. Also, political cartoon project due on Thursday, October 29. Don't procrastinate!

World History 10/23/09

In Class - Chapter 3 Test (French Revolution). If you have completed the review sheet (extra credit towards your test score), then be sure to staple this to the back of your answer sheet. Notebooks due today by 3:00 pm. If it is late, I will still accept it on Monday, but I will deduct two letter grades. Handout review sheet for Midterm Exam. This Midterm will be on Monday covering Chapters 1-3. The review sheet does not need to be completed, but if you know all the terms, people, events on this sheet, this exam (similar to a benchmark but for a grade) should be no problem for you.

NOTE - The class with the highest average score on the Midterm will receive a reward on Friday, October 30.

Homework - Study for Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-3) for Monday.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

American Government 10/22/09

In Class - Distribute handout with due dates concerning Education Reform Bill. Break into your groups and start planning and brainstorming your ideas. Works Cited is due on Wednesday, October 28.

Homework - Research. Also, Political Cartoon Project due on Thursday, October 29!

Interesting articles to check out:
http://www.cbp.org/pdfs/2007/070926_how_does_ca_compare.pdf - Comparing California's education to other states
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml - NCLB Act in detail
http://www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/ - California NCLB
http://www.aft.org/topics/nclb/index.htm - Great resource from the American Federation of Teachers
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1001/p02s10-legn.html - Interesting article supporting NCLB and decreasing the achievement gap
http://www.cep-dc.org/document/docWindow.cfm?fuseaction=document.viewDocument&documentid=286&documentFormatId=4361 - Argument for National Standards instead of individual state standards
http://www.cep-dc.org/ - Center on Education Policy

World History 10/22/09

In Class - Work Day - continue to organize notebooks (due by 3:00 tomorrow). Work on Chapter 3 Review Sheet for test tomorrow. Completion of this review sheet can be used as extra credit on y0ur overall test score.

Homework - Organize notebook. Study for Chapter 3 Test.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

American Government 10/21/09

In Class - Discuss requirements and purpose of the educational reform bill you will be writing in class.

Homework - Take a look at the following articles and be prepared to begin work in your groups on this project.
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/03/obamas_grand_education_plan_can_it_really_work.php
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090913/OPINION/909130319/-1/NEWS

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR2009092403197.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/24/AR2009072402203.html

http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/Education/

http://www.ets.org/Media/onethird.pdf

http://nces.ed.gov/

World History 10/21/09

In Class - Hand back Chapter 2 Test and test corrections. Turn in homework (Chapter 3, Section 4 Standard Check Questions). In class notes: Results of the Revolution: Age of Napoleon. Complete guided notes and summarize. Hand out Chapter 3 Test Review. Completion of this assignment can be used as extra credit for your test on Friday.

Homework - Study for your test on Friday over Chapter 3. Complete Chapter 3 Review for extra credit on your test score. Notebook due on Friday.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

American Government 10/20/09

In Class - Discuss education reform. Since there are a significant number of students absent due to the ASVAB, we will start our group work tomorrow in class.

Homework - Political Cartoon Project due Thursday, October 29.

World History 10/20/09

In Class - Finish discussion of French Revolution Picturegrams. Introduction to Napoleon. Short Video, take notes.

Homework - Chapter 3, Section 4 Standard Check Questions. Due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Monday, October 19, 2009

American Government 10/19/09

In Class - Discuss responses to last week's QOW. Read the printed copies and discuss in groups. Discuss how motivating and rewarding students can increase test scores and the relevance to the high school setting. This is prep work for your education reform bill. We will talk more about this tomorrow in class.

Homework - None. Political Cartoon Project due Thursday, October 29.

World History 10/19/09

In Class - Discuss French Revolution Picturegrams. Discuss the significance and relevance to the French Revolution.

Homework - Test over Chapter 3 on Friday, October 23.

NOTE - Notebook will now be due on Friday, October 23.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

American Government 10/16/09

In Class - Library. Continue to print off or save political cartoons for political cartoon project due Thursday, October 29. Remember, you need 50 with citations (author name and where you found it). Use this time to post a comment to the question of the week.

Homework - QOW due by 11:59 tonight.

World History 10/16/09

In Class - Hand back papers. Notebook due date has been pushed back to Wednesday, October 21. Continue to work on French Revolution Picturegrams. We will discuss these on Monday.

Homework - None.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

American Government 10/15/09

In Class - Library. Continue to research and find political cartoons for your political cartoon project (due Thursday, October 29).

Homework - QOW due by tomorrow.

World History 10/15/09

In Class - Turn in homework (handout regarding FR). Continue to work on French Revolution Picturegrams. By the end of the class, your goal is to have at least ten of the fourteen completed. Remember, read the directions and do quality work.

Homework - None. Notebook due on Monday.

Extra Credit Opportunity - Parent Teacher Conferences. Have your parent(s) show up tonight, and I will give you extra credit.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

American Government 10/14/09

In Class - 2nd Period: Go to the library and continue to research for political cartoons. Also, this is an opportunity to respond to the question of the week. 4th period - class discussion on education. Discuss the ideas and concepts concerning education reform we have talked about throughout the last couple of weeks. Make yourselves look good in front of those AVID people.

Homework - Political cartoon project due Thursday, October 29.

Interesting Articles you might want to read:
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/03/obamas_grand_education_plan_can_it_really_work.php

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090913/OPINION/909130319/-1/NEWS

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR2009092403197.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/24/AR2009072402203.html

http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/Education/

http://www.ets.org/Media/onethird.pdf

World History 10/14/09

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 3, Section 3 and 4 Quiz). Also, if you completed the extra credit from yesterday, turn that in as well. With a partner, get a copy of the French Revolution Picturegrams. These are pictures of people, things, or events that played an important role during the French Revolution. Your goal is to identify the person, place, event, or thing in the picture and write 3-4 sentences per picture identifying it and explaining its significance and relevance to the French Revolution. Your goal is to get through seven of the fourteen today. Turn in your written work. Make sure you get a copy of the homework (handout regarding FR). This is due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

Homework - Complete handout concerning FR.

NOTE - If you were absent yesterday, be sure you get a copy of the notebook table of contents. If you need something copied, it is your responsibility to come and see me during tutoring to get these copies. This is a huge assignment and is due on Monday, October 19.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

American Government 10/13/09

In Class - Library. Work on printing or gathering your political cartoons for your project due on Thursday, October 29. You need 50, dating no later than January 2009. Also, remember you need a citation (author's name and where you found the cartoon) for each political cartoon.

Homework - None. However, extra credit is due by Friday, October 16. See the posting from Friday (10/09/09).

Question of the Week (due by Friday, 11:59 pm) - Read the following article and respond to the question. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33277470/ns/us_news-education/

Considering all of the arguments against NCLB and state testing, how can teachers motivate students to perform well in school, be held accountable for their education, and perform well on these standardized tests?

World History 10/13/09

In Class - Hand out notebook order sheet (due Monday, October 19 by 3:00 pm). All contents of your notebook need to be in order, complete, and in the rings of your notebook. All notes must be in Cornell Method and must contain a summary for credit. If you are missing something or were absent, you need to see me before school (for tutoring) to get those assignments. This is a huge part of your grade thus far, so do quality work.

Homework - Notebook due Monday, October 19.

Extra Credit Opportunity: What famous building celebrates it's birthday today? Find the answer, write it down, and turn it in tomorrow for extra credit.

American Government 10/12/09

In Class - Short video clip concerning the "online generation" and education. Class discussion on the significance of technology when it comes to American education. Hand out article concerning No Child Left Behind. Read this article for tomorrow.

Homework - Since not everyone completed the QOW from last week, you may still reply by tonight and receive partial credit.

World History 10/12/09

In Class - Benchmark Exam #1. Work on homework from Friday (Chapter 3, Section 3 and 4 Quiz) and Primary Source (Jacobins/Robespierre). I will collect the quiz tomorrow, and we will discuss the primary source in class.

Homework - Chapter 3, Section 3/4 Handout and Primary Source.

Friday, October 9, 2009

American Government 10/9/09

In Class - Continue discussion on education reform. Discuss article "The Standardized Test Trap." Turn in written article summary and reaction to this article.

Homework - QOW due by Saturday, October 10 by 11:59.

Extra Credit Opportunity - Do some research on President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. Find at least three articles (be sure to have the proper citation) and write a one to two page response to the following questions: Why did President Obama receive the Nobel Peace Prize? What are the reasons that justify this award? Do you think he earned this award? Why or why not? If not, then who, in your opinion, should have received this award?

Turn in your 1-2 page write-up, which must be typed and double spaced, along with the citations of your articles. This is due by Friday, October 16. You can earn a maximum of 50 points on this assignment of extra credit. Better quality, more points. Take your time and do quality work.

World History 10/9/09

In Class - Short quiz over Chapter 3, Sections 1 and 2. Classwork - Chapter 3, Sections 3 and 4 Quiz. This is due on Monday.

Homework - Chapter 3, Sections 3 and 4 Quiz.

American Government 10/8/09

In Class - Continue discussion on education reform (class discussion on political cartoons). Hand out article "The Standardized Test Trap."

Homework - Write a short summary of this article (on the back) and include your reaction to this article (2 paragraphs total). QOW due by Saturday, October 10 by 11:59 pm.

World History 10/8/09

In Class - Finish guided notes (causes of the French Revolution). On a separate sheet of paper, write a summary explaining these five causes. Hang onto homework from yesterday (Primary Source: Jacobins/Robespierre).

Homework - Short quiz over Chapter 3, Sections 1 and 2.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

American Government 10/7/09

In Class - Group Work: discuss the pros and cons of the United States education system. Make a list in your group and discuss. Then, read the articles presented to you and discuss with your group. Hang onto this work, for you will be using this in the future.

Homework - QOW due by Saturday, October 10.

Extra Credit Opportunity: Check back later for this.

World History 10/7/09

In Class - Complete video questions and answers. Turn in. Finish homework from yesterday (Primary Sources) and turn in. When complete with these, read the primary sources "The Jacobin Regime" and "Maximillian Robespierre: Republic of Virtue." Read and answer the questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Homework - Complete questions and answers of primary sources for tomorrow.

American Government 10/6/09

In Class - Discuss the United States' education system. Discuss pros/cons, purpose of education, why people drop out, why people choose not to do well, NCLB.

Homework - None.

Question of the Week (due by Saturday, October 10 by 11:59 pm)

Regarding your views on education in this country, rate on a scale of 1-10 (one being low, ten being high) your overall educational experience. What are the positives? Negatives? In your opinion, why do you think so many people drop out? What are your views of No Child Left Behind? Do you think our education system has shifted to teaching to a test? What are your thoughts?

World History 10/6/09

In Class - Finish French Revolution documentary. Discuss questions and answers (I will collect this tomorrow at the beginning of class). Hand out primary sources: "The Royal Family in Prison" and "Two Views of the Revolution." Read primary sources and answer the questions that follow.

Homework - Complete primary source questions for tomorrow. Complete French Revolution documentary questions and answers.

American Government 10/5/09

In Class - Mental Health Day.

Homework - Political Cartoon Project due Thursday, October 29.

World History 10/5/09

In Class - Continue viewing French Revolution documentary. Continue to answer questions while viewing. Turn in signed 6 week progress report (5th period).

Homework - None

American Government 10/2/09

In Class - Work Day. Turn in signed 6 week progress report. Work on Chapter 8 Questions (8). This is due before you leave.

Homework - QOW due by 11:59 tonight. Political Cartoon Project due Thursday, October 29.

World History 10/2/09

In Class - Turn in signed 6 week progress report (5th period has until Monday). Begin viewing French Revolution documentary. Hand out questions to answer while viewing video.

Homework - None

Thursday, October 1, 2009

American Government 10/1/09

In Class - Continue to watch and discuss News War. Discuss how journalism and new "spinoff" newscast are helping/hurting public opinion.

Homework - QOW due by tomorrow. 8 questions (see post from 9/28) for Chapter 8 due on Friday. Signed progress report due tomorrow.

World History 10/1/09

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2 Quiz). FR class simulation. Respond to the following: In terms of the social structure of France, describe how my behavior relates to the French Revolution. Hang onto this and put in your notebook.

Homework - Signed progress report by tomorrow (except 5th period by Monday).