MR BLUMER'S GRADE 8 SOCIAL STUDIES
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Where do I find assignments?
This year, I am using Canvas a web tool that allows teachers to send assignments directly to students, have a calendar connected to work, and give feedback online. This is what the high school will be experimenting with as well, so I'm hoping it will prepare students well going forward. Students and parents can use their canvas login to see their work. For students, their log in is the same as what they use for WMS Google sites, authentication, etc.
How does grading work?
Tests/Quizzes and Projects: 70% of grade
Each assignment is worth a certain amount of points; more important assignments are worth more points.
Homework: 15% of grade
Individual homework is graded on a Check/Plus/Minus rating based on effort and, to a lesser extent, accuracy. A student's term grade is based on how frequently and how well it is done. Students can raise their homework grade for the term via challenge work.
Classwork: 15% of grade
This is my judgement of how your child is preparing/operating in class. It is NOT simply how often one participates. Here are the factors I consider:
Each assignment is worth a certain amount of points; more important assignments are worth more points.
Homework: 15% of grade
Individual homework is graded on a Check/Plus/Minus rating based on effort and, to a lesser extent, accuracy. A student's term grade is based on how frequently and how well it is done. Students can raise their homework grade for the term via challenge work.
Classwork: 15% of grade
This is my judgement of how your child is preparing/operating in class. It is NOT simply how often one participates. Here are the factors I consider:
- Preparation: do they have needed materials for class? Are they organized enough to find them efficiently?
- Focus: do they follow directions on the "to do/have out" quickly? Do they stay focused in class?
- Collaboration: do they work well with groups?
- Curiosity: Do they ask questions about what they are learning? Do they take risks in making connections between past and present or ideas from class?
- Growth mindset: Do they ask about ideas they are unsure about, either in class or individually before/after class?
- Participation: How frequently do they participate in class?
When am I available for extra help?
I am around most mornings from 7:00 AM onward. Before school, students can find me in my office, in room 303. I am also after school most Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, as well as some Thursdays. While it is not required, it is helpful if students tell me in advance (earlier that day) so that I don't schedule work with other teachers.
Where can I find other useful stuff?
The two links at the top of the page should help you throughout the year.
Current Events: I encourage students to look at these resources. I am a big believer that our main job as social studies teachers is to help students learn/understand more about the issues facing the nation and world today. Sometimes that fits nicely in with our curriculum, but even when it doesn't, I still try to find time routinely.
Toolbox: How do I want students to take notes? What do I mean by "mark up"? How should essays be organized? These are PDFs of document that answer all these questions and more. I've put up the main items we use throughout the year, though I'll add more as we go on. Note that even though an item is up here, I may not have discussed it with students yet.
Current Events: I encourage students to look at these resources. I am a big believer that our main job as social studies teachers is to help students learn/understand more about the issues facing the nation and world today. Sometimes that fits nicely in with our curriculum, but even when it doesn't, I still try to find time routinely.
Toolbox: How do I want students to take notes? What do I mean by "mark up"? How should essays be organized? These are PDFs of document that answer all these questions and more. I've put up the main items we use throughout the year, though I'll add more as we go on. Note that even though an item is up here, I may not have discussed it with students yet.