2021 History Need-to-Knows
Welcome to History! I’m excited to begin another year teaching American History, and I am eager to also be a part of the 7th grade team. For those of you I haven’t met yet, here’s a little information about me: I spent the first few years of my teaching career in Math, but have since spent six in History and three in STEM. My husband and I have four daughters, one of whom is currently in 6th grade here at McCarroll. We’re an Army family, we love all things soccer, and our favorite thing to do is go on an adventure. One of my favorite things about teaching is to make learning fun, and I hope to continue doing so this year. I’m a big believer that you’re never too old to have fun in the classroom, and that’s a philosophy I’ll be sure to keep as we navigate history together. Below are a few things you should expect and can count on for this course.
VOCABULARY EMPHASIS We will put more emphasis on vocabulary this year, as your knowledge of vocabulary terms will be essential when it comes to your ability to analyze high level test questions. Be prepared to take vocabulary quizzes often. A study link will always be posted through Canvas. You will be given some time during class to study these terms, but it would be a good idea to study these during your own time as well.
TESTS Tests will consist of higher level questions. In other words, don’t expect matching vocabulary exams. Tests will be used as an opportunity to use your content knowledge (and your new knowledge of vocabulary) to decipher higher level questions. Please expect that test scores may be lower than vocabulary quiz scores since they require more analysis rather than just recall of information. Both vocabulary quizzes and tests will be counted as “test grades”, however.
HOMEWORK I typically do not assign homework, but I expect efficiency in class. If you are not using your time wisely, that will translate to additional time you’ll need to spend at home covering the material.
CANVAS Most course material will be posted in Canvas. You will see a menu on the Home Page of your History Canvas account. Start by clicking on the correct grading term. Then click on the appropriate unit. If you are absent, this is the first place you should look. Often, you will be able to find everything you need here. If not, I will be happy to help you when you return.
RETEACH/REWARD DAYS Summative test scores will be evaluated and assessed for each student. If a student meets expectations during each grading period, they will attend a reward event. If they do not meet expectations, they will participate in a “reteach” opportunity. This will be facilitated once each grading period.
EXPECTATIONS I have two class rules; (1) Be respectful, and (2) Be efficient. As a 7th or 8th grader, you will find higher expectations for individual responsibility. Please understand that my goal is to prepare you for a future beyond the STAAR test. I want you to do well on the exams that you take, but you should also be learning how to think critically, how to make educated decisions, and how to problem solve. We will not sit in rows and take notes daily, but there is a time and place for all types of learning.
REQUESTED HISTORY SUPPLIES
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY Submit a design for our history tee-shirt contest. Your design must portray your grade level theme: 7th: Pioneers or Important Texas Figures, 8th: Democracy
CONTACT INFORMATION Please email me with any questions or concerns moving forward ([email protected]). In addition, you will be able to access your grades anytime through Skyward.
GENERAL CLASS SYLLABUS This year, the Texas history course (7th grade) will be vertically aligned and infused with concepts found in the American History course (8th grade). Seventh graders will complete the Texas History curriculum and learn to make connections between state and national history. For example, students will compare the leadership traits of George Washington to Sam Houston, analyze the impact of slavery in both Texas and the United States, and study the causes of both the Texas and American Revolutions.
7TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
VOCABULARY EMPHASIS We will put more emphasis on vocabulary this year, as your knowledge of vocabulary terms will be essential when it comes to your ability to analyze high level test questions. Be prepared to take vocabulary quizzes often. A study link will always be posted through Canvas. You will be given some time during class to study these terms, but it would be a good idea to study these during your own time as well.
TESTS Tests will consist of higher level questions. In other words, don’t expect matching vocabulary exams. Tests will be used as an opportunity to use your content knowledge (and your new knowledge of vocabulary) to decipher higher level questions. Please expect that test scores may be lower than vocabulary quiz scores since they require more analysis rather than just recall of information. Both vocabulary quizzes and tests will be counted as “test grades”, however.
HOMEWORK I typically do not assign homework, but I expect efficiency in class. If you are not using your time wisely, that will translate to additional time you’ll need to spend at home covering the material.
CANVAS Most course material will be posted in Canvas. You will see a menu on the Home Page of your History Canvas account. Start by clicking on the correct grading term. Then click on the appropriate unit. If you are absent, this is the first place you should look. Often, you will be able to find everything you need here. If not, I will be happy to help you when you return.
RETEACH/REWARD DAYS Summative test scores will be evaluated and assessed for each student. If a student meets expectations during each grading period, they will attend a reward event. If they do not meet expectations, they will participate in a “reteach” opportunity. This will be facilitated once each grading period.
EXPECTATIONS I have two class rules; (1) Be respectful, and (2) Be efficient. As a 7th or 8th grader, you will find higher expectations for individual responsibility. Please understand that my goal is to prepare you for a future beyond the STAAR test. I want you to do well on the exams that you take, but you should also be learning how to think critically, how to make educated decisions, and how to problem solve. We will not sit in rows and take notes daily, but there is a time and place for all types of learning.
REQUESTED HISTORY SUPPLIES
- 1 folder or one 1-inch binder (you may leave this in the classroom)
- 1 composition book
- pencils, glue sticks, highlighters, ruler (you should have these with you each day)
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY Submit a design for our history tee-shirt contest. Your design must portray your grade level theme: 7th: Pioneers or Important Texas Figures, 8th: Democracy
- The design must include your graduation year (Class of ?)
- The design must appear only on the front of a solid-color shirt.
- A hand drawn or digital design may be submitted via email to [email protected].
- The winner will receive a free t-shirt (and bragging rights!) and shirts will be used for field trips and/or History specific events. All entries are due by Friday, September 9.
CONTACT INFORMATION Please email me with any questions or concerns moving forward ([email protected]). In addition, you will be able to access your grades anytime through Skyward.
GENERAL CLASS SYLLABUS This year, the Texas history course (7th grade) will be vertically aligned and infused with concepts found in the American History course (8th grade). Seventh graders will complete the Texas History curriculum and learn to make connections between state and national history. For example, students will compare the leadership traits of George Washington to Sam Houston, analyze the impact of slavery in both Texas and the United States, and study the causes of both the Texas and American Revolutions.
7TH GRADE
- 1st Six Weeks: Thinking Like a Historian, Natural Texas and Its People, Exploration and Early Colonization of Texas, Mexican Colonization and the Empresario System
- 2nd Six Weeks: Unrest and Revolt in Texas, Republic of Texas and Early Statehood, Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction
- 3rd Six Weeks: Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads, Modernizing Texas, Age of Oil, Texas During the Great Depression and World War II
- 4th Six Weeks: Reasons for Colonization and Growth of Representative Government, Ideas of Self Government, Colonial Founders, Colonial Regions, Impact of Slavery and Immigration
- 5th Six Weeks: Causes and People of the American and Texas Revolution, Colonial Grievances, Sons of Liberty, Leading to War
- 6th Six Weeks: Writing the Constitution, Early Republic
8TH GRADE
- 1st Six Weeks: Thinking Like a Geographer, Colonial America
- 2nd Six Weeks: American Independence, Writing the Constitution
- 3rd Six Weeks: Early Republic, Age of Jackson
- 4th Six Weeks: Westward Expansion, Industrialization and Reform
- 5th Six Weeks: Sectionalism, Civil War
- 6th Six Weeks: Reconstruction, STAAR Test Review
About the Teacher
I am a graduate of Northwest High School and an Alumni of the University of North Texas. In addition, I received a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University in 2017. The 2022 - 2023 school year will be my second as an
American History teacher in Decatur, but my tenth year in the district. Prior to my employment in Decatur, I was an 8th Grade Pre-Algebra teacher for Keller ISD and a 7th Grade Math teacher for the Muscogee County Schools of Georgia, near Fort Benning where my husband was stationed.
Through my experience as part of a military family and throughout my husband's many deployments, I have gained a much greater perspective of the world and people in it. I have had the unique opportunity to tour the world with my students as a Social Studies teacher here at McCarroll Middle School, and now the incredible opportunity to explore both Texas and American history. The possibilities are endless! Teaching students to learn digitally, think creatively, and compete globally are my ambitions - all while having fun, of course!
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Certifications: Generalist 4 - 8, ESL Supplemental
American History teacher in Decatur, but my tenth year in the district. Prior to my employment in Decatur, I was an 8th Grade Pre-Algebra teacher for Keller ISD and a 7th Grade Math teacher for the Muscogee County Schools of Georgia, near Fort Benning where my husband was stationed.
Through my experience as part of a military family and throughout my husband's many deployments, I have gained a much greater perspective of the world and people in it. I have had the unique opportunity to tour the world with my students as a Social Studies teacher here at McCarroll Middle School, and now the incredible opportunity to explore both Texas and American history. The possibilities are endless! Teaching students to learn digitally, think creatively, and compete globally are my ambitions - all while having fun, of course!
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Certifications: Generalist 4 - 8, ESL Supplemental