High School U.S. History

​Teacher: Kenny Katz
Email: kkatz@stanbridgeacademy.org

Grading
  • 50% Google Classroom assignments
  • 25% Classroom participation
  • 25% Assessments
Description: This course is designed to provide students an overview of American political, economic, and cultural trends from the nation’s founding to the present day. Focus will be given to major historical trends such as: industrialization, the growth of economic influence, social and cultural development, and America’s role in a global setting. The course will help students develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of challenges faced by the U.S. in both foreign and domestic affairs. Students will study the political movements, events, people, and struggles that have shaped the development of the United States. In addition, we will delve into the change in ethnic composition that America has undergone, as well as the movement towards equal rights for racial minorities, women, and for people with disabilities. An emphasis will also be placed on the expanding role of the federal government as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state.
Google Classroom Link (click to go to the login page): 1st Period US History Google Classroom
Parents have to accept invitations to Google Classroom in order to receive notifications.
In order to foster greater student independence, Stanbridge does not provide parents with student log-in information.
If you would like access to your student’s google classroom, you will need to ask them for their log-in information.

U.S. History Curriculum Resources
  • Core Text: United States History: The Twentieth Century by Lapansky-Werner, Levy,  Roberts, and Taylor; 2019 Pearson Education, Inc. 
  • Resources: All assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students should check their Stanbridge Academy email daily for updates on what work we will be doing during class.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to do the following:
  • Describe the compromises that took place in forming the Constitution.
  • Explain the problems associated with the Articles of Confederation.
  • Understand the role Industrialization played in changing American society.
  • Describe the factors that led to the Civil War.
  • Explain the challenges of the Reconstruction era.
  • Describe the role of cause and effect vis-à-vis World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.
  • Distinguish between Democrats and Republicans and the differences in their modern platforms.
  • Explain the factors that led to the Cold War.
  • Understand the role of MLK in the Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent movements that followed.
  • Describe the resurgence of conservatism in the 1980s.
  • Explain the major issues facing America in the 21st century.

Executive Functioning Support
In order to support long term planning, organization, and work completion, the following procedures are in place:
  • Classwork is assigned on Google Classroom.
  • Classroom routines and procedures are explained and reinforced each class period. 
  • Assignments include clear, step by step instructions and a timeline for completion.
  • Specific skills are practiced daily during class.
  • Students are allowed opportunities to improve their grades by correcting quizzes and tests.

Classroom Expectations
  • Accept challenges.
  • Ask questions.
  • Learn from mistakes.
  • Keep trying.

Attendance Expectations 
  • Have parent email teacher, Linda, and student's Advisor when you are going to be absent.
  • Arrive on time.
  • Bring all materials, including Daily Planner.
  • Request break from teacher using private chat feature.