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Course Overview

This year, students will explore American history from the colonial era through the early 20th century — from first contact and the Revolution, through the founding, expansion, the Civil War, and into the Reform era. We examine history through multiple perspectives-especially Indigenous, African American, and women’s voices that are often left out of traditional accounts.

Students use primary sources, simulations, podcasts, and collaborative projects to build the skills of a historian. The course emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and respectful discussion of complex topics.

Canvas Is Home Base

All assignments, grades, daily slides, and announcements live on Canvas. This website is a companion resource with activities, games, and readings-but Canvas is where students submit work and check grades.

• Organized chronologically by week
• Daily slides posted for each class
• All assignments and grades accessible
• Announcements and updates

Grading Policy

• 50% - Summative Assessments “Show What You Know” - major projects, tests, and presentations where students demonstrate understanding
• 50% - Formative Assessments “Building Knowledge” - daily classwork, warm-ups, notes, discussions, and participation

Late or missing assignments can be turned in. Students should communicate with Mr. B and make a plan.

What the 1–4 Scores Mean

Alongside the percentage grade, you will see individual assignments scored 1 to 4 in Canvas. These are not a second grade — they answer a different question. The percentage says how consistently your student is keeping up with the work. The 1–4 scores say how well they have learned a specific skill or piece of content from the Washington State standards.

• 4 — Exemplary. Goes beyond what was asked: connects the idea to another example, or to today.
• 3 — Proficient. Does what the standard asks, accurately and with specific evidence. This is the target — a 3 means your student has got it.
• 2 — Progressing. Partly there. Identifies the idea but does not yet explain or support it fully.
• 1 — Beginning. Getting started, and needs another pass at it.

A 3 is the goal, not a ceiling to feel bad about. Students get more than one chance at most standards across the year — the same skills come back in later units, so an early 2 is information, not a verdict. If you want to know how your student is doing at something specific, the 1–4 scores are the place to look.

Daily Materials

• Chromebook (charged)
• Composition book
• Folder for handouts and papers
• Pen or pencil
• Water bottle

Classroom Expectations

Our classroom is built on two principles: respect for everyone and responsibility for yourself. In the first weeks of school, students help write our class norms together-so the expectations aren't just handed down, they're something the class builds and owns. Every class follows the same predictable rhythm (settle in, warm-up, work, share out, wrap up), and many weeks close with a community-building activity where everyone has a voice. I also check in with students regularly for feedback on how class is going-and I encourage you to reach out to me directly with any issues or concerns.

What this looks like day to day:

• Start ready - on time means in your seat with materials out before the bell
• Participate actively - do your best and show respect to classmates
• Cell phones & wireless headphones - off and away in backpacks during class
• Finish strong - help clean up and stay seated until the bell
• Original work - students produce their own work and properly credit all sources, including AI tools

When Your Student Is Absent

• Check Canvas for missed work
• Talk to a classmate about what happened in class
• Email Mr. B with any questions
• Schedule a time to catch up if needed

How to Support Learning at Home

• Ask your student what they’re learning about-the guiding questions on each unit page are great conversation starters
• Check Canvas together to stay on top of assignments
• Encourage reading-the YAWP chapters linked on each unit page are free and accessible
• Reach out to Mr. B early if you have concerns-communication is key