Friday, June 4, 2010

THE CELEBRATION BEGINS...AP US HISTORY IS OFFICIALLY DONE!

It has been a great year...it has been a pleasure to have all of you as students! Best of luck next year in Government and Economics...the real world is just around the corner...SCARY, HUH?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Today, the students took their Q4 District Assessment in US History...this will serve as the Final Exam (60 multiple-choice questions).

All Perk Cards are due tomorrow for final grade adjustments (if eligible).

Tonight's Homework: None...you are officially done with AP US History...congratualtions!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Today, the students presented their finished DBQ projects to the instructor and the remaining members of their class. Each group explained the rationale for their question and the documents selected to represent their prompt.

Tonight's Homework: None!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The students finished working on their DBQ Projects. They coordinated document assembly and rationale for the project. Students looked at specific document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Finish DBQ project tonight...group presentations start tomorrow

Monday, May 31, 2010

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY...NO SCHOOL!

Friday, May 28, 2010

The students worked during the period on their DBQ Projects. They continued discussion and document planning for the project. Students looked at the instructor's suggestions from last Friday on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and project assembly (due June 2)

Have a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The students worked during the period on their DBQ Projects. They continued discussion and document planning for the project. Students looked at the instructor's suggestions from last Friday on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and project assembly (due June 2)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The students worked during the period on their DBQ Projects. They continued discussion and document planning for the project. Students looked at the instructor's suggestions from last Friday on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and project assembly (due June 2)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The students worked during the period on their DBQ Projects. They continued discussion and document planning for the project. Students looked at the instructor's suggestions from Friday on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and project assembly (due June 2)

Monday, May 24, 2010

The instructor was out of the classroom today due to a Social Science Meeting with the Becoming a Historian Project (District Exam Analysis and Curriculum).

Under the supervision of the substitute...students were given the period to work in their DBQ Project Groups to continue discussion and document planning for the project. Students should be looking at the instructor's suggestions from Friday on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and rationale based on submitted question

Friday, May 21, 2010

Students given the period to work in their DBQ Project Groups to continue discussion and document planning for the project. The instructor walked around during the period to give suggestions on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and rationale based on submitted question

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Students given the period to work in their DBQ Project Groups to continue discussion and document planning for the project. The instructor walked around during the period to give suggestions on where to modify and focus the students' research and document inclusion in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS).

Tonight's Homework: Continue document research and rationale based on submitted question

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Students given the period to work in their DBQ Project Groups to finalize their question for the project. The instructor walked around during the period to give suggestions on where to modify and focus the students' question in order to give the writers an opportunity to analyze and explain the documents and posed question in a variety of ways (PRICETAGS). The students submitted their questions to the instructor for comments and will be returned the following day to allow for continued research and updates.

Tonight's Homework: Begin document research based on submitted question

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The instructor was out of the classroom today due to Personal Business.

The students (with the substitute teacher) were given the opportunity to work in their DBQ Project groups in order to create their question for submission on Wednesday (when the instructor returns). The groups should be developing their team members and finishing the creation of their "open-ended" question about their historical period/event of interest. Once the question is finalized, each group should begin thinking about what documents and evidence they will be including to support their creation.

Tonight's Homework: Finalize DBQ Question for submission to instructor.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Today, the students were introduced to their final project of the school year...the DBQ Project. In the scope of this project, the AP students are divided up into teams of 3-6 people (their choice) and their job is to develop a Document Based Question and its supporting components for a particular area of interest in United States History. If done to the best of their ability, the resulting creation should resemble a DBQ created by AP College Board (and thus, it could be used in an instructional AP classroom for future students).

Tonight's Homework: Develop and research group DBQ question and the available documents that could be used to support your DBQ idea.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Mr. Dan Cleary, the teacher for Advanced Placement Government at King HS, came by today to talk with students in Periods 2 and 3 about the coursework for next year, as well as about participating in the We The People Program as an adjunct to the AP curriculum. He explained the basis of the competition in Sacramento and the commitment necessary to participate...plus the difference between the WTP class and the normal AP class curriculum.

Tonight's Homework: None

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Today, the students watched 3 video segments dealing with Economics that show some real-world examples about how to use the scope of economics in the practical sense (everyday expenses and analyzing political-economic scenarios in our US-International Relations). The segments were produced by ABC News and John Stossel for the classroom. These segments are a good connection...helping students make sense of the discussion and economic theory from Wednesday in the classroom.

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Exam Justifications (due tomorrow)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

As a transition to next year's curriculum in Social Studies, the instructor began an introductory lesson on Economics with the AP Students today. The instructor focused on the definition of economics and how "individuals" and "countries" look at what they consume or desire. In addition, the instructor began to explain the concepts of production possibilities and the laws of supply and demand (when things are constant).

Tonight's Homework: AP Final Exam Justifications (due Friday)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

As promised, the students were given an opportunity today to de-stress from the AP United States History Exam. The instructor and the students watched some video segments on American Pop Culture and had an opportunity to share thoughts with each other about this year's experiences.

Tonight's Homework: AP Final Exam Justifications (due Friday)

Monday, May 10, 2010

The instructor was out of the classroom today due to Professional Development with District Network Information Systems (NIS).

During the instructor's absence, the students were asked to reflect on Friday's AP United States History Exam and complete the worksheet describing their strategies and questions answered during the course of the exam. The feedback was provided to the instructor for credit points and to assist with improvements in AP Programming going forward with future students.

Tonight's Homework: AP Final Exam Justifications (due Friday)

Friday, May 7, 2010

The day we have been preparing for has finally arrived...TODAY IS THE AP US HISTORY EXAM in the MPR starting at 8:00am. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Tonight's Homework: NONE...take a breather and enjoy yourself...you've earned it!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Today, the students completed the Teaching American History Assessment and Survey for the Riverside Unified School District. The Assessment and Survey assists the Social Studies Department with feedback on the American/United States History Program and the funding for the Professional Development component with the federal government.

Before the close of the period, the instructor spoke with the students and provided some last words of encouragement and suggestion for tomorrow's AP Exam in the MPR.

Tonight's Homework: Get to bed early...have a good breakfast...DO WORK TOMORROW! Good luck...I'm proud of you guys!!!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Today, the instructor and the students provided examples of DBQ and FRQ questions from the 2009 Practice Exam. The students were exposed to the actual questions and the submitted students responses in each category (with corresponding rubrics).

At the close, the instructor discussed the grading formula (as a review) and the impact of the multiple-choice versus essay section of the AP test. In addition, students asked specific questions about "hot topics" and areas to review tonight and Thursday before coming for the actual test in the MPR.


Tonight's Homework: Study for Friday's AP Exam (review books and past materials).

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Today, the instructor and the students de-briefed the AP Practice Exam. The instructor provided the students with a copy of the exam and the answer key (along with their graded scantron) and collectively, everyone went over specific questions and areas of concern. The students were able to keep the materials to review their shortcomings and prepare for Friday's actual test in the MPR.

Tonight's Homework: Study for Friday's AP Exam (review books and past materials).

Monday, May 3, 2010

Today, the students took their AP Practice Exam as their semester final. The test was made up of 80 multiple-choice questions dealing with all chapters of the American Pageant textbook. In preparation for Friday's actual exam, the students will be spending the remainder of the week examining areas of potential essays...DBQ documents and Free Response topics from past exams (with the instructor).

Tonight's Homework: Study for Friday's AP Exam (review books and past materials).

Friday, April 30, 2010

With the AP Practice Exam (Final Exam) on Monday during the class periods (Period 2 and 3)...the students were given the opportunity today to Peer-to-Peer Review and to ask questions of the instructor. Older exams were made available and the students were allowed to work with each other during the class period to review their AP Chapter Questions and work on their current AP Chapter Questions in preparation for Monday's examination.

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Chapter Questions (extra credit for what gets completed) and study for Monday's Practice AP (Final) Exam (80 multiple-choice questions...all chapters)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

CST Testing Schedule...Periods 2, 4 and 6 (CST US History Exam)

The instructor and the students finished watching a video segment on the political, social and economic events of the 1980's...focusing on the developments of Reaganomics and his goal of returning America to a more conservative viewpoint. While watching its developments, the students began to make connections to our political dilemmas of the Modern Era, especially in relation to foreign policy concerns in the Middle East.

Tonight's Homework: Study for CST, AP Exam Preparation and AP Chapter Questions.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

CST Testing Schedule...Periods 1, 3 and 5 (CST Mathematics Part 2)

The instructor and the students watched a video segment on the political, social and economic events of the 1980's...focusing on the developments of Reaganomics and his goal of returning America to a more conservative viewpoint. While watching its developments, the students began to make connections to our political dilemmas of the Modern Era, especially in relation to foreign policy concerns in the Middle East.

Tonight's Homework: Study for CST, AP Exam Preparation and AP Chapter Questions.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

CST Testing Schedule...Periods 2, 4 and 6 (CST Mathematics Part 1)

The instructor and the students watched a video segment on the political, social and economic events of the 1980's...focusing on the development of Reaganomics and his goal of returning America to a more conservative viewpoint. While watching its developments, the students began to make connections to our political dilemmas of the Modern Era, especially in relation to our foreign policy in the Middle East.

Tonight's Homework: Study for CST, AP Exam Preparation and AP Chapter Questions.

Monday, April 26, 2010

At the start of the period, the instructor collected the students' final drafts from King High Remembers.

Today, the instructor and the students went over the final review questions and topics in preparation for Thursday's CST test in United States History. While reviewing questions 75-90 in the CST Packet, the instructor discussed with the students the impact of Cold War decisions and their effect on the Modern Era of US Foreign Policy.

Following the discussion, the instructor and the students watched a video segment on the political, economic and social events of the 1970s.

Tonight's Homework: Study for the CST (US History) and continue preparation for AP Exam (May 7, 2010).

Friday, April 23, 2010

In Period 2 and 3 (AP), the instructor and the students reviewed the release questions from the State of California CST packet for 11th grade students. Working as a class group, the instructor and students reviewed and discussed questions 54-74 today (out of 90 total).

In addition, the instructor introduced the website (http://www.bubbabrain.com/) to the students as a review tool for AP Testing, SAT Testing and CST Review. Following the website example, the instructor shared a video segment on the political, social and economic developments of the 1960's.

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Final Draft, AP Exam Prep, AP Chapter Questions and CST packet (75-90).

Thursday, April 22, 2010

CST Testing Schedule (Periods 1, 3 and 5)...CST Science Exam Parts 1 & 2

In Period 3 (AP), the instructor and the students reviewed the release questions from the State of California CST packet for 11th grade students. Working as a class group, the instructor and students reviewed and discussed questions 40-54 today (out of 90 total).

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Final Draft, AP Exam Prep, AP Chapter Questions and CST packet (54-75).

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

CST Testing Schedule (Periods 2, 4 and 6)...ELA Part 2 Exam

In Period 2 (AP), the instructor and the students reviewed the release questions from the State of California CST packet for 11th grade students. Working as a class group, the instructor and students reviewed and discussed questions 25-40 today (out of 90 total).

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Final Draft, AP Exam Prep, AP Chapter Questions and CST packet (40-90).

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

CST Testing Schedule (Periods 1, 3 and 5)...ELA Part 1 Exam

In Period 3 (AP), the instructor and the students reviewed the release questions from the State of California CST packet for 11th grade students. Working as a class group, the instructor and students reviewed and discussed questions 25-40 today (out of 90 total).

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Final Draft, AP Exam Prep, AP Chapter Questions and CST packet (40-90).

Monday, April 19, 2010

Today, the instructor returned the King High Remembers Essays for final draft corrections...they will be due next Monday, April 26, 2010. Following the discussion about KHSR, the instructor gave the students a copy of some Sample AP Exam Free Response Questions to help them prepare for the May 7 exam. In addition, the instructor provided the students with AP Chapter Questions for the information covering the Cold War and Modern Eras in American Pageant. The instructor will give Chapter Homework credit for those questions answered for AP Review prior to the AP Practice Exam on May 3, 2010 (Monday).

Before the close of the period, the instructor and the students reviewed the release questions from the State of California CST packet for 11th grade students. Working as a class group, the instructor and students reviewed and discussed questions 1-31 today (out of 90 total).

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Final Draft, AP Exam Prep, AP Chapter Questions and CST packet (31-90).

Friday, April 16, 2010

Today, the instructor worked with the students on how to brainstorm a DBQ or Free Response Essay (using the Great Depression DBQ as an example) in a short few minutes, thus allowing for more time to write the essay under a timed situation. The instructor used ideas and thoughts from the students to show them how to structure an Introduction, Create Body Paragraphs and Transitions from "bucketed categories" and finally, finish your thoughts with a Conclusion. The purpose of today's activity is to synthesize the curriculum from the Great Depression and World War II economics in a way that builds understanding while also gaining mastery of how to shorten your essay planning into finished product in a shorter span of time.

Tonight's Homework: CST Review Packet and AP Exam Prep

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Today, the students were again, divided into their DBQ groups and each group presented their findings to the instructor and their peers. The students were asked about the significance of their documents and how they could be used separately or in combination with other documents to explain the creation of the Great Depression and how America began to recover during the presidency of FDR and the beginning of World War II. The debrief from today's session will be used as a transition to Friday's class essay activity...how to brainstorm and structure a DBQ essay, thus allowing for more time to write the finished product on a timed-write (like on AP Exam).

Tonight's Homework: DBQ Documents, CST Review Packet and AP Exam Prep

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Today, the students were divided into small groups of 3-5 students and began their evaluation of the Primary and Secondary Sources from the DBQ Project on the Great Depression. Each student group was given the task of evaluating 2 documents and how they will explain their impact on the Great Depression to the rest of their peers on Thursday. The instructor walked the classroom and helped each group with the formation of the ideas and how they could use the documents to explain and justify the creation of the Great Depression.

Tonight's Homework: DBQ Documents, CST Review Packet and AP Exam Prep.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Today, the instructor continued with lecture and group discussion about the impact of American Foreign Policy between 1920-1941 on the rest of the world. In today's segment, the instructor and students discussed how Political Decisions affected not only the economy of the United States, but other parts of the world as well (The Great Depression). In particular, the instructor and students evaluated how Foreign Trade, High Tariffs, Speculation and Credit affected business performance in all areas, from industry to agriculture.

Tonight's Homework: Great Depression DBQ Review (evaluate documents for tomorrow's activity), CST Review packet for Grade 11, and AP Exam Prep (continued reading and review books at home).

Monday, April 12, 2010

Today, the instructor led a lecture and group discussion about the impact of American Foreign Policy between 1920-1941 on the rest of the world. In today's segment, the instructor and students discussed how Interventionism and Disarmament became the debate between the politics of the Democratic and Republican parties (Wilson vs. Lodge).

Tonight's Homework: CST Review packet for Grade 11 and AP Exam Prep (continued reading and review books at home).

Friday, April 2, 2010

Today, the students turned in their rough drafts for their King High Remembers Essays (Veterans Project). The instructor will grade them over Spring Break and return them for improvements prior to submission to your prospective veteran.

Following the collection of the essays, the instructor gave the students their Q3 District Assessment in United States History.

Tonight's Homework: Enjoy your Spring Break...but keep reviewing for AP Exam and CST packet.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY...I bet you think Mr. Gull couldn't possible still give you the Unit 10 AP Exam (as already scheduled)...YOU WOULD BE WRONG!!! :)

Today, the students took their Unit 10 AP Exam (80 Multiple-Choice Questions) over Chapters 1-16 and 23-33...this is the last AP Unit Test that will not have all the chapters included. When you return in April, the practice AP Tests will include all chapters as preparation for the May 7, 2010 exam.

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Rough Draft and Rise/Crash Questions (Great Depression). Q3 District Assessment is tomorrow (15 Questions Count...rest are extra credit if correct).

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Today, the instructor provided the students with a backgrounder assignment on the Rise and Crash of the Stock Market during the Great Depression. The backgrounder helped explain the impact of "Insider Trading" and "Buying on Margin" which are two of the main causes for the rise of the market in 1928 and its subsequent crash in 1929. As a comparison, we examined the impact of the Sub-Prime ARM Mortgages in 2008 and how the over usage of sub-prime mortgages mixed with over-inflated home prices drove the market and REITS (Real Estate Investment Trusts) into falling categories.

Tonight's Homework: Finish Unit 10 AP Chapter Questions...study for tomorrow's Unit 10 Exam and finish Rise and Crash questions for Friday.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Today, the students were given an opportunity to Peer-to-Peer Review in preparation for Thursday's AP Exam over Unit 10 and Friday's District Assessment for Quarter 3. The instructor walked the classroom assisting the students with clarification regarding some of the issues related to the chapter information.

Tonight's Homework: Read information regarding Great Depression in American Pageant to prepare for tomorrow's in-class exercise and finish working on your AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10 (30-33)

Monday, March 29, 2010

Today, the instructor led a lecture and discussion looking at the presidencies of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge and the effects that each presidency had on the social conservatism of the 1920's. As a transition, the students examined the impact of America's foreign policy on domestic economics and the direct link to the developments of the Great Depression.

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10 (Chapters 30-33) and KHSR Rough Draft Development (due this Friday).

Friday, March 26, 2010

After the collection of the KHSR Group outlines, the instructor and the students continued with their lecture and discussion about life in the 1920's.

The focus of the lecture and discussion looked at the auto industry, modern consumerism and the US fascination with pop culture changes (Jazz Age, Harlem Renaissance, Prohibition, Social Climate and Entertainment).

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10 (Chapters 30-33)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The instructor began the lecture and discussion about the United States during the 1920's (Post-World War I world). Together, the instructor and the students identified the reasoning for wanting to "return to normalcy" and "engage in Isolationism" as a political nation, despite being a world superpower and Woodrow Wilson's legacy.

For the remainder of the class period (about 25 minutes), the students were given the opportunity to work in their KHSR groups to prepare for submitting their group outlines at the start of Friday's class period.

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Group Outline and AP Chapter Questions (Unit 10)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Today, the instructor and students discussed the "reality" and the "idealism" of Woodrow Wilson's post-war peace plans (The Fourteen Points/Treaty of Versailles/League of Nations). In particular, the students had an opportunity to examine the elements of the Fourteen Points and where Woodrow Wilson had to concede to European Powers (and later, the US Senate/Henry Cabot Lodge) in order to get some of his diplomacy recognized and activated in the "new world order".

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10 (Chapters 30-33) plus reading in American Pageant.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Today, the instructor continued with the lecture and discussion regarding the United States involvement in World War I. The students and the instructor focused on the impact of the Russian Revolution on World War I and the effects of the Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917-1918) on National Security versus Civil Liberties.

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Outline (Due Friday), AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10 and Chapter Reading in Chapters 30-33.

Monday, March 22, 2010

At the start of the period, the instructor debriefed the students regarding King High Remembers and their experiences with the Oral History Project. The students completed a student evaluation report on their experiences and findings for submission to the KHSR Planning Committee.

Following the debrief and further discussion about AP Exam payments to ASB, the instructor picked up with the lecture and discussion regarding World War I and the post-war foreign policy of the United States (Woodrow Wilson's legacy) between 1918 and 1920.

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Outlines, Reading in Chapters 30-33 in American Pageant and AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10. Unit 10 Test will be next week before Spring Break (April 1/2)

Friday, March 19, 2010

TODAY, ALL AP STUDENTS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN KING HIGH SCHOOL REMEMBERS...THE VETERANS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT (PERIODS 1-4).

Students need to report to their 1st period classroom from 7:50am-8:20am until they are released for check-in procedures in the Gym. KHSR will be from 8:20am until 11:53am (end of 4th period). Students are expected to attend their 5th period and 6th period classes as normal.

Tonight's Homework: Begin compiling your notes and thoughts for your KHSR outline (due next Friday) and please continue working on your Unit 10 AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 30-33)...hope you enjoyed KHSR...HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The instructor explained the final instructions for Friday's King High School Remembers event. Students were given their final instructions about the day's itinerary and some reminders about dress code and expectations for the interview/assignment. The students were broken up into their interview groups and assigned specific tables/veteran conflicts in the Gym/MPR or classroom portables. Students will report to their 1st period classroom from 7:50am-8:20am when they will be released to the Gymnasium/MPR for check-in and table placement for the event.

Tonight's Homework: Finish developing any final questions for your veteran and their respective conflicts and come prepared in the morning with your materials.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

DUE TO THE 10TH GRADE CAHSEE EXAM...NORMAL CLASS MEETINGS FOR AP US HISTORY STUDENTS WILL NOT RESUME UNTIL THURSDAY...AP US HISTORY STUDENTS WILL BE RELOCATED TO ALTERNATIVE CLASSROOM.

Today, the students will continue working in their groupings (in the substitute teacher's room) to prepare for King High School Remembers on Friday.

Tonight's Homework: Reading in American Pageant (Chapters 30-33) and AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10...keep working ahead!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

DUE TO THE 10TH GRADE CAHSEE EXAM...NORMAL CLASS MEETINGS FOR AP US HISTORY STUDENTS WILL NOT RESUME UNTIL THURSDAY...AP US HISTORY STUDENTS WILL BE RELOCATED TO ALTERNATIVE CLASSROOM.

Today, the students will continue working in their groupings (in the substitute teacher's room) to prepare for King High School Remembers on Friday.

Tonight's Homework: Reading in American Pageant (Chapters 30-33) and AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10...keep working ahead!

Monday, March 15, 2010

THE INSTRUCTOR WAS AWAY FROM THE CLASSROOM TODAY DUE TO AN ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT FIELD TRIP.

Today, the students were working in their King High Remembers groupings in order to prepare for Friday's Veterans Interviews. Each student within their groupings should be developing interview questions and background knowledge on the various US military conflicts (World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and Iraq-Afghanistan.

Tonight's Homework: Reading in American Pageant (Chapters 30-33) and AP Chapter Questions...keep working ahead...we will resume Unit 10 after KHSR.

Friday, March 12, 2010

TODAY IS THE SPRING SPORTS RALLY...MODIFIED PERIOD SCHEDULE...YOU GET TO SEE MR. GULL (Yikes, that's me) and MR. POLLARD LOSE THEIR HAIR FOR THE MR. BALDY FUNDRAISER THAT SUPPORTS THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY!!!

During the class period, the students were working with their group members for King High Remembers...students worked together on their war research backgrounders in preparation for their veteran interview next Friday (March 19).

Tonight's Homework: KHSR Project research...AP Chapter Questions (Unit 10)...reading in American Pageant (Chapters 30-33)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Today, the instructor went over the instructions for King High Remembers...the Veteran Oral History Project Event...which will occur next Friday, March 19. The students were given their instructions for the day's event and the specifics about how group assignments and veteran participation will be coordinated. Over the next 3-4 days in class, students will be given time to work with their group members regarding war research and coordination of the essay component.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with AP Chapter Questions (Unit 10) and reading in American Pageant...plus develop research on WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf War and Iraq/Afghanistan for KHSR Project.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Today, the instructor continued with the lecture and discussion about Wilson's Presidency and its role during the buildup to World War I. The focus of the presentation and discussion was on the conflicting sympathies of his administration. In particular, the instructor and the students focused on the imbalance of trade between the European powers (US to Allies vs. US to Central Powers) as well as the after-effects with the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Note.

Tonight's Homework: Unit 10 AP Chapter Questions and American Pageant reading in Chapters 30-33.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

THE INSTRUCTOR WAS OUT OF THE CLASSROOM TODAY DUE TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEETING AT RUSD/RCOE (RIMS-AVID PROGRAM).

In the class today, the students were given an opportunity to Peer-Peer review and identify the core elements of Chapter 30...thus, helping the students to answer the key components of World War I and their relationship to the United States (Domestic and Foreign Policy). By the end of the class period, the students should be able to answer the key questions for Chapter 30 (AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10).

By Wednesday's class period, please have identified 2 additional classmates you have an interest in working with for King High Remembers Veteran Project on March 19th. Your fellow classmates must be within your own class period and there cannot be more than 3 people in a group (unless special arrangements need to be adjusted by instructor for event issues). When instructor returns, the sign-up list will be made available for group assignments.

Tonight's Homework: Continue reading in American Pageant (Chapters 30-33) and continue with AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10.

Monday, March 8, 2010

At the start of the period, the instructor passed back the Unit 9 AP Chapter Questions Homework (graded) and the results from Friday's Unit 9 AP Exam (80 multiple-choice questions). The high score in Period 2 was a 66 out of 80 and the high score in Period 3 was a 68 out of 80. Remember...the goal is to reach above a weighted score of 48 out of 80 to be consistent with achieving a "potential" 3 out of 5 on the AP Exam (dependent upon written DBQ and Free Response questions).

Following the debrief regarding Unit 9 exam, the instructor passed out the AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10 (Chapters 30-33) and began the lecture and discussion over the Causes of World War I (review from World History and AP Euro...last year). The information focused on the growth of Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism and Alliances in Central Europe and how the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand sparked off the war (analogy: like a lit match on kindling soaked with Lighter Fluid).

Tonight's Homework: Begin reading in Chapters 30-33 in American Pageant and begin AP Chapter Questions for Unit 10.

Friday, March 5, 2010

The students turned in their Unit 9 AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 27-29) at the beginning of the period and then, they began their Unit 9 AP Exam (80 Multiple-Choice questions over Chapters 1-8 and 23-29...scaffolded test).

Tonight's Homework: None

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Today, the instructor finished up the lecture notes and discussion for Unit 9...the remainder of the information focused on the transitions between Roosevelt-Taft and ultimately, to Woodrow Wilson during the Progressive Era. As a comparison, the students were asked to look at the similarities and differences between Roosevelt's New Nationalism and Wilson's New Freedom (Triple Wall of Privilege).

Tonight's Homework: Finish Unit 9 AP Chapter Questions (due tomorrow) and study for tomorrow's Unit 9 AP Exam (80 Multiple-Choice questions)...bring a pencil for scantron!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Today, the instructor clarified some of the topics pertaining to Progressivism and the impact that social reform had on government intervention and industry at the turn of the century. The lecture and discussion focused on the policies of McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft and Wilson between the years of 1898-1917.

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 27-29) and beginning reviewing information from Chapters 1-8 and 23-26 for Friday's exam over Unit 9 (80 Questions)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

In preparation of Friday's exam over Unit 9 (80 questions), the instructor gave the students an opportunity to Peer-Peer review over the questions pertaining to Chapters 27-29. The instructor walked the classroom helping groups with issues concerning the topics of Unit 9 (clarification).

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 27-29)

Monday, March 1, 2010

Today, the instructor finished up some of the lecture notes and discussion pertaining to Teddy Roosevelt's Big Stick Policy and its impact on American Imperialism around the world (Central American, South America, China and the Caribbean Sea). As a transition, the class began to look at the impact of Progressives on the American political and economic landscape and how Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism and Alliances began to shape American and European affairs.

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (27-29)...bring your questions and textbooks for tomorrow's peer-to-peer review session.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Today, the instructor returned the results of the Reconstruction DBQ Essay. Before beginning the lecture and discussion today, the instructor talked with the students about the outcome of the essay and the ways in which to improve the basic structure of arguments through thesis writing and transitions within body paragraphs.

Following the debrief on the Reconstruction DBQ, the instructor began background information on Teddy Roosevelt and his impact on American politics during the turn of the century (1900) and how his Foreign Policy and feelings about Imperialism/Colonialism shape the future of America's strength as a world power.

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (27-29)...test has been delayed until later next week...thus, questions deadline has also been extended.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The instructor finished up the lecture and discussion about the impact of American Imperialism and how America turned itself into a colonial power at the turn of the century (1900). The lecture and discussion focused on the colonial holdings of American after the Spanish-American War and also America's policies in dealing with China (Boxer Rebellion and Open Door Policy).

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 27-29)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The instructor was out the classroom today due to a Professional Meeting in preparation for King High School Remembers (Veterans Project).

Today, the students were given the opportunity to Peer-Peer review over the information in Unit 9 using their AP Chapter Questions assignment (Chapters 27-29).

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (continue working on Chapters 27-29).

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Today, the instructor and the students looked at the impact of America emerging as an industrial and colonial power at the turn of the century (1900)....specifically, identifying the reasons for wanting to become a world power and the causes that led America to become competitive with other nations (European and Non-European).

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions (Unit 9...Chapters 27-29). Bring your textbook tomorrow to work on questions in class with your peers.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Today, the instructor and the students finished going through the information on Populism and the effects populism had on the democratic party at the end of the 19th century. Towards the end of the discussion and lecture, the instructor shared the similarities of the 1890's to the symbolism evidence of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz (story of Bimetallism).

Tonight's Homework: Continue reading in American Pageant (Chapters 27-29) and continue working on Unit 9 AP Chapter Questions.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Today, the instructor continued with the lecture and discussion concerning the monetary policy of the United States during the late 19th century (bimetallism). In celebration of the students' academic achievements in the past semester, the instruction was cut short today in observance of the students' honor roll celebration (Ice Cream Social). Additional lecture and discussion information will be renewed and caught up on Monday.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with reading in American Pageant (Chapters 27-29) and working on AP Chapter Questions

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Today, the instructor began lecture and discussion information pertaining to the rise of Populism in the late 19th century (the People's party or the Populist party). As part of the lecture and discussion, the instructor focused on the fight between farmers and industry over monetary standards (bimetallism).

Tonight's Homework: Continue with reading in Chapters 27-29 in American Pageant and begin work on the AP Chapter Questions for Unit 9.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Today, the students spent the class period writing their timed-write DBQ over Reconstruction issues. The posed prompt is "Who Killed Reconstruction...the North or the South".

Tonight's Homework: Beginning reading in Chapters 27-29 for Unit 9 and begin working on Unit 9 AP Chapter Questions.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Today, the students spent 10 minutes at the beginning of the period working in their document assigned groups regarding the Reconstruction DBQ. After the 10 minute planning period, each of the four groups presented their thoughts regarding the Primary Source Documents (as it relates to the idea of "Who Killed Reconstruction...North or South".

Towards the end of the presentation, the instructor spoke with the students regarding the specifics of tomorrow's timed-write assignment on the Reconstruction DBQ.

Tonight's Homework: Review DBQ documents and notes on the Reconstruction DBQ for tomorrow's timed-write assignment.

Monday, February 15, 2010

NO SCHOOL TODAY IN OBSERVANCE OF WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY (PRESIDENT'S DAY)...ENJOY YOUR DAY OFF AND SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Friday, February 12, 2010

NO SCHOOL TODAY IN OBSERVANCE OF LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY...ENJOY YOUR DAY OFF AND HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Today, the students worked in their respective groups (Groups 1-4) to plan their presentation over the Reconstruction DBQ Primary Source Documents for next Tuesday. The students took their research (homework) and combined with the background information on the Reconstruction unit to illicit an explanation dealing with the argument: Who's fault was the killing of Reconstruction...North or South. The groups will present their findings and arguments over their document on Tuesday morning in preparation for Wednesday's DBQ essay.

Tonight's Homework: Construct arguments and explanation for Tuesday's DBQ exercise (presentation).

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

At the start of the period, the instructor debriefed with the students regarding the Unit 8 examination. The instructor explained the Weighted Score formula and the results from the test...and how the range of scores would affect the weight on the creation of the DBQ and Free Response questions on an actual AP US History exam.

Following the examination debrief, the instructor worked with the students on the "hook exercise" over the DBQ on Reconstruction. When finished, the students were divided up into groups of four to examine the Primary Source Documents for next week's essay on "Who Killed Reconstruction...the North or the South"? The students will continue working on their Historical Thinking and Analysis of the documents int heir groups during Thursday's period as well.

Tonight's Homework: Analysis and Research over the Reconstruction documents (Docs A-D)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Today, the students turned in their AP Chapter Questions for Unit 8 (Chapters 23-26) and they also took their Unit 8 AP Examination (Chapters 23-26 plus scaffolded Chapters 1-4). There were a total of 80 questions on the exam (like the AP test) and the instructor used the weighted formula to grade the exam (# correct answers- [#incorrect x .25]) x 1.125= Weighted Score. Questions that were not attempted were not calculated into weighted score.

Tonight's Homework: Read the backgrounder and documents for the Reconstruction Mini-DBQ and complete Hook Exercise on the back of the cover page before tomorrow's class period.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Today, the students were given an opportunity for Peer-to-Peer review in preparation for Tuesday's Unit 8 AP Exam over Chapters 23-26. The instructor spent the period walking around the classroom working with the students on their questions about Unit 8 (information that was unclear or confusion).

Tonight's Homework: Have Unit 8 AP Chapter Questions done for submission tomorrow and study for Unit 8 AP Exam...please bring a pencil for your scan tron.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Today, the instructor and the students discussed the impact of the Old West on America (White-Indian Relations, Mining, Ranching, Meatpacking, Railroad, Cowboys, Gunslingers). The students were exposed to visuals from the era and examined the impact of the Homestead Act and the Dawes Act (in particular) on the developments in the New West. Today's information closed out the topics for Unit 8 (Chapters 23-26).

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Chapter Questions for Unit 8 (Chapters 23-26) and bring questions for Monday's review...Unit 8 AP Exam is Tuesday morning!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Today, the instructor continued with the statistics and demographic data dealing with the vast changes during the Gilded Age (1870-1900). However, during today's presentation, the focus was centralized around the impact of the Railroad on industrialization and the movement of people westward for a variety of social reasons.

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Chapter Questions for Unit 8 (Chapters 23-26)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Today, the instructor and the students evaluated some of the statistics and demographic changes with the Gilded Age (Immigration, Urbanization and Industrialization). During the course of the lecture material and group discussion, the students were exposed to demographic maps and statistics dealing with the vast changes taking place during the Gilded Age (Industrial Diversity, Immigrants used as a Labor Force and the vast movement of people to major cities).

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Chapter Questions for Unit 8 (Chapters 23-26)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Today, the students worked together in a Peer-to-Peer Review Session using their AP Chapter Questions and scaffolded notes to finish completing information for some of the Unit 8 materials. The instructor walked the classroom and worked with various groups to assist with gathering additional information and scaffolding some of the information into appropriate context.

Tonight's Homework: Finish up reading in American Pageant (Chapters 23-26) and finish completing AP Chapter Questions for Unit 8.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Today, the students and the instructor examined the Gilded Age (1870-1900) during the teacher lecture and guided discussion. Through the examination, the students were exposed to the positive and negative elements of the period and its impacts on America's development (post-Reconstruction). In today's discussion, the students examined closely: America's change in Ostentatious Wealth, Corruption Scandals of Boss Tweed and Presidents Grant and Garfield and the changes imposed by Chester A. Arthur to fix political graft.

Tonight's Homework: Remember to bring your textbook and questions for tomorrow's Peer-to-Peer Review session. In addition, finish your Chapter Reading in American Pageant (23-26) and continue working on your AP Chapter Questions for Unit 8.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Continuation from Thursday..the lecture notes and discussion today picked up with Sharecropping (Economic Slavery in the South) and the effects of Reconstruction ending with the election of Rutherford Hayes in 1876...followed by the introduction of the Jim Crow laws in the 1870's, which were further enhanced by Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896) in the Supreme Court; thus, affecting Black Voter participation and equality for the first 50 years of the next century until the success of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 1960's.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with reading and AP Chapter Questions for Chapters 23-26.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Today, the instructor spoke with the students about how the South began to fight back against Reconstruction through the use of the Black Codes and domestic terror groups like the White League and the KKK (Ku Klux Klan). The students were exposed to the formation of the domestic-terror groups and examples of specific events targeted at African Americans, as well as Southern Whites whom were the target for their assistance and support of Black Equality.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with AP Reading in Chapters 23-26 (American Pageant) and move ahead with your AP Chapter Questions.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

At the start of the period, the instructor went over the Parent Packet for King High Remembers...the Oral History Project for 11th grade students regarding American Veterans. The instructor talked about the students requirements for the event, which will be held in March 2010 (the 19th).

Following the discussion about King High Remembers...the instructor and the students continued with lecture and discussion about Reconstruction...focusing on the problems erupting after the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments and its impact on white-black relations and the Freedmen's Bureau experiences.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with reading in American Pageant (Chapters 23-26) and working on your AP Chapter Questions.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Today, the students and instructor discussed the issues dealing with Reconstruction and how the South was resistant to change regarding Freedmen. During the lecture and discussion, the issues of the Black Codes and the "gentleness" of Andrew Johnson's presidency were addressed, and how the Radical Republicans (Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner) chose to address the problems through "harsh" legislation and implementation...thus leading to the adoptions of the 14th and 15th amendments to the US Constitution (in support of the already passed 13th amendment regarding slavery abolition).

Tonight's Homework: Continue reading in Chapters 23-26 in American Pageant and continue working on the Unit 8 AP Chapter Questions.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Welcome to 2nd Semester...EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE TODAY

Today, the instructor introduced to the students how they would be graded on their examinations during 2nd semester (Weighted AP Format). In addition to the scoring formulas, the instructor provided the students with Multiple-Choice Test-Taking strategies and question selection information concerning the AP US History Exam that will assist them in planning for knowledge growth and how to answer questions on the exam for May 2010.

Tonight's Homework: Begin reading in American Pageant for Unit 8 (Chapters 23-26) and begin working on their AP Chapter Questions.

Friday, January 22, 2010

TEACHER WORK DAY FOR FINAL EXAM GRADING AND SEMESTER GRADES...grades will be available on my classroom window by 9am...grades will also be available on Monday during your AP US History class period.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND...THANKS FOR A GREAT 1ST SEMESTER...Keep up the hard work as we press ahead towards the AP Exam in May 2010!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Finals Week...today, students in Periods 3 and 6 take their final exams and/or district assessments for their respective subjects. There is an AP US History Final Exam and District Assessment in Period 3 (7:50am-10:00am).

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Finals Week...today, students in Periods 2 and 5 take their final exams and/or district assessments for their respective subjects. There is an AP US History Final Exam and District Assessment in Period 2 today (7:50am-10:00am)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

FINALS WEEK...today, students in Periods 1 and 4 take their final exams/and or district assessment tests in their respective subjects. There are no AP US History Finals for my classes today.

Monday, January 18, 2010

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BIRTHDAY...NATIONAL HOLIDAY AND OUR SCHOOL'S NAMESAKE...spend a little time investigating and celebrating his legacy!

NO SCHOOL...DISTRICT HOLIDAY...but study for FINALS WEEK!

FINALS: JANUARY 19-JANUARY 21, 2010

Friday, January 15, 2010

The instructor pulled out copies of earlier test questions for students to review and discuss in preparation for AP Final Exam. In addition, the students worked together (and the instructor)during a Peer-to-Peer review sessions discussing their test findings, AP Chapter Questions and clarification issues about AP curriculum topics.

Tonight's Homework: Spend time this weekend preparing for the AP Final Exam and District Assessment. The AP Final Exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions and the District Assessment is 60 multiple-choice questions. STUDY HARD...See you during Finals Week!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Students needing to make up Unit 7 Quiz and/or Civil War DBQ were given that opportunity today in class. The remainder of the students were given a chance to quietly Peer-to-Peer review over Chapters 1-22 in preparing for next week's AP Final Exam (either Wednesday for Period 2 and Thursday for Period 3).

Tonight's Homework: Prepare for AP Final Exam by reviewing AP Chapter Questions, Lecture Notes and American Pageant textbook.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The instructor was out today due to Professional Development at the District Office.

Today, the students were given an opportunity to Peer-to-Peer Review over the Chapters 1-22 curriculum in preparation for their AP Final Exam for Semester One (either Wednesday or Thursday depending on Period 2 or 3). Make-ups for Civil War DBQ and Unit 7 Quiz will be administered tomorrow when instructor returns.

Tonight's Homework: Continue reviewing for AP Final Exam using AP Chapter Questions, Notes and American Pageant textbook.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The students spent the period completing their timed write on the documents dealing with the Causes of the Civil War (DBQ essay).

Tonight's Homework: Begin your final review of Chapters 1-22 in preparation for next week's Final Exam over Semester One material (80 multiple-choice questions).

Monday, January 11, 2010

Today, the students broke up into their assigned presentation groups to present their findings on the Primary Source Documents dealing with the Causes of the Civil War. Each group presented their findings and the instructor helped each group to synthesize their findings with the collective whole in preparation for Tuesday's timed write on the documents (DBQ essay).

Tonight's Homework: Prepare your thoughts and arguments (in your head) for Tuesday's DBQ prompt on the Causes of the Civil War documents.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Today, the students took their Unit 7 AP Quiz over the Civil War and the beginning of the Reconstruction Era. The quiz consisted of 30 multiple-choice questions over Chapters 20-22. Prior to the administration of the exam, the instructor collected the Unit 7 AP Chapter Review Questions for grading and credit.

Tonight's Homework: Prepare for Monday's presentations over DBQ documents dealing with the Causes of the Civil War.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Today, the students were divided up into 5 groups where they worked on identifying and analyzing the elements of their Primary Source Documents dealing with the Civil War. Each group received 2-3 documents pertaining to the events from 1861-1865 dealing with potential causes of the Civil War and how these elements contributed to Northern and Southern viewpoints. On Monday, the students will present their findings to the rest of their peers. On Tuesday, each student will write a timed DBQ on the posed prompt.

Tonight's Homework: Finish any remaining AP Chapter Questions for Unit 7 and study for AP Quiz over Unit 7 (Chapters 20-22).

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Today, students were given some time to work on their AP Chapter Review Questions together for about 30 minutes.

Following the Peer-to-Peer review session, the instructor introduced the documents dealing with next week's DBQ on the Civil War.

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Chapter Questions for Unit 7 and preview DBQ documents for next weeks essay over the Civil War. You will be using the DBQ documents in assigned groups on Thursday to prepare for Monday's group presentations (analysis).

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Today, the students and the instructor finished working through the lecture notes and discussion dealing with the close of the Civil War, including the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the killing of John Wilkes Booth and the subsequent hanging of the Booth conspirators at the Washington Arsenal before closing on the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution.

Additional materials dealing with Reconstruction issues and the Johnson Presidency will be addressed following Unit 7 Exam.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with AP Chapter Questions for Unit 7 (Chapters 20-22)

Monday, January 4, 2010

WELCOME BACK! Hope you all enjoyed your Winter Break...I know I did!

Today in class, the instructor collected the Presidential Research Project completed by the students during the Winter Break recess. In addition, the final opportunity to show proof of purchase for AP Exam review materials was afforded at the beginning of the class period.

During today's lecture and discussion, the instructor reviewed some of the information pertaining to the Civil War between 1861 and 1863 before pressing ahead into the events of 1864 and 1865.

Before the close of the period, the instructor passed back the graded DBQ essays on John Brown...very nice job everybody!!!

Tonight's Homework: Continue working on AP Chapter Questions for Unit 7 (Chapters 20-22). They will be due on Friday before the Unit 7 Exam.