Today we had quick Type 2 on the last pages of Chapter 8 and then had a debate on the presidency of Thomas Jefferson.  I was impressed with the level of engagement and enthusiasm of both classes.  We'll try to fit more debates in although I need to find a way to get more students involved.

Remember that you need to read the first six pages of Chapter 9 for homework tonight.  See you tomorrow.

Today we got in our first DBQ.  Remember that we will up the FCAs every month as we work at including more documents and outside information.

I've updated the calendar to include important days through the end of November (which is also the end of the first trimester).  As we learn the material from Chapters 8 & 9, we will continue with frequent Type 2 reading questions instead of the learning objectives.  I'm curious to see if this ultimately makes a difference on tests.  

Here are the reading assignments for the first part of next week.

1st Period

Monday - 225-237
Tuesday - 237-242
Wednesday - 242-250

5th Period

Monday - 223-233
Tuesday - 233-244
Wednesday - 244-249

We also will have at least two more articles to read this trimester.  Have a great weekend!

We spent today preparing for tomorrow's DBQ.  Remember, if you want any continued feedback, email me and I'll get back to you tonight.  I'll respond to any email I have by 9pm.  See you tomorrow.

Today in class we had the last of three Type 2 Reading quizzes on Chapter 7.  They will all be graded and in Pinnacle by the end of the week.

After we discussed the reading, we went over some basics in how to integrate the documents into your essay.  I went over the official College Board explanation on the process and then showed an example of how to do this.  I've included the files for your reference.

Remember, you are to have a rough draft of your thesis ready to go tomorrow.  See you then.

Today we had our second Type 2 reading quiz on Chapter 7.  So far, I've been impressed with the conversations we've had after you finished writing.  I'm really starting to lean towards dropping learning objectives and replacing those points with weekly Type 2's.  I have no doubt that more people have been giving the chapter an honest read for Chapter 7 than previous chapters.  I'm very curious to see what test grades would be like after a series of Type 2's like this week.  I think we'll find out next week.

5th period will get their FRQs back tomorrow and then I'll get all of the Type 2's graded and in Pinnacle by the end of the day on Friday.  Keep reading, and try to find some time to start your outline for that DBQ.  Lots to do.  See you tomorrow.

Today was the Chapter 6 test which was your first experience with multiple choice tests that have five options.  Many people rose to the occasion.  However, many people struggled.  In looking at the number of people that got questions wrong that were reinforced by the article, it seems clear that having a Type 2 over the article was not enough to motivate people to give in an honest reading.  We'll go over the test tomorrow.  There will be approximately 20 minutes of 5th period before the assembly so we'll have time to go over it.

So for next week, there is no article, no learning objectives, and no test.  You have one task for next week.  Read the chapter.  We will have Type 2's over the assigned pages which (as always) are open note writings.  The pages are as follows:

1st Period
Monday - 197-208
Tuesday - 208-214
Wednesday - 214-222

5th Period
Monday - 195-203
Tuesday - 203-212
Wednesday - 212-220

Today we went over the Chapter 6 packet in preparation of Thursday's test.  In 5th period, we also briefly touched on the important content in Chapter 5.  We'll do that in first period tomorrow.

First tomorrow is 1 hour and 40 minutes.  As part of class, we'll watch another installment from the John Adams miniseries.  See you then.

Today we discussed the article, "Sunrise at Philadelphia."  The article does an excellent job of detailing how the United States went from the Articles of Confederation to the ratification of the Constitution.  It will be important to know the main items of debate at the Constitution and the compromises that came as a result of those disagreements.

We will treat tomorrow as the class period before the Chapter 5/6 Test on Thursday because, for 5th period, it is.  First period will have a shortened class on Wednesday.  See you tomorrow.

Today we analyzed documents from the 1985 DBQ on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the Articles of Confederation.  It is important to remember that the Articles lacked the power to tax and regulate trade. However, they were effective in organized Western lands, a major issue as the nation approached the 19th century.

Tomorrow will most be a writer's workshop day in which you refine your thesis, topic sentences, and outline for Friday's essay.  The more you have done heading into tomorrow, the better.  See you then.

Although we were slightly distracted by a rainbow, first period discussed the article, "A New Kind of Revolution."  Hopefully this article gives you a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding for the causes of the American Revolution than you had previously.

We will be sure to discuss the article in fifth period tomorrow as we bring the Revolution to a close for the week.  Remember that your Chapter 5 Learning Objectives are due tomorrow as well.  See you then.