World History and Geography from Medieval to Modern Times (Period All)
Course Description
My name is Joel Parkes, and I will be teaching 7th-grade Social Studies this year. I have taught this class every year since I came to Audubon back in January of 2001. It begins with a summary of the history of ancient Rome, and then takes the students on a historical trip around the world, through the Dark Ages and the Renaissance into the Age of Exploration and beyond. Regions studied will include Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, China, Japan, Mexico, and western South America.
All material is "standards-based", which means I can only teach what has been chosen for the 7th-grade by the state of California. Your child will be issued a History book which is to be taken home and left there. I have another copy of the book for your child to use in my classroom, and I also frequently enrich and supplement the text with material I have purchased or written. I also use many DVDs from the History and Discovery Channels, along with clips of old Hollywood historical epics like Ben Hur, Spartacus, and Ivanhoe. Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s loved Medieval history.
With the approval of my principal, Ms. Young, I do not issue the grade of "D" in my class. I do not want to encourage, or even allow, my students to just "get by", doing as little work as possible. In my class, you get an "A", "B", "C", or "F".
To make sure my students learn, I will make sure that all work I assign can be done by all my students. History is the story of people, and there are no mathematical or scientific formulas. I've worked very hard to design lessons that can be understood and done by anyone willing to take the time to do the work.
Because my work can be done, I insist that it actually is done. Tests make up half a student's grade, and doing my classwork/homework assignments make up the other half. Work portfolios are turned in every week, and must be complete. If a student turns in an incomplete portfolio, or doesn't turn one in at all, then that student may be asked to stay after school to get it done.
When my students are given a test, I will always provide a full period the day before the test as a study hall. I will also provide guidance and support in how to study. If a student fails a test, I will provide a "re-test" opportunity the following Wednesday after school. Students who failed will study for 45 minutes and then immediately take the failed test again. The "new and improved" grade will replace the original "F". If a student chooses not to take advantage of this second chance retest, then a parent conference will be scheduled.
It is Audubon's policy that students don't use the restroom during instructional time. However, if a student must do so to avoid an accident, then I will provide a pass. The student will then be required to spend five minutes after school to make up the time lost. This way, the decision to use the restroom belongs to the student, and I believe that five minutes is reasonable. If a student has a medical condition requiring frequent restroom use, then the five-minute requirement will be waived upon my receipt of a note to that effect from the student's parent or guardian.
I am always respectful to my students, and I expect them to return my respect and follow my rules. However, young people are not miniature adults, and even the most well-behaved adolescent can have a bad day once in a while. Except when required by District policy or the law, I don't like to send my students out for discipline. I prefer them to have after-school detention with me. If a student has a bad day and earns a negative consequence, then I will have the student call home to try to arrange to stay after school. Whenever possible, the detention should be served on the day the consequence is earned, so there is a direct connection between the misbehavior and the consequence.
In conclusion, I very much enjoy teaching 7th-grade Social Studies at Audubon. Every summer I try to find ways to make my class better. I love the 7th-grade curriculum, and always do my very best to make my class fun and interesting for my students. I've been fortunate enough to have traveled to many of the places I teach about, and I share my travel experiences to make the class more interesting and encourage my students to travel themselves when they grow up.
I'm proud to be a member of Audubon's faculty. This year, under our new principal, Ms. Young, I truly believe that the Audubon Eagles will soar to new heights.
All material is "standards-based", which means I can only teach what has been chosen for the 7th-grade by the state of California. Your child will be issued a History book which is to be taken home and left there. I have another copy of the book for your child to use in my classroom, and I also frequently enrich and supplement the text with material I have purchased or written. I also use many DVDs from the History and Discovery Channels, along with clips of old Hollywood historical epics like Ben Hur, Spartacus, and Ivanhoe. Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s loved Medieval history.
With the approval of my principal, Ms. Young, I do not issue the grade of "D" in my class. I do not want to encourage, or even allow, my students to just "get by", doing as little work as possible. In my class, you get an "A", "B", "C", or "F".
To make sure my students learn, I will make sure that all work I assign can be done by all my students. History is the story of people, and there are no mathematical or scientific formulas. I've worked very hard to design lessons that can be understood and done by anyone willing to take the time to do the work.
Because my work can be done, I insist that it actually is done. Tests make up half a student's grade, and doing my classwork/homework assignments make up the other half. Work portfolios are turned in every week, and must be complete. If a student turns in an incomplete portfolio, or doesn't turn one in at all, then that student may be asked to stay after school to get it done.
When my students are given a test, I will always provide a full period the day before the test as a study hall. I will also provide guidance and support in how to study. If a student fails a test, I will provide a "re-test" opportunity the following Wednesday after school. Students who failed will study for 45 minutes and then immediately take the failed test again. The "new and improved" grade will replace the original "F". If a student chooses not to take advantage of this second chance retest, then a parent conference will be scheduled.
It is Audubon's policy that students don't use the restroom during instructional time. However, if a student must do so to avoid an accident, then I will provide a pass. The student will then be required to spend five minutes after school to make up the time lost. This way, the decision to use the restroom belongs to the student, and I believe that five minutes is reasonable. If a student has a medical condition requiring frequent restroom use, then the five-minute requirement will be waived upon my receipt of a note to that effect from the student's parent or guardian.
I am always respectful to my students, and I expect them to return my respect and follow my rules. However, young people are not miniature adults, and even the most well-behaved adolescent can have a bad day once in a while. Except when required by District policy or the law, I don't like to send my students out for discipline. I prefer them to have after-school detention with me. If a student has a bad day and earns a negative consequence, then I will have the student call home to try to arrange to stay after school. Whenever possible, the detention should be served on the day the consequence is earned, so there is a direct connection between the misbehavior and the consequence.
In conclusion, I very much enjoy teaching 7th-grade Social Studies at Audubon. Every summer I try to find ways to make my class better. I love the 7th-grade curriculum, and always do my very best to make my class fun and interesting for my students. I've been fortunate enough to have traveled to many of the places I teach about, and I share my travel experiences to make the class more interesting and encourage my students to travel themselves when they grow up.
I'm proud to be a member of Audubon's faculty. This year, under our new principal, Ms. Young, I truly believe that the Audubon Eagles will soar to new heights.