How to Pass 8th Grade PA History & Civics
1. Do your homework. All of the assigned homework is worth 20% of each student’s grade. I read, correct, and score every piece of homework that students do. Even if you do not do very well, anything is better than a zero. Most students who might start off not doing so well with their homework usually show steady improvement with it as they get to know what my expectations are. You will also notice an improvement in your test scores from doing homework.
2. Come to class on time and prepared. Class participation is 10% of each student’s grade. Points are lost each day for being late and unprepared.
3. Take notes. Aside from it being a requirement in class, your notebook is also a part of your grade. It is worth 15%. It can make your grade or break your grade. Without a notebook, the highest grade that you could ever get is an 85.
4. Pay Attention in class. Many students have remarked that they do better on tests and quizzes when they pay attention to lectures and review sessions.
5. Review your notes daily. You will be surprised to see how just reading your notes daily can help you to remember them. It will only take a few minutes to do this, but the benefits will be seen in your test and quiz grades.
6. Study with a parent or friend. On the night before a test or quiz, have a friend or parent review with you. Some students have even created their own flash cards and say that it has really helped them improve their test or quiz scores. Remember, tests are 40% of a student’s grade and quizzes are 15%.
7. Make your test or quiz corrections. Some students say that they are not good at taking tests. I can understand that and believe that it is true. However, there is never any reason why you should not get at least a 70 for every test and quiz. I offer those students who fail an opportunity to get a 70 by doing test corrections. Believe it or not, very few students take me up on this offer.
Keep in mind what everything is worth for this class:
Tests=40%, that is 40 points out of 100 points toward your grade.
Homework=20%, that is 20 points out of 100 toward your grade.
Notebook=15%, that is 15 points out of 100 toward your grade.
Participation=10%, that is 10 points out of 100 toward your grade.
Quizzes=15%, that is 15 points out of 100 toward your grade.
By doing the math, you can easily see how not doing one part of the required work will negatively affect your grade. You can also see how you could easily pass my class even if you fail all of your tests. Every student has the ability to pass this class, if they choose to. The decision is in your hands.