Cowan Avenue Elementary School

Program Content Page
This page contains more explanation about the details and pages of the Program.

 

 

Learning Goals for this program are
to get a sense and vastness of our world through exploration of different countries and cultures.
to understand what it means to be a citizen of the world.
to extend a knowledge of collaboration among individuals with diverse ideas, values, customs, beliefs and resources
to get a sense of vital issues facing the leaders of today that will have an impact on future generations.

4th and 5th Grade Applicable Standards
click on the links below to view standards in a pdf format

History and Social Studies

Language Arts

Assignments: every week details of assignments will be posted. The weekly assignments will include a portion of the project due at the end of the term, posting on the wiki site and a response on the blog site. Each response will be reviewed and given a comment and a grade of credit or no credit.

Projects: There will be two projects due. One project will be a case study involving one of the critical issues facing the world today and the other project will be a country report. Both projects will be graded and the rubrics will be posted for both projects.

Wiki Page: A wiki is a website that uses wiki software, allowing the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites. We will use it toempower our community of global learners, share our own ideas and insights as well as view insights of others. It is a great way to view multiple perspectives and gain a respect for each other.

Blog Page: A blog (a contraction of the term "weblog") is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Ours will be used to explore current events. Students will be asked to respond to a question relating to the featured article. It might be a video, article or audio feed of a current event.

Online Safety
Please note: Some content provided throughout the program requires parental supervision and some guidance. Other resources linked to assignments and postings will be monitored. For a parent-child contract about staying safe online, please click here.

International Studies Program Syllabus (pdf of Syllabus)

Cowan Elementary Magnet School Vision Statement
The Cowan Magnet School community is committed to preparing our children to view themselves as global citizens in a complex culturally, and ethnically diverse society. Our children will become reflective independent and interdependent learners through rigorous core curriculum, effective oral and written communicators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers.

Teacher Vision
The goal is for EVERY student to become an independent learner. Students should accept themselves as lifelong learners and know that the gift is not their ability to have the correct answer but their ability to seek challenge, and apply effort to find the correct answer.

I. Overview
Unit 1- Topic: Nations (8 Weeks) November- January
Universal Concept: Systems
A. What is a Nation?
B. Country Focus
Project: Country Study (Online Learning)
Click here for relevant History/Social Studies Standards

Unit 2- Topic: Current Issues (8 weeks) February-March
Universal Concept: Relationships
A. Structure and Purpose of the UN
B. UN Missions- Slavery
Project: Case Studies (Classroom/Online)
Click here for relevant History/Social Studies Standards

Unit 3 Topic: Global Action (8 weeks) April-May
Universal Concept: Change
A. Resolution Writing
Project: Persuasive Argument Paper (Classroom/Online)
Click here for relevant History/Social Studies Standards

II. Assignments/Grades

Students will be given a homework assignment once a week. For the most part, the homework assignments will include a wiki and blog posting along with written work that will be a part of their culminating project. Assignments will generally be due within a week. I will assess the progress of the overall class to determine if an assignment due date needs to be extended.

Classroom/Online and Homework Assignments
• ISP assignments count towards 30% of the student’s total Social Studies Grade
• The students should check the website each week for their assignments.
• The students should submit their assignments by the deadline.
• The students should check their assignments for feedback and to make sure they received full credit. (If the student hasn’t received full credit, I will give them information that will help them to do so)

Class Expectations
• Students put forth their very BEST effort ~ Never say I can’t. Instead say, “I need help please.”
• Students work together cooperatively and respectfully together to achieve our goals.
• Students enter the classroom prepared to learn. Students are expected to bring the following items with them when we meet in class: sharpened pencils, blue ISP Binder which includes a journal to take notes.
• Students participate in class and online discussions with relevant ideas, comments and questions that support the learning of that topic.
Grading Criteria

Scored Assignments	Credit/No Credit Assignments
4: 100+	Credit with bonus- 4
3: 99-79%	Credit- 3
2: 78-70%	Partial Credit- 2
1: 69% and below	No Credit- 0 No assignment submitted

Student Communication
• During Unit 1 I will be available to support the students every Thursday at 12:00- 12:45 in the computer lab (room 18). Students can come during this time to get help with assignments, turn in work or ask specific questions.
• I have also started a mailing list to send information and overall feedback to the students. If students have their own email addresses they should write me at hinayousufzai@yahoo.com requesting that they be added to the distribution list. (Thank you to Mr. Edson for helping me with this.)
• They can also send me questions or comments at the above email address.
• Also students should go back to previous blogs where they have posted to read messages from myself and their other teachers.
Parent communication
• I will be sending weekly updates via email to the parents.
• The best way to contact me is by email (hinayousufzai@yahoo.com). You can also leave messages for me in the main office or call the school at 310-645-1973
• I am always encouraged when I receive feedback regarding the program as this helps me to meet the needs of

Please contact hinayousufzai@yahoo.com for additional information or feedback relating to the content of this site.