Grading, Differences between "Describe" and "Explain", Dropping from the course

1) Grading summer assignments
2) Difference between Command Terms: "Describe" and "Explain"
3) A few students wishing to drop the IB HOA course


SPARTANS,

1) As you can see, the Ch. 5 Reading Response Questions are posted below. A few of you have been inquiring about how you are doing on your assignments. To be open with you, I am being more lenient in my grading over the summer, since I do not have direct, personal contact with you for instruction. However, as long as you are emailing assignments on time, the assignments are complete, and answer the questions fully while properly addressing the Command Terms, you are probably earning full credit.

2) I recently corresponded with a Spartan regarding two command terms which appear very similar: "Describe" and "explain". Essentially, "describe" requires a detailed, but comparatively less expansive answer than an "explain" prompt. "Explain" needs more details involving origins, causes, or reasons, whereas "describe" does not.

3) Finally, I have received a few e-mails from students requesting, for various reasons, to drop the class. While I respect your choices, I discourage you from taking this action.

The most frequent explanation I read from students is that they are overwhelmed and wish to be able to maintain a balance between academics, athletics/activities, and personal pursuits during the school year. Please know that I understand and respect these needs. Please also know that we are in this adventure together. The IB course of instruction requires a lot of effort, time, and energy from you, but also of teachers, as well.

While I am sensitive to your needs, I also must maintain high standards, both for your preparation for the IB papers (tests) in your senior year, and for preparation for university life. Still, I want you to be able to be teenagers, and not austere bookworms that never leave the glow of a computer monitor or remove the mask of an open history (or English, or math, or science, or...) book.

Before you make any decision to change your classes, please consider the following:

a) Your (IB) teachers want what's best for you.

b) IB is challenging, but if you are willing to really try, you'll do fine. Your teachers are also committed to your success.

c) If you are considering applying to colleges/universities during your senior year, among the first things admissions counselors look for in a student's paperwork is the amount and type of challenging courses taken by an applicant. Taking higher-level courses shows a level of commitment and preparation to academics.

d) Remember, there will only be two levels of U.S. history next year: IB HOA and College Prep. There are no more "Standard" classes.

e) My approach to teaching the IB History of the Americas course is that it will be challenging, but not impossible. I understand that the Summer Learning Packet requires a lot of commitment on the part of the student, and the work during the year will also require such a commitment. However, I also know that you will be busier during the school year with other responsibilities to other classes and activities. I take these factors into consideration in developing our curriculum and your assignments. My job is not to overwhelm you, bury you in work, or plot to ruin the last of your formative years. My job is to challenge you and help you become more knowledgeable students of history and citizens of the world.

You can do this, Spartans. I have faith in your abilities, but you have to have faith in yourselves, too. Continue to demonstrate your dedication, intellectual fortitude, and responsible work ethic. It will pay off.


As always, please email me with any questions or concerns.

Si se puede!,
Mr. Todd