We Are Getting 5's on the AP US History Exam!

Funded Mar 9, 2016

I wanted to take this time to thank you for your contribution to my classroom. With your generous donation, we were able to bring in a number of new resources into our classroom. The first, was an American History reader for the Advanced Placement students which is replete with all the key documents within the study of American history as well as key questions revolving around the Historical Thinking Skills established by the College Board. Additionally, we were able to purchase the "Five Steps to a Five AP United States History flashcards" which are essential study companions to my students as we begin reviewing and practicing for the AP exam on May 6, 2016. Additionally, we were able to purchase much needed classroom supplies such as new markers, new pencils, and a new pencil sharpener (which surprisingly students have been asking for over the past few months).

In our classroom, we are constantly investigating primary source documents in order to get a better look at history. Through our investigation of these primary sources, students then are able to better participate in group discussions in which they take on the role of historical figures. Two of the students' favorite historical figure debates include those about Social Reformers and Muckrakers. During these debate, students pose as either a social reformer or a muckraker who was invited to the White House to make a decision of what to do with a $50,000 budget surplus. Students have to stay in character as they come up with ideas of how to allocate the money. Their goal, of course, is to win the money for their organization. Additionally, students enjoy the Emancipation Cabinet Meeting in which they are all cabinet members of Abraham Lincoln who must make the decision of whether or not to free the slaves -- and to what extent this freedom should exist. Having better access to primary source documents through our new American History readers will help students to better prepare for debates like these.

I asked one of my students to describe what our classroom looks like in a few adjectives. She described our room as hectic, productive, interesting, challenging and creative. It's how I would describe our room as well: organized chaos”

With gratitude,

Ms. Bolman