Monday, December 25, 2006

Vacation Assignment:

Hello WJPS:

I know you've all been waiting desperately for me to post the vacation assignment, so here goes.

The assignment must be HANDED in. That means you need to print it out and give it to me when we get back to school on the 2nd. It must be AT LEAST 350 words (about 1 page). Here's what you have to do:

As a student in a brand new, small Hgh School, besides "doing my work," and "not talking in class" what can YOU do to positively contribute to building your school's culture, and community?

See you on the 2nd! Enjoy the vacation.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

CHANGE TO THE SS EXAM 12/21/06-12/22/06

Hello, Everyone:

Because of our lengthy discussions the last couple of days, I have made an adjustment to our SS exam calendar.
The DBQ/Essay section will take place on THURSDAY 12/21/06. You will only need to bring a pen for that section. You will be allowed to bring one (1) post-it with information that you think will help you do well on that section.
The MULTIPLE CHOICE section will take place on FRIDAY 12/22/06. A study sheet will be posted below for the MC section. Additionally, a handout will be given in class for this part of the exam. Therefore, on FRIDAY, you will need to bring your PENCILS! You will also be allowed to bring one (1) post-it with the information that you think will help you do well on that section.
MULTIPLE CHOICE STUDY GUIDE
What are the parts of the Unwritten Constitution? GIVE EXAMPLES!
What were the problems under the AOC?
Why was the BOR was added to the Cons.?
What are: delegated powers, reserved powers, concurrent powers (KNOW THAT THEY ARE PART OF FEDERALISM!)?
Checks and Balances: Know examples
Results of the 14th and 15th Amendments
State that benefited most from the three-fifth’s compromise (VA)
What is Federalism?
Why was a Federal form of government created?
What was the result of Marbury v. Madison (Supreme Court Case)?
How are the DOI and BOR similar?
Why was Checks and Balances included in the Constitution?
Why is the Amendment process included in the Constitution?
Why was the Great Compromise adopted?
How can a Supreme Court decision be over-ruled?
What is the Elastic Clause?
What idea about gov’t is included in the DOI?
What were the Federalist Papers, and why were they important?
What was John Locke’s influence on the US gov’t?
What were the major problems at the Const. Convention?
How did the Supreme Court get the power of Judicial Review?
Why is the US Gov’t Considered a Federal System?
What can the President do, as Commander in Chief of the armed forces?
What is the Elastic Clause?
What do LOBBYISTS do?
Student Survey!
What do you think?
In an effort to help us both out with homework, I have a suggestion. I'd like your feedback on it. I will base my decision on your responses to the survey.
Would you rather:
1. Have a list of assignments at the beginning of the week (Monday). Those assignments would be turned in that Friday (similar to Mr. Saltz's class).
2. Keep the current system of homework, where you get a different assignment each day, or every other day.
Let me know what you think. What you say will determine where we go with this. Thanks!
SHHH! Don't tell anyone about this website!
Multiple choice questions for the exam. Mr. T's going to pick from questions like these. Know 'em. Learn 'em. Live 'em. WORD!

Monday, December 18, 2006

DBQ Essay Topic -

Hello!

Here's the topic of your DBQ essay.

1. Describe how the system of checks and balances works.
2. Show how the system of checks and balances has been applied in specific circumstances in US History.

Good Luck!
REGENTS-STYLE EXAM: Thursday and Friday (Dec. 21st and 22nd)
Topic: Constitutional Principles
We will be taking a regents style exam on Thursday and Friday of this week. Review will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The test will consist of:
1. Fifty (50) multiple choice questions (Thu.)
2. 7 Document Based Questions (Friday)
3. 1 Essay. The essay will be based on the Document Based Questions (DBQ'S). (Friday)
Make sure you are on time. You will be required to bring a SHARPENED #2 Pencil with you on Thursday, as we'll be using Scantrons to take the test.
The Exam will include (but is not limited to)
Constitutional Convention
Bill of Rights
Checks and Balances
Amendments to the Constitution
3 Branches
Use the info on the blog, as well as the sites I've listed in previous posts. DON'T WAIT TILL WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO STUDY!
If you can identify ALL of the information in box #2 and #3 (Early Gov't and The Constitution) you're going to ACE this exam!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Blog Assignment #4: Due Wednesday
What do you think?
Of the 10 amendments to the Bill of Rights, half of them (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th) all deal with the rights of criminals, or people accused of committing a crime.
In a brief composition of 98 words or more...Discuss the following question.
Does the Bill of Rights provide too many privileges and freedoms for people accused, or convicted of crimes?

Thursday, December 14, 2006


HW Assignment Blog Essay #3:
Point Value: 30 Points

Due Date: Monday 12:00 AM

Think about the rights you are guaranteed as an American citizen under the Bill of Rights. In a composition of at least 147 words, discuss:
  • 1. In what ways the Bill of Rights affects your own life.
  • 2. In what ways your lives would be different.

Separation of Power/Checks and Balances: A Review
What do you think?
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/georgia-school-board-says-harry-potter/20061214163109990003

Monday, December 11, 2006

Extra Credit Blog Post
Hello, Everyone:

Interested in picking up a few extra points for the 2nd Trimester? Answer the question below in a minimum of 77 words, but no more than 119, and you can earn up to 20 free points toward your 2nd Trimester mark (total points, not points on your report card).
Background: The 18th Amendment to the Constitution banned the sale and use of Alcoholic Beverages in the US.
The Question
Do you think the government should have passed an amendment dealing with the consumption of Alcohol?

2nd Trimester Assignment #2:

Think of an amendment you would like to have added to the Constitution. In your post, describe the amendment and the reasons why you believe it should be made a part of the Constitution. Your post must be at least 74, but no more 117 words.
HW Assignment: 2nd Trimester Assignment #1

Reflect on the recent changes to our program, and classes. How do you think these changes will affect the 9th grade students. What's good about them? What are some things you are worried about?

Post your answers here. Write at least 65 words. Remember that posts are moderated, so you won't see your post right away.


Thanks for checking in. See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

A word about posts
Hello, Everyone:

Please be advised that your posts are moderated. This means that I have to approve them before they are published.

Additionally, if you would like clarification of an assignment, please email me at MTessler@schools.nyc.gov. It's the only way you can make sure I will respond. If you post on the blog "I don't understand," it will not really be helpful to me or you, because by the time I see it, it will probably be too late for me to explain it.
HW Blog 12/6/06

Question: Do you think the balance of power is fair to the states and to the Federal Government? Explain your answer.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Publishing Comments:

Hello!

Just an FYI...The comments that are posted to the blog are MODERATED. This means that before you post, they have to be approved for posting (by me). We have to make sure that no one is posting anything inappropriate, and we also have to keep people from posting that shouldn't be here. Therefore, if you don't see your post right away, don't worry about it.

HW Post:

I apologize again for the late post.


Anyway, for the night-owls...

The Constitution was written over 200 years ago...What, if anything would you do to change the balance of power between the state and federal gov't?

Monday, December 04, 2006

Federalism Notes:
Federalism:
  • Explains how power is shared between state/federal govt's
  • Foundation of US Gov't
  • Divides Power

How is power divided?

  • "DR. CID"
  • Delegated: Specifically given to the FG
  • Reserved: Anything not delegated to the FG, goes to the STATES
  • Concurrent: Shared by BOTH
  • Implied: Not delegated, but allowed b/c they're necessary
  • Denied: Neither state, nor fed can do it

Click http://regentsprep.org/Regents/ushisgov/themes/government/federalism.htm for more info.

Preamble Post

Hello, Everyone!

Sorry for the late post. Howver, if you are still up...

Based on what we learned in class today, please rewrite the preamble to the Constitution IN YOUR OWN WORDS!

See you tomorrow!

Friday, December 01, 2006


Notes on the Ratification of the Constitution:

Hope this helps!
(Taken from regentsprep.org)

Monday, November 27, 2006

Thematic Essay Self-Check
Carefully read the questions below. Before you hand in your final drafts, make sure that you can answer these questions with a definite "YES!"
Does your Essay...
1. Identify TWO issues that arose at the Constitutional Convention? If so, which ones?
2. State THE REASONS for the disagreement over the issue. In other words, does the essay tell us how the disagreement happened?
3. EXPLAIN how each issue was resolved through Compromise?
4. CORRECTLY match the compromise with the issue (example: Representation/Great Compromise)
5. Use Correct facts, details and examples from the Constitutional Convention (example: Virginia Plan favored larger states, NJ Plan favored small states, Roger Sherman/Great Comp.)?
6. Create or add new information (example: the slavery question would eventually lead to Civil War)
7. Have a clear and logical plan of organization? In other words, an introduction, a conclusion, and body paragraphs?
8. Have an introduction and/or conclusion that did more than just restate the theme? Do you have an introduction that DOES NOT start with "this essay will talk about," or "in my essay, I I'm going to talk about," etc.
9. Contain at least 350 words?

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Constitution Convention Notes - Very Helpful!

The Setting of the Philadelphia Convention

A) Early decision to re-write, rather than tinker (fix) with the Articles of Confederation
B) Open agreement secretly arrived at--Washington's plea
C) Intent of the Convention

1) Economic --Charles Beard--protect property rights and make America safe from democracy.
2) Idealistic--make a perfect Union
3) Pragmatic--dealing with the question of sovereignty. Placing common interests over regional or personal concerns.

II. The Participants
A. 55 delegates from 12 states
1) Young (average age 42), professional (over half were lawyers), men of economic substance
2) Many were Revolutionary War veterans
3) Absent: Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, other Revolutionary War heroes.B. Key

Participants
1) Washington--president of the convention
2) Madison--researched every previous republic
a) Large republic is not only possible, it's preferred
b) Popularly elected officials with sovereignty in the hands of the people, not the states3) Franklin--81 years old. The steadying influence

III. The Compromises

A. Great Compromise (bicameral legislature representing both people and states)

Why?
1. Virginia Plan or Large States Plan (Edmund Randolph)
a) 2 house legislature with representation based on population for both
b) President and courts chosen by legislature

2. New Jersey Plan (William Patterson)
a) Congress with each state having l vote
b) separate executive and judicial branches
c) increased powers of Congress

3. Great Compromise
a) Lower house membership dependent on population
b) Upper house with two members from each state
c) All revenue bills must begin in lower house

B. Three-Fifths Compromise

WHAT: 60% of slaves counted for representation and taxation; no Congressional interference with slavery for 20 years

Why?
1. Non-slavery states wanted slaves counted for taxation, but not representation and wanted an end to importation of slaves
2. Slave states wanted slaves counted for representation, but not taxation and no interference with slave trade by the federal government

C. Commerce Compromise
WHAT: no tax on exports, simple majority needed to pass commerce bills

WHY
1. Cotton and tobacco producing states wanted restriction of taxes on exports and all commerce bills to be passed by a two-thirds vote of Congress
2. Northern industrial states wanted federal tariffs to keep up out cheaper European products and raise revenues for the government.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Thanksgiving Break Assignment:
Hello, Everyone:

This assignment is due on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28th (the day after we get back). We will begin work on the assignment Tuesday.
Mr. Saltz will also be lending a hand to help us do an excellent job.
It is an essay assignment that will count as a 100 point test. This is a THEMATIC ESSAY, very similar to the ones you will be asked to complete on the Regents Exam.
1. Here's the topic:
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 adopted several compromises to resolve disagreements over major issues facing the new nation.
2. The Task:
From your study of US History, identify TWO issues from the Constitutional Convention of 1787
For EACH ISSUE you identify:
  • DESCRIBE the disagreement that arose over the issue at the convention
  • EXPLAIN HOW that issue was resolved through the use of compromise
3. Here are some websites to help you complete this assignment.
4. Requirements

5. How will I be graded?

http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.phpscreen=ShowRubric&rubric_id=1344309

Click here to see the requirements.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

HW ASSIGNMENT 11/17/06
Posting Due Date: Sunday 11/19 - 11:59 PM
Based on what you've learned in class about the compromises made regarding slavery at the Constitutional Convention...
- Do you think that the Constitution gave approval to slavery?
Write a response of at least 83, but no more 117 words to this post. For extra credit points, you will respond to at least ONE person's post, explaining why you agree, or disagree with their post.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Consitutional Convention Assignment 11/16/06
In order to get some Southern states to agree to the Constitution, slavery was allowed to continue in the U.S. Do you think that the framers (people who constructed) the Constitution were justified (right) in making this compromise? Explain your answer in a written composition of at least 93, but no more than 127 words.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Blog Assignment
Consider what you learned today about the nation of Merrimac. The authors identified the following as the goals of the convention:
  • Strengthen the Nation
  • Preserve State Power
  • Secure Individual Liberty
  • Stabilize the economy

Imagine you were an American living under the Articles of Confederation. In your opinion, which of the following should have been the most important goal for the men who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787? Write a statement of at least 84, but no more than 97 words. Thanks!

Homework Assignment:
Posts must be received NO LATER than 11:59 PM tonight 11/14/06.
Think about the four goals for Merrimac, which you read about today in class. They were:
  • Strengthen the Nation
  • Preserve the powers of the States
  • Secure individual liberty
  • Stabilize the economy

Imagine you were alive at the time of the Constitutional Convention (1787). Which of these do you think was most important for America at that time? Explain why in a brief statement of at least 84, but no more than 97 words.

See you in school!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Regents Review Websites:
Hello, Everyone:

9th graders, I know you have a tough job ahead of you this June; taking and passing 3 Regents exams.

I know you all can do it. However, a little help can't hurt. Here's a couple of Mr. T approved websites that will help you rock this exams!
www.regentsprep.org - This site is FREE. It has all sorts of information for LE, Math A and US History. There's notes, and practice quizzes.
www.barronsregents.com - Back in the old days, when I was in High School, we had to go to the bookstore and buy these red Regents review books. Today, you guys can get the same thing on line! You can take quizzes online here, too. What's cool about this site is that it tells you why the answers you chose were wrong. Pay site, but very cheap. Worth the cash!
See you all in school. Keep working hard!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

ONLINE GRADEBOOK!

Put an end to the question of "how am I doing?" Find out for yourself. It's easy!

Get access to Mr. T's online gradebook.

How do I do that?

  1. Email Me at MTessler@schools.nyc.gov. DO NOT POST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ON THE BLOG!
  2. After you email me, I will send the information to the site that handles my gradebook. Their server will automatically email you.
  3. You will receive an email from the teacherease.com website. You will get a password, and directions about how to log in.
  4. Go to the website with the password, and log in. Check your grades once a week, once a day, whenever, wherever!

Bottom line is that YOU have to be responsible for your learning. This is a major step towards accomplishing that goal.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Core Values

Reflect on our lesson today about core values.

1. Give examples of where you have seen core values in action. Each value has its own section:
Responsibility
Integrity and Wisdom
Respect
Compassion
Acceptance
Stewardship
Health

1) How do your values relate to the core values of our class?
2) Why do you think Mr. Tesler has established these values for our class?
2) How will following these values help you to be successful in school? In life?

Monday, October 23, 2006

Extra Credit Assignments!


Want to raise your grade? Here's two easy ways to earn as much as 100 points. Everything is due to me NO LATER THAN FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3rd!

1. MAKE UP TEST - WEDNESDAY 10/25. If enough people want to take it, we will offer it in class that day. If not, we'll hold it after school. It will cover the important events from the ROAD to Revolution, as well as some questions about the Declaration of Independence (think natural rights, rights of the people, etc.). Here's a couple questions:

- What were the results of the F/I War?
- How did the F/I war increase tension between Britain and America?
- How did the colonists react to the change in British policy after the FI war?
- What action directly affected colonists on the Frontier? (think 1763)
- Why were the Intolerable acts passed?
- Why was Thomas Paine's Common Sense significant (that's a fancy word for important)?
- D of I - Parts, Purpose of Government, Importance

2. Battle Assignment: Choose a battle of the American Revolution, and write a detailed news article about it. Write as if you were actually there at the time, as a reporter covering the story for WJPS. Here's a website to help you with that report:

http://wizard.4teachers.org/builder/worksheet.php3?ID=80178

That's it for now. See you all in school tomorrow. The trimester ends soon, so get your stuff in gear, or as my mom used to say "your ducks in a row."

Monday, October 02, 2006

REVIEW BOOKS - WHERE ARE THEY?!?

Hello, Everyone:

I have only received review books from the following:


901: Julia/Jenee/Kevin
Karla/Chandler/Paula/John W
Danielle/Monica/Renzo/Jovan

902: Gerardo/Angelique/Mia/Richard
Erica/Christina/Jon K/Brian
Raymond/Joanna/Frederick
Qwany/Alex/Claudia/Sebastian

903: Penny/Elizabeth/Simone
Jessica/Fernando/Eddie/Jon C/Michael E

People. This is not good. This assignment was worth 30 points. Please get these things together and get them in ASAP. Thanks!

Friday, September 29, 2006

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG ASSIGNMENT

Wow. That was one of the best lessons I've ever been involved with today in class 901. You guys (and girls) were very passionate about this issue. I'm sorry if people got upset, but in a way, it's good. It shows you're alive! That you care very much about something. It's very inspiring when students get into an issue so much.

Anyway, for those of you who weren't there, here's the question:

Should the right to vote be limited only to people who are citizens of this country?

This is an issue that many of us, particularly those of us who have recently come to this country, feel quite strongly about. There are many different sides to the issue. One side, those who say "no," will state if you're not a citizen, you don't get to vote; kind of like if you go to the game without a ticket, you don't get in. The other side states that if these people are here working, and doing their best to start a new life, then the right to vote should be given to them.

Talk to people. Friends, relatives, the guy who owns the deli down the street. Your next-door neighbor. Get their ideas. Also, think about where they are coming from. What's their "perspective," or point of view. There's no easy answer to this.

Feel free to post to this as much as you like. Please maintain a sense of respect. It's OK to disagree, but not to disrespect. Good luck!

See ya!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

BLOG ASSIGNMENT #3 -
Due Date: You must post to the site NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM Sunday Night.

What is up, people:

Mr. T here. I've really enjoyed looking at everyone's posts. If you don't have access to a computer, you can still complete the assignments on paper, and give them to me. Well, I guess if you don't have a computer, you're probably not reading this, but you can have a friend print it out and give you the assignment.

Anyway. Here's what I want you to think about. As we all know, and some of us have maybe even experienced, groups of people have been excluded from participation in government. By participating, I mean voting, holding public office, etc. From African-Americans, to women, to non-property holding people, at one time or another, people have not been given a say in their government.

My question to you is this:

What reasons might explain why certain people have been excluded from participating in government?

Write at least 127 words in response. You must also respond to another student's post, and write at least 46 words. If you aren't sure how to post a comment, simply repost to the blog, and put as your heading "Respond to (Name Here)'s post."

This blog thang is really working out very well. My goal is to get everyone on as soon as possible. C-ya in class tmw! Peace!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Tonight's HW BLOG #2

As a citizen of this country, what are your rights? What responsibilities come along with those rights? How can you fulfill those responsibilities.

Please respond to this blog in a minimum (at least) of 103 words. You must also post a comment to someone else's response. That comment must be at least 54 words.

Please take this assignment seriously. Be respectful of your peers, and school community. See you tomorrow!

Mr. T

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ EVERYONE!!!

In the interest of safety, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!!

DO NOT POST ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF OTHER THAN YOUR FIRST NAME AND LAST INITIAL. DON'T PUT YOUR AGE, LOCATION, ETC.

Just watchin' out for all of you. Please be safe.
Questions for the Quiz on Wednesday
Hello, Everyone!
Since I am such a wonderful person, and am committed to making sure you are all successful, here is a list of the questions that will be on the quiz tomorrow.
In fact, I am going to allow you to bring in ONE POST IT with as much information as you can fit on it, that will help you to be successful on the Quiz.
There will be about 20 multiple choice questions on the quiz. They will be based on the work you've done in class the last few days. BEWARE. THESE ARE NOT DEFINITION QUESTIONS. This is an exercise to see how well you understood the importance of the things you studied.
Here goes:
What was the effect of the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
How would you describe Federalism?
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
What were the Federalist Papers? Why were they important?
What's an example of the "Unwritten Constitution?"
How are the Mayflower Compact, and the Virginia House of Burgesses similar?
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
What were the colonies expected to provide to England under MERCANTALISM?
Why was a system of checks and balances included in the constitution?

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Our First Blog Assignment:

Hi, Everyone:

Thanks again for checking in. Before we get to the question, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate how hard all of you have been working. Keep it up, and we are going to do some amazing things this year.

OK (that's for you, 902!). Here's your assignment. And, no, YOU DON'T HAVE TO COPY THE QUESTION!!!

What type(s) of homework assignment would be "meaningful" to you? In other words, what type of assignments would be important to you. By important, I don't mean studying for a big test. I'm talking about assignments that you would care about doing. Things you would put your best effort into. Things that you would (is it possible?) ENJOY working on.

Please post an honest, serious, and meaningful reply to this question. It would also be cool if you would reply to other people's comments as well. Make sure that you leave your name and class in your reply, so I may be able to give you credit for completion of the assignment.

Thanks, everyone. See you in school!

Mr. T

Welcome New WJPS Freshmen!

Hello, Everyone!

Thanks for visiting the blog. I've set this up as a way for us to communicate with other, and share ideas about Social Studies, school, the world, etc. I'd like to use this a way for us to even complete our homework assignments; saves paper, time, trees, etc.

It's pretty easy to get an account on this site. Follow the directions at the sign-in screen and you should be OK. Additionally, Please make sure that when you post, you leave your name and class somewhere, so I know who is writing, and I may be able to give that person credit for their assignment.

Please note that as aspiring journalists, what you post here is for all of the world to see. It is expected that you will maintain a sense of maturity, and professionalism in your postings. This is a professional space, which will be viewed not only by me, but your other teachers, principals, and parents. While we do have freedom of the press in the USA, remember that you cannot publish anything that is untrue. Additonally, please do not publish anything that is harmful, hurtful, or disrespectful towards other people.

Finally, some safety issues. Only use your first name, and last initial when posting. Don't give any information about yourself (age, grade in school, etc.).

Again, thanks for checking in. Can't wait to read your posts!

Mr. T