Phone: (281) 586-1349 – Social Studies Dept. Office
email: rblain@springisd.org

This is Mr. Blain. This is my second year to teach World History at Westfield.
My goal is for every student to enjoy my class while learning the necessary information and skills to be successful in class, on the TAKS Test, and in the world at-large.

1st Six Weeks:
Beginnings of civilization, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient China, Ancient India, Major World Religions, Greece, Rome. (Chapters 1-6)

2nd Six Weeks:
Islam, Mongol Empire, Chinese dynasties, Japan, Middle Ages and Crusades, England, France. (Chapters 10-14)

3rd Six Weeks:
Freedom Week, Renaissance & Reformation. (Chapters 17-18)

4th Six Weeks:
Age of Exploration, Mesoamerica, Absolutism in Europe, Scientific Revolution, French Revolution, Nationalism, Rise of Germany and Italy. (Chapters 19-24)

5th Six Weeks:
Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World War I, Russian Revolution. (Chapters 25-31)

6th Six Weeks:
TAKS Testing (April 23-26), World War II, The Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Collapse of Communism and the USSR (Chapters 32-35)

- Treat everyone in the room with respect.
This includes, but is not limited to: using appropriate language, addressing everyone by the proper name, and being open to the viewpoints of others even if they are not the same as yours.

- Take ownership of your education.
We will do everything in our power to assure the most quality education possible, but the quality of the instruction is nothing without quality learning on our parts.

- All students will be on time.
On time requires you to be in your seat when the bell rings and to work on the selected activity. Warm-ups and other activities will be provided.

- Positive attitudes and honesty to teachers and classmates are required.
Positive attitudes will make the class conducive to learning and make the class more enjoyable overall.
Honesty includes being truthful regarding authenticity of daily and exam work and reasons for not meeting established expectations.

- Observe all campus and district policies.
Observation of policies includes, but is not limited to: adhering to the dress code, possession of ID badges prior to entering the classroom, timely class attendance, and not bringing in any outside food/drink.

Approx. 8-10 daily grades, 3-4 test grades per six-weeks
Warm-up notebook will be a test grade each six-weeks.
Daily average – 40% of six-week grade
Test average – 60% of six-week grade

Semester grade will be calculated as:
- 80% - average of 3 six-weeks grades
- 20% - semester exam grade

A little bit of information about me...
I am consistently visible at Westfield High events, and take great joy in seeing my current/former students perform in sports, the arts, and other extra-curricular activities.
My wife, Kimberly, and I have been married since July 2005. She teaches science and coaches Science Olympiad at Edwin Wells Middle School.