Source   http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/7/   Standards applied to Social Studies Writing

 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.A
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.B
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.C
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.D
Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.E
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

 Certified as a Social Studies Teacher in my state,  I have taught Social Studies (including World Geography) for over 18 years, primarily at the Middle School level.  I have extensive experience teaching writing both in the context of Social Studies and English/Language Arts.  My classes have had lots of fun and engagement with World Geography, delving into the wonders of 'oh so slightly' familiar cultures, as well as cultures that are dramatically different from the West.   Students sparkle when engaging in special projects, conversations, Kahoot Challenges, interactive games and other teaching practices designed to help our students  enjoy becoming a master of their own learning. Master's Degree (Public Policy), Bachelor's Degree (History), Teaching Certificate (State of Maryland) :  Social Studies, History, Middle School Language Arts. 30 credits beyond Master's Degree.  I am grateful to all my students, both in traditional classrooms and on line, for all that they teach me every day. 

Homework Offered
Students will complete a writing assignment each week that we begin together in class.  These assignments are designed to give students a chance to independently practice the models and skills we worked on in class. Students will also practice evaluating evidence for reliability, relevance and bias by completing exercises building on class instruction.  Handouts and homework will be useful as future reference material.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Homework assignments give students a chance to assess proficiency.  The teacher will provide written comments for each student's homework, within each student's communication channel on Outschool.  It is my philosophy that while all writing offers positives, likewise all writing can be polished and improved.  Teacher comments will highlight the areas of strength and offer suggestions for strengthening writing.  Assignments will include a 'rubric' for students to use in guiding their own work in progress and to focus teacher comments on the writing goal.
Grades Offered

Middle School MLA Citation Guide (This is a PDF for MLA style. The link will not lead to the main school district web site where it is posted.)
 https://www.cdaschools.org/cms/lib07/ID01906304/Centricity/Domain/654/Middle%20School%20MLA.pdf  
 Privacy Policy  https://www.ixl.com/privacypolicy

iCivics https://outschool.com/classes/007f9583-a6cb-4ade-bd4d-b6ec3d49b8c3/edit#usIShr82YK  This is a resource designed for middle school students.  Privacy Policy https://www.icivics.org/privacy-policy  Our Outschool class will use some iCivics resources but will not require students to sign in to this site.   iCivics states they will not allow students under 13 to sign into this sight without parental consent & parent email.

General Guidance: Best practice regarding students using the internet is for parents to supervise this usage.  Students should use only the link provided in the classroom.