2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR
Course
Objectives:
•
Encourage greater skills in reading
through both teacher and student-selected titles, and
•
Prepare students for critical
analysis and writing required in AP English courses.
Course
Description:
•
Balanced Literacy: Although
large changes have been made to the ELA curricula statewide, this course will
continue to follow a balanced literacy format which addresses skills in
reading, writing, speaking and listening by using lessons which blend all four.
a.
Mini-lessons:
The teacher will read an authentic text or write on a projectable medium,
modeling strategies and skills for students. Often, the class creates an anchor
chart to post in the room for continued reference as the unit continues.
b.
Notebooks:
Students will use two composition books during class for a variety of reasons,
including (but not limited to) note-taking for mini-lessons, free writing,
journaling, reading response, and vocabulary.
c.
Student Reading and
Writing:
After each mini-lesson, students read
and write. During this work period, the teacher will conference with
individuals or groups of students. Often, students will conference with peers
while using class created rubrics.
•
Three-text classroom:
There are three types of texts a student will read in the classroom.
a.
Read-Aloud/Whole-Group Text: The teacher models working with an authentic text.
b.
Small Group:
Students will choose selections to read with peers on at least a weekly basis.
c.
Supported Independent Reading: The student chooses texts to read; the teacher will offer
support through conferences and guidance in selecting texts based on their
reading level and interest.
•
Homework:
a.
Reading: Independent reading is important for many reasons,
including (but not limited to) increased fluency, vocabulary development, and
skills practice. In order to achieve any of these benefits, students must
practice reading every night.
b.
Vocabulary: Students may be asked to apply strategies for determining
the meanings of new words encountered in both class and independent reading in
a homework assignment.
Necessary
Materials:
·
2 RED composition notebooks (if not red, then please add a big red sticker!)
·
2 RED folders with pockets and brads
·
1 personal pencil sharpener
·
1 set of highlighters (comes with 5
colors: blue, green, orange, pink and yellow)
·
5 pencils MINIMUM (mechanical is preferred, especially if you don't like
sharpening!)
·
1 (minimum) independent reading book
Attendance
and Make-Up Policies:
Students must
follow the attendance policy in the Student Handbook. Students with unexcused
absences will not be able to make up missed work and will receive a zero for
such assignments.
Arriving “on time” means that a student is working quietly
on their warm-up assignment in their assigned seat when the bell rings; running
in as the bell rings is a safety hazard as well as distraction for students at
work, and therefore will be considered “tardy.” Students who arrive tardy to class will sign in at the
attendance book with the time that they arrived. If students are not working on
their daily warm-up assignment when the tardy bell rings, they will also be
counted tardy and asked to mark the attendance book.
Students are allowed one day for
each excused absence to for submitting work once they have returned to school. After the number of days expires, the work becomes late and
will be graded accordingly. Parents and guardians are welcome to contact the
instructor to receive homework assignments for their child in the event of an
illness or to discuss any concerns.
Late
Work:
Due to block
scheduling, students will only come to class three times a week. In order to
stay on track with the curriculum and lessons, students may only submit late
work by 4:00 PM of the next day class meets for reduced credit -- a maximum of a 70.
This means
that if a student’s class meets on Tuesday/Thursday/Friday and an assignment
was due on Thursday, they have until Friday at 4:00 PM to submit that
assignment for a maximum of a 70.
If a
student’s class meets on the Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule and an assignment
was due on Monday, they have until Wednesday at 4:00 to submit that assignment
for a maximum of a 70.
Classroom Guidelines
·
Arrive to class on time and with all
necessary materials.
·
Maintain a positive attitude and
manner while in the classroom.
·
Offer quality work on every
assignment.
·
Practice active listening and
participation at all times.
·
Promptly follow all of the teacher’s
directions the first time given.
