Classroom Expectations

Welcome to ESOL for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades! We will be spending our time learning how to critically read, write, and think while becoming proficient in the English language. Below are the guidelines that will help us be successful as we embark on our journey as life-long learners.

Classroom Expectations:

At the beginning of the year, each class period will create their own classroom norms and expectations that are posted in the room. Students signed their classroom expectations as these are their “social covenant” for the class. This action supports the concepts of self-government and natural rights in our classroom.

Guiding Principles for our Learning Community:

1. All beings have inherent worth and are deserving of dignity. Always consider other people's viewpoints and feelings because ALL peoples - no matter their differences - are worthy of your respect (just as you are worthy of theirs).

2. Demonstrate respect for yourself and all others by looking at a speaker when they are talking and by taking turns to speak.

3. Demonstrate respect to yourself, teachers, fellow students, and school property by taking care of your belongings and your surroundings.

Course Overview

The goal of South Carolina Department of Education’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program is to provide equal educational opportunities to students who have a primary or home language other than English and who are English Language Learners (ELL). The primary focus is to provide an English-rich environment so those students will become proficient in English as soon as possible.

We strive to create a learning environment that encourages student pride in their cultural heritage and provides the cognitive and effective support to help students become contributing members of society. This program, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school, will provide each English Language Learner the opportunity to be successful in academic areas and to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in order to be successfully mainstreamed into all classes.

The ultimate goal for students who are English language learners is that they be able to achieve the state’s academic content and student academic achievement standards, as demonstrated by proficiency on the state’s required student assessments, and that they graduate from high school with a regular state-issued diploma.

Assessing, Evaluating, and Recording Students’ Progress and Achievement

Grading Scale

A = 90-100 (Superior)

B = 80-89 (Above Average)

C = 70-79 (Average)

D = 60-69 (Below Average)

F = 50-59 (Failing)

Grades are determined in the following method:

50% Minor (Ex: daily class work, quizzes, minor writing assignments)

50% Major (Ex: tests, projects, major writing assignments)

Chromebook Expectations

Students must charge their devices each evening. Students will still be responsible for work missed if the device is not charged. Repeatedly failing to have a charged device and thereby hindering a student’s ability to participate in class could result in disciplinary action. Students are expected to use their devices responsibly and follow teacher directions. If a student is using their device inappropriately, the device will be taken for 24 hours. After 3 device violations, disciplinary referrals will be written for continued misuse.

Homework/ Work that was not finished in class

If class work is not finished during class, students will be asked to complete it at home.
Homework (work that was not finished in class) will be given 100% if it is turned in within 5 days of the due date and it is correct. Points will be deducted for incorrect information.
Homework (work that was not finished in class) turned late will have 10 points deducted due to tardiness. Additional points will be deducted for incorrect information.
No homework (work that was not finished in class) will be accepted after the quarter ends since grades for that quarter will be closed.

Tests & Major Assessments

If a student scores between 75-93 on any major assessment, he or she will be given the opportunity to complete a retake assignment to show mastery of standards. Retake will be done in class on the teacher-assigned date.
If a student scores below 75 on any major assessment, he or she will complete a retake assignment to show mastery of standards. Retake will be done in class on the teacher-assigned date.
Students will only be afforded one retake opportunity.

Absences

It is the student’s responsibility to take care of missing work. Make-up work is located in class drawer in the classroom. Students are expected to collect make-up work on the day of their return. Students have five school days to complete and submit all make-up work.
Refer to your assignment sheets and Google Classroom for material covered while you were out.

School Policies

Please refer to the Student Handbook in the Agenda for general school policies.

All students are expected to follow all school rules. Students are expected to maintain at all times an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and integrity in which all students feel safe and free to learn. Students are expected to enter the classroom quickly and quietly, fill out homework in their agenda which will be signed by the teacher, and begin bell work. Arriving tardy to class is disruptive and interrupts the learning process. Talking during class, when permitted, should be focused on the topic being studied. Dress code violations, ID badge violations, cell phone violations, bullying issues, profanity, fighting, or direct insubordination will face immediate disciplinary action. Parents will be contacted as problems arise.

Expectations for Student Behavior:

All school rules will be enforced (see Student Handbook). Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect, responsibility, and integrity at all times.

Team Expectations:

Be respectful
Be responsible
Have integrity

Team Consequences:

Warning to the student
Contact Parent
Lunch Detention
Referral to Counselor
Teacher Detention
Disciplinary referral for administrative action

***The teacher reserves the right to deal with situations individually. Consequences may be used out of order when the teacher deems it necessary.

Classroom Procedures

Be prepared for class. Have materials out and ready to start when the bell rings (pencil sharpened, agendas on desk with homework written, and notebooks on desk).
Write down your homework and begin Bell Work immediately.
Actively engage in the learning process
Read a book or work on extension activities when work is completed
Move around the room respectfully
Wait for teacher direction to pack up

Tardy to Class

Students arriving to class after the tardy bell has rung must sign in to the Tardy to Class Log.
After 2 tardies, a parent contact will be made.
After 3 tardies, students will be assigned Lunch Detention.
After 4 tardies, students will be referred to the school counselor.
After 5 tardies, students will be assigned Teacher Detention after school.
After 6 tardies, students will be issued a referral to the administration.

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Per the C3 Framework, students will learn critical thinking skills and demonstrate the ability to:

1) Develop questions and plan inquiries

2) Apply disciplinary concepts and tools

3) Evaluate sources and use evidence

4) Communicate conclusions and take informed action.

They will demonstrate this in various ways:

Writing critical/analytical essays and papers
Creating outlines, time lines, cause and effect charts, and other organizers
Taking objective and subjective quizzes, tests, and exams
Contributing appropriately and thoughtfully during class discussions and respectfully considering all opinions