Embedded Files
DAKOTA MEADOWS MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH 8 COURSE OUTLINE
OVERALL GOALS:
To provide students with numerous positive writing experiences.
To expose students to a variety of literature.
To provide opportunities to learn independence and critical thinking.
WRITING (COMPOSITION) GOALS:
To understand and use a writing process which includes pre-writing, a rough draft, revisions, and a final copy.
To write in different forms: poetry, research paper, essay and more.
To review parts of speech, punctuation and spelling (focus on prepositions and pronouns)
READING (LITERATURE) GOALS:
To read, discuss, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate class novels, short stories, poetry, non-fiction and drama.
To demonstrate an understanding of plot, setting, conflict, characterization, and more, within the short story, novel, poem or drama.
To read for enjoyment in and outside of class.
FOUR UNITS OF STUDY:
Family
Self-discovery
Human Rights
Peer Impact
SUPPLIES REQUIRED DAILY:
A folder/binder
Chromebook
Pens/pencils
A quiet reading book
A planning tool
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
Markers/colored pencils
Glue
EXPECTATIONS: Have PRIDE!
Preparedness - Be on time and ready to learn.
Respect - Be considerate of others, their property, and self.
Integrity - Do the “right thing” at all times.
Determination - Believe in yourself.
Excellence - Challenge yourself to do your best.
Special notes on expectations:
Students are expected to show respect to any visitor or classroom adult, especially a substitute teacher.
GRADING: Grading is based on points earned on assessments only.
Meets = M
Partially Meets = P
Developing = D
Insufficient Evidence = IE
EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit MAY be offered as an opportunity to provide depth to what we are studying. However, extra credit will not be offered to simply bring up a student’s grade at the end of the grading period or because the student didn’t do well on an assignment/test.
MAKE-UP OR LATE WORK: Students who have been absent are responsible for getting their homework assignments and turning them in. All weekly assignments will be placed in the daily envelopes on the bulletin board along with a brief explanation on the calendar as well as on my website. The turn in box for late or make-up work is on my counter. As per school policy, you will have 1 day for each day you were absent, plus one day, to complete missed work for full credit. Late work will be subject to a 5% daily penalty. All major assignments must be completed.
CHALLENGE ASSIGNMENTS: All students have the opportunity to be challenged in English 8. With most assignments, different options will be available for students to pick from to have the opportunity to be challenged. Moreover, these opportunities allow for students to learn in different ways or in ways that are more appropriate for his/her ability and style. While challenge assignments replace the standard work, they are not graded differently or given different expectations on work completion or quality. While this option is an available choice to all students, students who are labeled in the cluster of "gifted and talented" are expected to choose this path. Should a student identified as a cluster student not take this path, a personal conversation will be held that may include parents/other adults.
QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS: Please see me if you are having trouble with homework or if you have questions about make-up work. I am available before and after school, 2nd lunch with a prior arrangement, my 4th period prep and 7th period during my study hall supervision.
Report abuse