Come Prepared
Work Cooperatively
Ask Questions
Students should always carry an independent book to class every day, along with a Chromebook or other device. Students should also have a folder, an agenda, post-it notes, and something to write with.
English 8 students are required to read a minimum of 75 pages per week and complete reading responses in class during the week. Class time will be given to work on responses, but the majority of the reading needs to take place at home. If not directly assigned by the teacher, students will choose what to write from a focus sheet attached to the inside cover of the Reader’s Notebook. A copy of that document can be found here: Reading Focus - RNB Questions. While reading, students are encouraged to keep track of information on post-it notes or in their notebooks. This information can then be used to produce the reading responses. Reading work will be checked frequently and feedback given according to the Reading Progression Chart. Not all reading work will receive a grade.
Summative Reading Responses will be completed at the end of each reading assignment. These are an extension of responses already completed during the reading. Students will deepen their thinking about reading and write longer about their reading.
Process and Growth The emphasis is on the process. What is the student learning? How is the student demonstrating that learning? Students will either receive written feedback on the responses or a scored rubric. The feedback will give the student a clear direction for improvement and growth. The goal of the English department is that through conferencing and feedback, students will be able to make improvements and demonstrate growth.
Grading - Total Points
summative reading responses
quizzes
essays/final drafts
Effort and volume of writing, along with completion of work, will be tracked. This will not be graded. However, effort, volume of writing, and work completion are all habits of students who will be learning and growing. Occasionally, assignments will be added to PowerSchool to show progress but not to be included in the final grade.
Student Reflection is an integral part of student growth. This process allows students to gain a better understanding of who they are as learners and become active participants in their own growth. Goal setting takes place multiple times throughout the year.
The Redo/Retake Policy takes the place of any additional extra credit. Some assignments may be redone for credit as long as the assignment has been approved by the teacher first. Assignments turned in late or incomplete may not be eligible for revision.