Language Arts

Course Objectives

• Develop reading and writing skills across different genres.

• Enhance discussion and collaboration skills.

• Foster a love of reading and writing through self-selected texts.

• Build foundational skills for future academic success.

Grading Policy

• Major Assessments: 50%

  • unit writing pieces

  • quizzes

  • projects

• Minor Assessments: 45%

  • homework

  • classwork

  • comprehension checks

  • checks for understanding

• Benchmark Assessments: 5%

Reassessment Policy
Beck’s reassessment policy is designed to promote a growth mindset. We want all students to learn and understand the concepts presented in class. If you work hard, you will be successful. You may reassess all major assessments (below a grade of 70), excluding district assessments.

Homework & Late Work Policy

*The purpose of homework is to review, practice, and refine the skills students learn in school.

• If you are absent due to an emergency or illness, you have one day to make up the work for each day absent.  *Check Google Classroom and the homework doc for assignments.  If you're absent on the day of an assessment, you will complete the assessment the day you return.

• If you know you will be absent when an assignment is due, please see me to clarify the due date.

• Small assignments can be turned in for late credit (50%).  

• Large assignments are penalized 10% a day until a maximum penalty of 50%.

• Check Genesis to see if an assignment is missing or incomplete.  If an assignment is blank in Genesis, the assignment has not been graded yet.

Course Units

• Unit 1: Reading literature; writing narrative

• Unit 2: Reading literature & information; writing literary analysis

• Unit 3: Reading information; writing argument

• Unit 4: Reading literature & information; writing narrative & argument

Required Texts

• Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

• Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan

• Omnivore’s Dilemma – Young Readers Edition by Michael Pollan

Classroom Procedures for Students

• Enter the classroom quietly.  Record your homework in your planner.  Complete the warm-up activity.  

• If you have a question about our class (homework, classwork, etc.), email me or post a private comment on the assignment in Google Classroom.  

• You'll need to bring your ELA supplies to class daily.

• If you forget your notebook, take notes on lined paper, and then transfer the notes to your notebook at home.

• Use Genesis to check your grades. 

one notebook, folder, highlighters, pens, pencils, and sticky notes.  

*Students must always have an independent reading novel and their homework planner.