7th & 8th Grade English Language Arts

Class Syllabus

Course Description:    

-The 7th & 8th grade curricula will continue to build upon the work of the 6th & 7th grade ELA Program and New York State/Common Core English Language Arts Standards. 

-Students will continue to develop and strengthen their reading and writing skills, literary understandings and listening skills; using various grade appropriate texts, workbooks & handouts.

-Students will also have journal writing, read short stories, articles, novels & other various texts, take-notes, participate in class discussions/debates, give oral presentations, complete 8 book reports, and complete weekly vocabulary activities & homework.

-Students will practice English Language Arts State Exam type questions and essays throughout the year.

-Students will work towards mastery of the New York State 7th & 8th  Grade English Language Arts Exam in the Spring. 

Goals That We Will Work To Accomplish This Year:

-To enjoy learning, face challenges with confidence, be proud of every accomplishment, and learn to respect everyone, including yourself.

-To demonstrate communication and critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, organization and presentation by writing in a variety of ways.

-To develop creative approaches to expressing ideas and solving problems.

-To acquire an understanding of the English Language and issues.

-To demonstrate research skills using print and electronic sources by exploring, documenting and publishing conclusions in written and oral presentations utilizing various technologies. 

Code of Conduct:

Every student in my classroom deserves to learn in a happy and safe environment.  I will continually encourage students to pursue the following rules that will foster a respectful climate conducive to learning.

-I will be Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Prepared.

-I will do nothing to prevent the teacher from teaching and anyone, myself included, from participating in all educational endeavors.

-I will cooperate will all members of the school community.

-I will respect others, the environment and myself.

-I will never hurt anyone on the inside or on the outside.

-Breaking the EMS Code of Conduct will result in a lunch detention or a  referral.

Classroom Policy:

-No hats or hoddies worn during class time.

-Class will begin on time.  Repeated lateness will result in a lunch detention. (5pt. reduction on tests during distance learning).

-Come to class prepared.  

-There is no talking during class time unless you are participating in a class discussion or activity.  If you have a question, raise your hand and wait until you are called upon to speak.  DO NOT call out.  

-Your opinion is very important to class discussions and I want to make sure that everyone gets an equal opportunity to speak.

-Seats will be assigned.

-Water, gum and small snacks are permitted

-You may not leave the classroom without permission and a pass (no pass needed during distance learning). 

Supplies Needed: 

1.  A notebook for your journal; can be a hardcover marble notebook or a one subject notebook (This will not leave the classroom) 2.  A notebook only for your English work or a binder (if it is organized)  3. 1 folder  4.  Pens:  black or blue & pencils

Late to Class/Attendance Policy:

-If you are late to class 5 times without a pass, you will be given a lunch detention. (5pt. reduction on tests during distance learning).   After 3 lunch detentions, (5pt. reduction on tests during distance learning). Then, you receive an after school detention. (a conference with a parent and a administration).  

-If you are absent, you are responsible to make up all missed work (notes, homework, tests, etc.)  Make sure you sign up to receive my weekly emails (not needed during distance instruction).

-If you are absent from a test, you must come to me and arrange to make it up.  

-Please remember:  Be aware of all assignments, due dates and tests by looking at the Virtual White Board everyday in our Google Classroom under the Classwork tab. 

* School Rules Apply In Class*

There are NO:  hats, hoods, inappropriate clothing and electronics, including cell phones.

Extra Help:

~I am available to provide extra assistance to those who need it.  Ask me when it is a good time for us to meet or drop me a line. 

WEBSITE  FOR  HOMEWORK  HELP: 

www.refdesk.com/homework.html

Almost any subject you can imagine is covered here!!! 

Grading Policy:

I grade homework, quizzes, tests, worksheets, essays, activities/projects, book reports and journals with accordance to everything being weighted equally out of 100%.  Some assignments will be graded with a rubric that will be converted into a numeric grade, based on 100%.

Quarterly Grades are Composed as Follows:  Tests: 25%  Quizzes: 20%  Homework: 25%  Classwork: 20%  Class Participation: 10%

Readings:

-Novel readings are read in and outside of class.

-You are responsible for reading each assignment prior to class lessons. 

Activities/Projects:

Several activities/projects will be assigned throughout the year.  They will be assigned individually, in partnerships and in groups.

Quizzes:

Most quizzes will be announced in advance.  I will, from time to time, give an unannounced quiz.

Homework:

-Homework is due on the date assigned, in the beginning of class.

-You are expected to complete all homework within the time frame given.

-Half credit or 10pt. deductions will be given for late H.W. assignments.

-The latest a homework assignment can be turned in for any credit is the next day of class.

Class Participation:

-Participation in class discussions, class work and activities are an essential element of this class. 

-Students are expected to come to class prepared with their notebooks, homework, pens and pencils.

Notebooks:

-Notebooks will be checked occasionally throughout each quarter.

New York State Learning Standards as assessed for Middle Level Tests:

-Students will read, write, listen and speak for information & understanding.

-Students will read, write, listen and speak for literary response & expression.

-Students will read, write, listen and speak for critical analysis & evaluation.

-Students will read, write, listen and speak for social interaction.