Level A Course Syllabus
2021 - 2022 Syllabus
Berea High School
ESOL Level A
Contact Information
Teacher: Krista AnsteadE-mail: kanstead@greenvilleschools.usPhone Number: (864) 355-2696Location: Room #243Plan Time/Office Hours: Block 2 (10:20 - 11:50)
Course Description
ESOL Level A is designed to help students improve their reading comprehension of varied approaching grade level texts and develop writing fluency and quality. There is a heavy focus within each unit on reading skills, complex grammar skills, and language function.
Course Goal and Outcomes
According to the WIDA ELD Standards, students will be able to:
Argue persuasively in speech and writing
Recognize and use academic vocabulary
Use note-taking, reading, and study strategies to succeed in all classes
Write for a variety of purposes and audiences
Use correct forms and vocabulary for a variety of speaking situations
Recognize and use idiomatic expressions and text structures
Use critical thinking in real-world applications
Couse Outline, Pacing, and Sequence
The Course Outline is subject to change based on the language proficiency and the language progression of the class as a whole. The standard pacing for each unit is 15 days.
First Quarter
Unit 1: Finding Your Own Place
Functions of Language: Express Ideas/Feelings, Ask/Answer Questions, Give Commands
Vocabulary Strategy: Using Context Clues
Reading: Introduction to Reading Strategies
Grammar: Statements, Questions, Commands
Writing: Paragraph Structure
Unit 2: Water for Life
Functions of Language: Express Wants/Needs, Give Information, Elaborate
Vocabulary Strategy: Relate Words
Reading: Analyze Plot, Main Idea, and Details
Grammar: Complete Sentences, Subject-Verb-Agreement
Writing: Sequence Paragraphs, Explanatory Paragraphs
Second Quarter
Unit 3: Natural Forces
Functions of Language: Engage in Conversation, Ask/Answer Questions, Give Advice
Vocabulary Strategy: Word Parts (Compound Words, Root Words, Suffixes)
Reading: Cause and Effect, Analyze Author & Character Viewpoints
Grammar: Subject Pronouns, Helping Verbs
Writing: Friendly Letter, Personal Narrative
Unit 4: Creepy Classics
Functions of Language: Describe People & Places, Make Comparisons, Describe Events & Experiences
Vocabulary Strategy: Word Parts (Root Words, Prefixes, Greek & Latin Roots)
Reading: Analyze Character Development, Media, and Plot
Grammar: Adjectives, Adverbs, Participles
Writing: Short Story
Third Quarter
Unit 5: The Drive to Discover
Functions of Language: Ask/Give Information, Engage in Discussion, Define & Explain
Vocabulary Strategy: Word Parts (Prefixes, Suffixes)
Reading: Determine Main Idea, Details, and Theme
Grammar: Present & Past Tense Verbs
Writing: Information Report
Unit 6: Struggle for Freedom
Functions of Language: Summarize, Make Comparisons, Express Opinions
Vocabulary Strategy: Using Context Clues (Definition, Synonym, Antonym)
Reading: Cause and Effect
Grammar: Subject/Predicate Nouns & Pronouns, Reflexive & Intensive Pronouns
Writing: Summary Paragraph, Cause-and-Effect Essay
Fourth Quarter
Unit 7: Star Power
Functions of Language: Describe, Define & Explain, Persuade
Vocabulary Strategy: Using Context Clues (Multiple-Meaning, Jargon)
Reading: Analyze Character Viewpoints, Author's Purpose, Arguments, and Evidence
Grammar: Possessive Nouns, Possessive Adjectives, Prepositional Phrases
Writing: Speech, Persuasive Business Letter
Unit 8: Art and Soul
Functions of Language: Use Appropriate Language, Retell a Story
Vocabulary Strategy: Figurative Language (Metaphors, Idioms, Similes)
Reading: Analyze New Media, Author's Purpose, Tone, and Plot
Grammar: Complete Sentences, Compound & Complex Sentences
Writing: Editorial, Literary Resource
Materials & Resources
Text We will use the National Geographic Inside Level A collection. This includes a student reading and language textbook, student writing textbook, practice book, writer's workout, e-content, leveled library, and content library.
Grading Policy
Under the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale, high school students receive a numerical grade for each subject based on the following scale.
A 90 – 100 B 80 – 89 C 70 – 79 D 60 –69 F 59 or below (no credit)
All assignments will fall into one of two categories:
60% - Major Grades (Unit Tests and Summative Writing Projects)
40% - Minor Grades (Selection Tests, Oral Reading Fluency, Classwork)
Late Work policy
Any assignment that is considered late will receive a 10% grade deduction. Students have until the summative assessment for that assignment to complete any late assignments. After the summative assignment, late work will no longer be accepted. All unfinished classwork will be sent home to complete for full credit upon submission the following day.
Missed work/make-up policy
Students will have until Friday (or Tuesday if the absence occurs on a Friday) to submit any missed assignments due to an absence.
Classroom rules and expectations
1. Be on time & ready to learn
2. Be respectful
3. Be responsible
4. Be honest
5. Follow all school-wide rules and expectations
Negative Consequences The severity of a behavior may result in an immediate parent contact or office referral.
1. Warning
2. Student-Teacher Conference
3. Reflective Lunch Time
4. Parent Contact
5. Office Referral
Positive Consequences Students may also receive positive consequences for exceptional behavior. Some examples are preferential seating, lunch with friends and the teacher, parent contact, and free tech time.
Non-Instructional Procedures
Entering the Room Quietly enter the room, prepare your workspace to be ready to learn when the bell rings, and read the daily schedule and bell ringer description on the board.
Bathroom Passes Only one student may leave the class at a time to use the bathroom. If you need to use the bathroom, raise your hand and show the "bathroom" ASL sign, and I will give you a bathroom pass to complete. Write your name, the date, and the time on the pass, and carry it with you to the bathroom. Throw the pass into the trash upon your return into the classroom.
Exiting the Room I determine the end of class, not the clock. If the learning objectives have been met for the day, instruction will end five minutes before the bell rings. All materials may be packed away at hat time in anticipation to go to your next class. Raise your hand when you are ready, and I will give you a Lysol wipe to clean off your desk and chair for the next student. Upon completion, DO NOT touch your work area. Walk to the front of the class, and stand in line at the door until the bell rings.