Teacher Name: Dina Davis 

Email: didavis@greenville.k12.sc.us 

Phone: (864) 355-1400

Location: Room 109

Office Hours: 12:30-1:00 PM 

ESOL 2023-2024

A, Course Description (Descripción de la Clase) 

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. 

El Nivel A de ESOL está diseñado para ayudar a los estudiantes a mejorar su comprensión de lectura de textos variados que se acercan al nivel de grado y desarrollar la fluidez y la calidad de la escritura. Hay un gran enfoque dentro de cada unidad en las habilidades de lectura, habilidades gramaticales complejas y función del lenguaje. 

B. Learning Goals for the Year (Metas de aprendizaje para el año) 

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 

De acuerdo con los Estándares WIDA ELD, los estudiantes podrán: 

● Discutir de manera persuasiva en el habla y la escritura. 

● Reconocer y utilizar vocabulario académico. 

● Utilice estrategias de toma de notas, lectura y estudio para tener éxito en todas las clases.

● Escribe para una variedad de propósitos y audiencias 

● Usar formas y vocabulario correctos para una variedad de situaciones de conversación. ● Reconocer y utilizar expresiones idiomáticas y estructuras de texto. 

● Utilice el pensamiento crítico en aplicaciones del mundo real 

C. Course Outline 

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 

D. Material 

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. 

Usaremos la colección National Geographic Inside Level A. Esto incluye un libro de texto de lectura e idiomas para estudiantes, un libro de texto de escritura para estudiantes, un libro de práctica, ejercicios para escritores, contenido electrónico, biblioteca nivelada y biblioteca de contenido. 

E. Course Standards:

Standard 1 

Language for Social and Instructional Purposes 

English language learners communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.

Standard 2 

Language for Language Arts 

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of language arts. 

Standard 3 

Language for Mathematics

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of mathematics.

Standard 4 

Language for Science 

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of science. 

Standard 5 

Language for Social Studies 

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of social studies. 

Grading Scale 

90-100: A 

80-89:B 

70-79: C 

60-69:D 

50-59: F 

NHI-Not Handed In 

GFA-Grading Floor Applied 

https://wida.wisc.edu/teach/standards/eld 

All assignments will fall into one of two categories: 

■ 50% - Major Grades (Unit Tests and Summative Writing Projects) 

■ 50% - Minor Grades (Classwork, Quizzes, Oral Reading Fluency, Homework) 

G. Our School Wide Learning Outcomes are the grading categories for assignments at Tanglewood Middle School: 

- Knowledge and Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to reason, problem solve, develop sound arguments or decisions, and create new ideas by applying the knowledge and skills of a discipline.

- Written Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and thinking through writing. 

- Oral Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and thinking orally. 

- Collaboration: Students will demonstrate the ability to be a productive member of diverse teams through strong interpersonal communication, a commitment to shared success, leadership, and initiative. 

H. Class Norms: 

1. Be fully present 

2. Be mindful of communication 

3. Foster a safe environment 

4. Collaborate and work with a growth mindset toward our mission and goal 

I. Classroom Expectations: 

● Give me your best effort. Dame tu mejor esfuerzo. 

● Do not use your phones in class. No use sus teléfonos en clase. 

● Respect your classmates. Respeta a tus compañeros. 

● You will make mistakes. Learning another language is difficult. Give it time. Cometerás errores. Aprender otro idioma es difícil. Dale tiempo 

● 

If expectations are not met: Si no se cumplen las expectativas: 

● 1st Offense: Intervention with Teacher. 1st Delito Habla con la maestra 

● 2nd Offense: Intervention with Teacher . 2nd Delito Habla con la maestra ● 3rd Offense: Student makes phone call home (must be documented in backpack) 3rd Delito Hablan con los padres en el teléfono 

● 4th Offense: Referral in IMS to administrator 4th Delito Remisión disciplinaria al administrador) 

J. Tardy Policy: 

● 1st Tardy - Conversation with appropriate staff member Primera tardanza: conversación con el miembro del personal correspondiente 

● 2nd Tardy - Conversation with appropriate staff member-2da tardanza: conversación con el miembro apropiado del personal 

● 3rd Tardy - Student makes a phone call home to their parent/guardian--el estudiante llama a casa a su padre 

● 4th Tardy and all subsequent tardies - Student calls home to their parent/guardian and they are assigned detention-el estudiante llama a casa a su padre / tutor y se le asigna detención

● Detention will be held from 3:50 - 4:30 in Room 101 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week. La detención se llevará a cabo de 3:50 a 4:30 en el salón 101 los lunes, martes, jueves y viernes de cada semana. 

*Tardies are cumulative and not by period.* Las tardanzas son acumulativas y no por período.