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Literacy Skills

Read 180

Major Units of Study Outlined: Units are subject to change.

Units Projects and Major Assessments

Getting Started Independent reading quizzes, writing my own story assignment. MAP Testing

Unit 1 At First Sight Independent reading quizzes, informative Essay, Argumentative Project

Unit 2 Who Am I? Independent reading quizzes, narrative essay

Unit 3 It’s Your Right Independent reading quizzes, persuasive essay

Unit 4 D-Day Independent reading quizzes, informative Essay, Argument Essay t Interim Testing

Unit 5 To Mars Independent reading quizzes, informative Essay, Argumentative Project

and Beyond

Unit 6 Money Matters Independent reading quizzes, informative Essay, Argumentative Project

End of Course MAP Testing

Walker Lesson Plans Literacy Skill Building (Fall 2023)

Course Syllabus – Literacy Skill Building

Hillcrest High School 2025-26

Teacher: Shenya S. Smith

Contact information:

Classroom Telephone: 864-355-3536

Email: shensmith@greenville.k12.sc.us (Email is the best way to contact me.)

Course Description: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Read 180 is the curriculum used for this Reading course. The program blends personalized, online learning with teacher-directed and small group instruction to empower learners to close the learning gap. The carefully crafted learning progression in Read 180 improves students’ word analysis, spelling, grammar, comprehension, vocabulary and writing with an emphasis on multisyllabic words and morphology that expands reading skills and builds vocabulary. Both programs are designed to improve students’ reading fluency, comprehension, and increase your writing skills. Read 180 is designed to help you do great in English I and all your classes. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help you succeed! This class helps you get better at reading with easy-to-follow lessons and practice that make reading easier and more fun.

Textbook:

None. Students will access READ 180 texts and all materials on the HMH Read 180 website.

Student Supplies:

Students will need to bring their charged Chromebook to class every day. Most assignments are posted on Google Classroom daily.

Grading Policy: Major grades 60%; Minor grades 40%.

60% Major Grades (Including any tests, formal papers, projects) approximately 3-5 per nine weeks

40% Minor Grades ( includes student app activities, reading quizzes) approximately 12-20 per nine weeks.

SC Grading Scale:

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F 51-59

Literacy Skills Grading Policy

Late work/Make-up Policy:

Most assignments in this course will be completed IN CLASS. Make-up work is the student’s responsibility to complete at home when absent. Students have 5 days to make up missed assignments and to turn in late assignments. Each day the assignment is late, 10 points will be taken off the grade. After 5 days, the missing or late work will not be accepted. Late work is accepted according to the school-wide late work policy.

Attendance and Tardy policy:

School-wide policies apply as listed in the student handbook provided to students and parents.

Classroom Expectations and consequences:

Be on time
Be seated and begin bell work/silent reading when you enter the classroom
Be respectful of all people and property
Be prepared and bring all materials to class
Be positive towards classmates and teachers

Cellphone/Earbud policy:

Students are not allowed to use cellphones or earbuds (headphones/airpods) in class at all. HHS cell phone policy states all phones should be out of sight during the school hours in the class and hall..

Consequences:

Detention and parent contact
Written referral and parent contact (for any cell phone violation after 1st detention)

Communication:

Please contact me at the email address or phone numbers listed above if you have questions or concerns. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to request a parent login to access GCS backpack on which all grades and attendance data for your student may be acquired at your convenience. Instructions on how to set up a Backpack account.

Students can communicate with the teacher in multiple ways: via school district email, Google Classroom private messages, in-person in class, and via phone calls. Teachers will respond to communications from students and parents between the hours of 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday as quickly as possible and within 24 hours.

Instructional Philosophy

The ultimate goal of Literacy Skills is to teach students the skills and strategies needed to become productive, literate members of our society. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing are fundamental tools for learning, success in college and the workplace.

Ms. Smith’s beliefs about teaching and learning are:

We are entering into partnership to ensure that YOU will feel Safe and Free to Learn
We will WORK together to reach a common GOAL
You can improve your knowledge and skills through EFFORT.
You can SUCCEED in this class.
The work we do in this class has VALUE.

Course Goals

Reading

The student will read and comprehend a variety of literary texts in print and non-print formats.
The student will read and comprehend a variety of informational texts in print and non-print formats.
The student will use word analysis and vocabulary strategies to read fluently.

Writing

The student will create written work that has a clear focus, sufficient detail, coherent organization, effective use of voice, and correct use of the conventions of written Standard American English.
The student will write for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Units of Instruction

The Read 180 course allows students to move at their own pace online to improve their reading, writing and language skills while being exposed to high-interest, complex texts with rigorous vocabulary through teacher-directed instruction. The structure of this class is determined by the needs of the students enrolled as identified by periodic assessments. There is work that students must complete individually as well as during whole class and small group lessons. There will also be one on one instruction as needed. In addition to the small group instruction and the online software instruction, each student will be required to read books that have been identified as being on their individual reading ability level. The students will take quizzes after completing their books.