Welcome to my site. Let's have an Awesome, Ram Ready 2026-27 School Year together!
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
Course Syllabus – Literacy Skill Building/Read 180
Hillcrest High School 2026-27
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.)
Schedule: 1st Block English 3 Honors
2nd Block Planning/Duty
3rd Block: English 3 Honors
4th Block: Reading Literacy/Read 180
Office Hours: Mondays 3:55-4:15 pm
Tuesdays 8:00-8:30 am
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:
HMH Read 180
Student Supplies:
Students will need to bring their charged Chromebook to class every day. Most assignments are posted on Google Classroom daily.
Academic Integrity Statement: Plagiarism and AI Use:
Plagiarism is very real. You will have to be extremely conscientious about your work. I can see if you copied and pasted from another classmate . I can easily see if you have copied and pasted from the internet. Please do your best original work. You will receive a zero on the assignment if it is plagiarized in any form .
Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism—the use of another’s words, ideas, or work without proper acknowledgment—is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action according to school policies.
Regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, students must use AI-generated content responsibly. Any work submitted must be the student’s own. Submitting AI-generated work as entirely original without disclosure is considered academic dishonesty.
Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and writing skills. When in doubt, ask your teacher for guidance on appropriate use of sources and technology. Please read GCS Position on Generative AI.
Magic School
This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.
Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
Generative AI
This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.
Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.
Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.
Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.
Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
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
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. Late and Make-up 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.
Major Units of Study Outlined: Units are subject to change.
Unit
Works
Getting Started (August-September)
Independent reading quizzes, writing my own story assignment. MAP Testing
At First Sight Unit 1 September-October)
Independent reading quizzes, informative Essay, Argumentative Project and Unit Test
Interim Testing (October)
Mid year testing
Who Am I Unit 2 (October-November)
Independent reading quizzes, narrative essay Unit Test
It’s Your Right Unit 3 (November-December)
Independent reading quizzes, persuasive essay
Unit Test
Final Exam (December)
MAP testing and Final Exam
Vision Statement:
In this class, you’ll grow as a reader and writer while exploring stories and ideas from all kinds of people. Together, we’ll build respect, honesty, and skills that help you succeed now and in the future.
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