Syllabus

Course Description:

This ELA course builds on what students have learned in their previous English courses and integrates reading, writing, and language skills. Students build their grammatical and vocabulary base while writing in various manners and styles. Students will learn the importance of evidence-based writing and will develop research strategies to support their writing as they continue to familiarize themselves with the writing process.

Course Expectations:

Students in this class are expected to develop critical reading writing skills, to keep up with all assignments, and to begin the process of evidence-based writing, critical to developing research papers and assignments both for this course and for future courses. Students are expected to come to class prepared and to complete assignments on time.

Curriculum:

Engage New York; ReadWorks; Other supplemental materials as needed

Grading Plan:

Grades are based on system of weighted grades that is standard at Kellar Middle School. Grades are assigned in the categories of Homework, Participation, Tests, Quizzes, and Classwork. Below includes examples of each.

• There will not be nightly homework, but homework will be given when necessary to supplement what was learned in class or to continue a long-term assignment.

• Daily class work. This includes the weekly journal entries and any practice worksheets we do together or individually.

• Vocabulary/Root Quizzes

• Grammar, punctuation, and structure practice using the IXL program

• Most units will be comprised of performance tasks that you must complete, including a narrative poem, a Reader’s Theatre Montage, and a research paper.

• Each student will participate in several individual/small group activities/presentations.

Grade Scale:

A: 90-100

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: 59 or Below

Course Policies:

Student Work: Students will be expected to complete assignments when they are due. Work may be turned in late, but at a potentially reduced score. All students are expected to read class material, think critically and write effectively. Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar and correct spelling in every written performance. Perfection is not expected, but strong effort is.

Group Activities: In an in-person setting, you will be working in groups on a regular basis. Your group will be given cooperative learning activities to complete (in the virtual setting, this may still occur, but with less frequency). You will be expected to be an active member of your group and participation points will be assessed accordingly. You will always be graded as an individual; however, your group may earn points together that will lead to a reward.

Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time. Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework, not work used to cover up missing work.

Absences: If you are absent, it is on you to get your work from the Make-Up section of the counter.

Class Rules: Follow the 5 P’s

· Prompt: Be on time, turn in work, get seated quietly, and get started on the journal or vocabulary work. Do not waste my time or your own.

· Prepared: Bring everything you need every day. Enter the class ready to learn

· Productive: Stay on task, follow directions, stay seated unless given permission to get up

· Polite: Treat people well. No cursing, disrespect, or rudeness. Respect your stuff, my stuff, and your classmates’ stuff. No gum (ever). No food (unless Reward Day).

· Patient: Remember there is only one of me and nearly 20 of you. Be respectful and patient and do not interrupt whoever is speaking.

Class Materials:

All students will need the following daily (any other supplies will be used as needed):

Chromebook

Supplemental reading materials

Philosophy of Education

My philosophy of education is that it should be the primary objective of all educators to put their students in a position to succeed. I believe management should be proactive rather than reactive. I believe in the importance of modeling. It is irresponsible to assume students will know what is expected of them if we have not adequately explained, discussed, and modeled these expectations. I believe students learn best in a calm atmosphere in which they feel confident and empowered to be their best selves. In my classroom, students are appreciated for their differences and the unique attributes each of them brings into the classroom on a daily basis.

I am not a teacher who gives hours of homework each night. This is for two reasons. First, we have long class periods comparative to many schools. If I cannot get my point across in 80-90 minutes, then there is some serious reflection that I must be doing. Second, our students are in that stage of their lives when they are truly beginning to learn who they are and where they want to go in their lives. Personally, I would prefer that my students have the opportunity to take the time to explore and grow within themselves and to gain a deeper understanding of their own feelings, needs, and desires for the future. That growth comes through living. When I do give homework, it is a necessary extension of what we have been doing in the classroom.

I believe all students can succeed, but as I explained in the first line of this section, I believe it is essential that we as educators actively work to put our students in a position to succeed. Thank you for entrusting me with the great responsibility of preparing your student for success not only in my classroom but beyond the walls of Kellar.