::Reading Improvement Course Syllabus::
Ms. Galloway
2005-2006
Course Description
Reading Improvement is a course designed for those with who need a little extra practice in the realm of reading and writing. This course will involve a variety of projects and assignments that will help each student develop a sense of ownership in whatever text is picked up or whatever words are written down. Above all, Reading Improvement is a course designed to push you as a reader and writer. Students will explore a variety of genres, critique each other's work, and supplement the writing with plenty of outside reading. In addition to critical reading skills, students will be writing personal narratives, poetry, analytical papers, and the like. The course will also be infused with vocabulary study to aid in reading fluency. A more detailed calendar will be provided every couple of weeks.
Some Things you Should Know about my Stance on Reading
1) Reading is not simply moving your eyes from left to right. There are strategies that good readers use.
2) To be good at anything, one must practice. Same is true with reading
3) Good readers have good vocabularies
4) In order to be a good reader, one must read books that are above or higher than his or her reading level
Some Things you should know about my stance on Writing
1) Creation is born from tension. You will be put in tense situations.
2) One must not forget the reader. We write so others can read.
3) In order to be a good writer, one must read a good amount.
4) Writing is a practice. A writer must have a writing schedule.
Grading Scale
Grading is based on Total Points. Each assignment is given a value. The number of points earned is divided by the number of points possible (total points) thus equating a grade. It averages to the following scale:
60%- Daily Grades: a) Classwork
b) Homework
c) Portfolio checks
d) Participation
40%- Tests: a) Final writing portfolio assessments
b) Writing assignments
c) Literature tests
d) Projects
e) Quizzes
Classroom Etiquette and Procedures - Basic Rules
1) Be prepared and on time.
2) Respect yourself, others, and their property
3) Participate
Galloway’s Pet Peeves
It would be wise to:
Steer clear of grooming yourself or others in class.
Steer clear of consuming beverages or food items, except water, in class
Steer clear of talking while the teacher or a fellow student is talking.
Clean up after yourself.
Arrival
Upon arrival, please begin working quietly on the warm-up or reading assignment on the board. This is also a good time to copy down any homework due the next class period. You may NOT use this time to use your Dells or talk with your friends. Students arriving late should enter quietly, hand the excuse to the teacher, and be seated without creating any distractions.
Attendance and Make Up Work
Success in any class depends on good attendance. The student has the responsibility for obtaining make- up work. If there is a question about the make-up work please ask Ms. Galloway before or after class, at lunch, during break, or any other time when the class will not be interrupted as a result. Work missed due to an unexcused absence will result in a zero (I must see an excuse or check-in to mark you excused).
Tests that are announced prior to a student absence must be made up the following day unless arrangements have been made with Ms. Galloway. Grade is dropped one letter for each day an assignment or test is late.
No late homework is accepted.
The make-up procedure is as follows:
1. When you return to class pick up your make-up work that has your name on it from your period’s make up work folder (which will located on the cart, either in a portfolio or crate).
2. Get any notes that you missed from a classmate or the class notebook.
3. When you have completed the make-up work return it to the "completed make-up work” folder.
4. For missed tests or quizzes talk to Ms. Galloway at an appropriate time and sign up for a time slot.
Tardies and Seating
Be in your assigneed seat on the first bell. Students have assigned seats and are expected to be in their seats unless given permission to do otherwise. I may change the seating arrangement periodically.
Class Dismissal
Ms. Galloway will dismiss the class, not the bell. For every second I have to wait to get started (or give instuction), you will wait to leave after the last bell. Be in your seats when it rings so that you may be dismissed promptly.
Teacher Consultation
If you have a problem, question, or just the desire to talk, make an appointment to see me before school, during break, after school, at lunch, or during your study hall. You may also send me an email (as I am “floating” and may be hard to find). My email is . I will be happy to discuss your grades or other issues during these times, rather than during class. Occasionally, you can catch me in the hall, but if I can't talk I will let you know; please set up an appointment.
Parent/Guardian Contact
I believe that motivation from home can affect how well you do in school so I will be in contact with all your parents at some point in the year. Please, let's make this a good call not a bad one.
Disciplinary Measures
I try to take care of all discipline issues without office intervention. I will, however, not hesitate to contact the office if I need to. Please consult the behavioral procedure for further details. And please be the wonderful people I know you are.
Classwork and Procedures
1. Work must be turned in when it is due. Please do not ask permission to retrieve work from lockers, classrooms, cars, UFO's, etc. Go to your lockers and the restroom before class.
2. All written work will meet the following requirements:
1. Use loose leaf paper only. Please tear off spiral rough edges.
2. Write in blue or black ink, or pencil (typing is greatly appreciated).
3. Be legible. I can't help you if I can't read what you wrote.
3. Paper should be organized in the following manner:
1. The assignment heading should be on the first page of all your work. It should be at the top of the page and it looks like this:
2. Please staple any assignment that exceeds one page in length.
4. All handouts, notes, classwork, homework, tests, quizzes, etc. are to be kept in your notebook. Keep your notebook organized, neat, and updated. I will check them peiodically for a grade.
Journals
In this course, we will be keeping writing journals. Everyday there will be a journal prompt or activity to be completed at the beginning of class. The work should be done on loose leaf paper and will most likely be kept in your “Journal” section. Things to keep in mind about your journals:
Ø Write the journal prompt at the top of the page, as well as the date, your name, and your block
Ø Write in complete sentences (unless told otherwise)
Ø Keep your journals organized, as part of the grading rubric includes neatness.
Ø A minimum of 3 journal entries must be read during the course of the 9 weeks. This number will increase as the year goes on.
Writing Workshop
Writing Assignments are periodically given to the class. Each of these assignments will eventually be kept in the Writing Workshop Folder (listed under materials as “folder with pockets”). Each day we workshop, students will be required to bring in the appropriate number of copies of their draft. If it is the first draft of any assignment 5 copies are needed. The second draft only requires 1. Students need to come to class with these copies already in hand. The process of how WW operates will be explained in further detail in class.
Materials Needed for Class
q 1” or larger binder
q A pack of Post-It (or generic sticky notes) (3 pack minimum)
q 100 4x6 index cards
q Folder with pockets (or pocket portfolio)
q Dividers (at least 5)
q Loose Leaf Paper
q Pencils and pens
Anything That Pops into My Head
Add that here:
Course Outline
Note that this syllabus is subject to change depending on interruptions in the school schedule and other extenuating circumstances. I will inform you of any changes.
The primary textbooks are:
Reader’s Handbook. Burke, Kelmp, Schwartz. Wilmington: Great Source Education Group, Inc. 2002.
Power Up. Farr, Haydel, Munroe. Austin: Steck-Vaughn Company. 2003.
Note that this syllabus mainly outlines the major reading that we will be doing. We will also study poetry, speeches, periodicals, and reference books throughout the year. Grammar will be taught throughout the year in mini-lessons and through writing exercises. Vocabulary study will also occur throughout the course of the year.
In addition to assigned in-class reading and homework reading, we will do Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) in class every day—you’ll learn more about this soon.
Also note that we will be focusing on the theme of Change throughout the year. Our study will occur mainly through reading, writing, and discussion.
Reading Focuses by Quarter
Quarter 1: September 6 – November 7
I. Intensive Reading Skills Survey: A variety of literature will be studied
II. Critical Reading Skills
III. Writing Workshop
IV. Vocabulary Study
Quarter 2: November 10 -January 27
V. Study Skills
VI. Writing Workshop
VII. Monster – a look at the world around us through the eyes of a “monster”
Conclusion:
I look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the year. It is going to be a great one, so get focused and ready to learn.
I am always here for you and I expect you to take the initiative to approach me with questions, concerns or comments. If you need to reach me outside of school use the following means:
Work: 228-2700
Home (Before 9:00 PM Please): 355-3556
email (at school):
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