English Language Arts
Deer Valley Middle School
Syllabus 2014-2015
Teacher: Ms. BrittanyWilson E-mail:
Room:602 Voice Mail: (623)445-3345
Prep:2ndPeriod (9:24 am – 10:16 am)Website: dvusd.org/dv-bwilson.org
Course Description
This class utilizes the READ 180 curriculum. Designed to target reading skills below grade level, READ 180 employs topic software, repeated oral reading practice, language development strategies and independent reading, which all work together to allow students to make substantial gains in reading skills. This course is aligned with the Common Core standards.
Course Objectives
Through integrated thematic units of study based on anEssential Question, students will be able to:
--Effectively access and use information from reading (research component with textual evidence and technology)
--Demonstrate effective communication (speaking, writing, technology presentations)
--Use critical thinking and creativity to solve problems (higher level thinking, varying points of view)
--Develop reading comprehension and fluency through the use of Read 180, an online program that targets student needs
Materials/Supplies
Text Book:rBook
Required Supplies:
-loose leaf paper (college ruled)
-pencils/erasers
-highlighters
-pocket folder
-pens (red/black/blue)
Provided Supplies:
-binder with dividers
-spiral notebooks/composition notebooks
PowerSchools
The PowerSchools site allows parents/guardians and students to access the student’s grades, attendance, and other information. Progress reports are available on PowerSchools; please check weekly!Parents/Guardians who do not have a login code for their child can get one at the front office. Photo identification will be required to receive your password.
The web address is:
Grading Policy
Standards-based grading practices will be used to indicate academic performance solely related to the
8th Grade English Language Arts Common Core Standards. The goal of this class is to demonstrate mastery in English Language Arts by scoring a minimum of 70% on weekly assessments of learning.
Student Expectations
PowerSchools must be checked weekly.English Language Arts is a rigorous course. As such, students are expected to work to the best of their ability to complete all assignments for class. All assignments will aide in demonstrating mastery. Students need to be motivated to put forth the effort required in order to completesuch assignments; doing so will allow for students to spend more time engaging in critical and analytical discussions during class.
Make Up Policy
If a student falls below 70% on a weekly assessment, they must do the following:
Step 1: Check scores on PowerSchools weekly to check for grades below 70%
Step 2: Start a make-up contract, attach failed assignment, and turn in to teacher
Step 3: Complete assigned intervention and attach to completed make up contract
Step 4: Retake assessment
Timeframes for steps 1-4 are at teacher’s discretion
Quarterly performance tasks (finals)will be given and are not able to be retaken. Additionally, students are expected to complete daily formative or practice assignments to reinforce skills and concepts learned in class, but will not always be factored into a student’s final grade. There will be no opportunities for extra credit.
Category Percentages
Formative 0% A90-100%
Speaking/Listening10%B80-89%
Writing20%C70-79%
Reading Informational Text 25%D60-69%
Reading Literature25%F50-59%
Language 20% Incomplete49%
Missing 0%
Teacher Tutoring Times or Extra Opportunity
Teachers are available for extensions of learning. Please see teacher for availability.
(Tuesdays and Thursdays: Bus transportation is provided with a 4:15 pick up.)
Communication
Please contact the teacher for any student concerns. It is crucial that teachers, parents, and students maintain open lines of communication. Contact information is provided at the top of this page. Please refer to my website for all information needed for this course.
I look forward to working with you and your child. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Brittany Wilson
I have enclosed a letter for parents to fill out. I would love to know more about your child, and anything you feel I should know is greatly appreciated. I want to be able to support your child. I have also included some lines for your contact information, which will help me make positive contacts with you. Current email addresses are best!!!
Dear,
What I want you to know most about my child’s performance in Language Arts is……
______
My contact information is:
Email ______
(this is the easiest way for me to contact you!)
Parent Name ______
Home Phone ______
Cell Phone ______
Tutoring Permission Slip
As stated earlier, students will need to attend tutoring if they do not show mastery of content, or if they have a grade below 70%. Tutoring will also be an opportunity to extend/remediate learning.
______I will allow my student to attend after school tutoring. My child will get home by…
______riding the bus at 4:15 ______walking ______parent pickup
______I will not allow my student to attend after school tutoring.
Student name______
Parent Signature______
3:15-4:15 Phone#______
Student name______
Parent Signature______
***********Please return this paper by Friday, August 15, 2014.***************