READ 180 Syllabus
7th Grade(2015-2016)
Tapp Middle School 770-222-3758
Patricia Almond, Extension 426, e-mail
Course Description
The Read 180 Course provides a proven instructional model that uses research-based instructional practices to enhance students’ ability to achieve a higher overall reading level and meet common core standards in reading, writing, speaking/listening and vocabulary. The daily course of instruction will allow students to benefit from:
Teacher-directed instruction in whole and small groups
Technology-based instruction on the READ 180 Topic Software
Modeled and independent reading with the Audiobook, Paperback, and eReads libraries
Class Objective
The READ 180 class will link five lifelong guidelines to Tapp’s expectations of Personal Best, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Effort (Tapp P.R.I.D.E.) to stress the importance of being a good citizen and creating a positive learning environment. This will enhance all students’ capacity to read and learn. These principles will serve as the foundation for discussion of all classroom subject matter and behavior management procedures.
Lifelong Guidelines
Trustworthiness - To act in a manner that makes one worthy of trust and confidence
Truthfulness - To be honest about things and feelings with oneself and others
Active Listening - To listen with the intention of understanding what the speaker intends to communicate
No Put-Downs - To never use words, actions, and / or body language that degrade, humiliate, or dishonor others
Personal Best - To do one’s best given the circumstances and available resources
State Standards
The READ180 Next Generation was developed with consideration to the State Standardsand provides systematic instruction to improve achievement levels in these areas. It is the goal of Read 180 for all students to improve reading lexiles by the end of the quarter in which they are enrolled in the program. Because of the diverse individual needs of our students, however, the timeline for meeting standards may need to be adjusted:
Reading
ELAGSE7RL2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text
ELAGSE7RI1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
ELAGSE7RI3: Analyze the interactions between individuals, events and ideas
Writing
ELAGSE7W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic
ELAGSE7W10: Write routinely over extended time frames
Speaking and Listen
ELAGSE7SL1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
ELAGSE7SL4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically
Language
ELAGSE7L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar
ELAGSE7L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words
Standards Based Grading:
An important element in improving our children’s learning is being clear about what students are expected to learn. This grade reporting in the English Language Arts Department will better inform parents of their student’s progress in mastering each of the standards taught in the subject area.
Synergy is available to parents to assess your child’s grade, missing assignments, and can be used to check student progress weekly. Grade print outs will be sent home approximately every 2 weeks to be reviewed by parents/guardians. Every printout must be signed and returned to school the next day.
Students will be able to retake a summative assessment (book quizzes,) if they make below 70. Students will have to complete several remedial activities in order to reassess.
Approximate Grade Percentages
50% - Summative Assignments
40% - Formative Assignments
10% - Homework Assignments
See Cobb County Grade Scale for further information.
Tutoring Schedule:
Tutoring using the READ 180 software is available every Thursday morning from 8:15 to 8:50. Students will be notified on Wednesday if tutoring has to be cancelled.
BYOD
Students may access personal technology at teacher’s discretion if used for educational purposes when BYOD permission form has been completed.
Homework
Research shows that reading increases comprehension, writing, spelling, and vocabulary. Please encourage your students to read at least 20 minutes every evening. All students are required to read at least sixbooks with quizzeseach semester. The books must be within your student's independent reading range.
If a student is absent due to illness he will be allowed the same number of days that he was absent to make up work. This syllabus is a guide and is subject to change to accommodate the class and the individual student needs. I am excited and look forward to working with your student.
Read 180 Blog
To access the Read 180 Blog, go to Tapp’s homepage at and click on the “Faculty & Staff” tab. Scroll down to “Connections” and click on Pat Almond Blog.
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