Each seventh grade student will be exposed to various genres of literature while employing critical reading skills, exploring new vocabulary, analyzing literary elements, and applying comprehension strategies in fiction and nonfiction reading.

GENERAL CLASS REQUIREMENTS

  • COME TO CLASS PREPARED. THIS INCLUDES PENCIL, PEN, AND A FREE READINGBOOK (IRP BOOK) AT ALL TIMES!!
  • ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF BY CONTACTING ME VIA EMAIL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADES. I WILL DO MY BEST TO RESPOND WITHIN 24 HOURS. ()
  • FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE BOARD IMMEDIATELY UPON ENTERING THE ROOM. THIS INCLUDES COPYING HOMEWORK, HANDING IN ALL WORK DUE, AND PARTICIPATING IN PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES.
  • DO HOMEWORK AND NIGHTLY READING. INDEPENDENT READING COUNTS FOR 30% OF THE TOTAL READING GRADE EACH MARKING PERIOD. YOU DO NOT WANT TO FALL BEHIND.
  • HAND IN WORK ON TIME! LATE/INCOMPLETE HOMEWORK IS A ZERO. VOCABULARY HOMEWORK MUST BE LEGIBLE AND COMPLETE TO RECEIVE CREDIT. LATE PROJECTS LOSE 10% PER DAY.
  • TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING UP ANY WORK MISSED BECAUSE OF ABSENCES. ALL MAKE UP WORK MUST BE COMPLETED IN THE TIME ALLOWED PER THE POLICY IN THE ARCOLA STUDENT HANDBOOK. CHECK THE TEAM AND MY WEBSITE FOR ASSIGNMENTS MISSED WHEN ABSENT.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS:

READING CLASS SUPPLIES:

  • A folder or section of your binder dedicated to reading work/assignments
  • 1 subject spiral notebook to store classwork and post-it notes
  • Access to your Google Drive/Classrooms
  • POST-IT Notes to use inside and outside of class
  • Pencils, pens, highlighters
  • Student ID to take out books from the school library (Should be in school every day!)

INDEPENDENT READING PROGRAM (IRP)-Independent reading is a requirement for 7th grade reading class. Each student's independent reading goal is individualized based on the STAR tests that all students take three times a year. Every student will get a point goal that he/she will work to achieve by the end of each marking period. Thirty percent of each student's overall reading grade will be based on the progress toward his/her individualized point goal.There will be set dates each marking period that the book readings and assessments should be completed (see Marking Period Due Dates link.)

  • Each marking period, the students will need to read a minimum of three books and meet their individualized Accelerated Reader point goal to achieve 100% for their IRP grade (the minimum book requirement may be waived if a student is challenging him/herself by reading higher point books.)
  • The books will be self-selected, but it is the responsibility of the student to check to ensure the book has an Accelerated Reader reading quiz while also managing his/her reading time and book selection. With a library of over 133,000 quizzes, students should be able to find books that appeal to them. I am available to help students find books during non-instructional time in class or during 8th periods.
  • Students muse read at least one non-fiction book per semesters (2 over the course of the year).

Basic Directions for IRP Implementation:

Students will….

  1. Check to ensure your book is part of the Accelerated Reader Program.
  2. Check the ATOS Book Level of your chosen book to make sure it is in your ZPD (from latest STAR test) as well as the number of AR points; see teacher with questions.
  3. Record your chosen book in your book log which is kept in your class binder in the reading classroom. Have your teacher initial your book choice.
  4. It is your responsibility to manage your AR book points to achieve your personalized IRP goal- keeping your book log up to date will help you stay on track.
  5. Read a minimum of 3 books each marking period.
  6. Complete the reading of your independent reading books and achieve a passing score on the appropriate AR quiz by the three pre-determined dates each marking period.

IMPORTANT NOTE: AR QUIZZES ARE ONLY TO BE TAKEN WITH MRS. LEO! PLAN ACCORDINGLY!

If you have taken an AR quiz and earned a grade of 65% or lower, you may schedule a book talk or summary with Mrs. Leo. This is your responsibility and should happen within 24 hours of your book quiz; if a book talk is not scheduled within 24 hours, the book will NOT be calculated into your Independent Reading score for that marking period.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS: Students will be assessed in class on the comprehension of various materials as well as application of reading and comprehension strategies. In addition, students will be required to respond to their in class and nightly readings in a variety of ways. Some reading response methods used this year will include: post-it noting, journaling responses to prompts, in class discussions (whole and small group), essay writing, digital posting/discussions, and reading response notebooks. This is an essential part of reading class and will be expected daily.

VOCABULARY- There are 15 vocabulary units that will be studied by the seventh graders this year. We will be spending about one week on each unit. This program can be challenging and will require the students to utilize good study habits and thoughtful homework completion (not just randomly filling in blanks to get done.It is highly recommended that students study vocabulary for a short time each night and take advantage of Quizlet as an additional study resource. An orange soft-bound Vocabulary Workshop book will be provided for each student to keep and write in. If the book is lost, the cost to replace the book will be $10.00.

GRADE BREAKDOWN/REPORTING

30% - INDEPENENT READING PROGRAM (IRP)

30% - IN-CLASS ASSESSMENTS (INCLUDING VOCABULARY)

25% - WRITING/RESPONSE TO READING

15% - HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK

Student assessments will not be sent home to be signed by parents. The papers will be kept in each student’s portfolio in the classroom with grades posted on the Parent Portal for parent viewing. At any time during the school year, parents may contact me to come in to view their student’s portfolio. If parents have specific questions on an assessment, they may contact me and I will send that particular assessment home for parent viewing. This policy is to minimize the “lost paper” problem as all graded assignments are necessary in the creation of an overall picture for each child’s level of literacy for 8th grade placement.

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Please sign and return by: September 9, 2015 (keep top portion in student binder/folder)

By signing below, I acknowledge that my child and I have read, discussed, and understand the expectations, homework policy, and assessment procedures of this reading class as well as received access information for Renaissance Learning.

Student’s Printed Name:______

Period:______

Parent Signature:______