Byrd Middle School

2017/2018 School Year

English Language Arts & Reading8th Grade

Course Syllabus

TEACHERS / COURSE / EMAIL & WEBPAGE / TELEPHONE
Ms. S. Taylor / Resource English /
/ (972) 708-3400
Mrs. N. Panton / Resource Reading /
/ (972) 708-3478

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Both courses, English and Reading, are designed to increase your child’s communication skills through writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Our primary focus will be on helping your child become a more skilled writer, and a thoughtful and critical reader. Students will experience different writing styles, demonstrate rules of grammar, engage in cooperative learning groups, and learn how to evaluate the text through real world connections.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

First 9 Weeks
Unit 1 – Analyzing Fiction & Drama
Unit 2A – Analyzing Literary Nonfiction & Poetry

Second 9 Weeks
Unit 2B – Analyzing Persuasive Text
Unit 3 – Analyzing Informational Text

Third 9 Weeks
Unit 4A – Creating Connections Across Literary Text
Unit 4B – Creating Connections Across Informational Text
Unit 5A – Creating Connections Across All Genres

Fourth 9 Weeks
Unit 5B – Media Literacy
Unit 6 – Producing Research

TEXTBOOKS:

  • Textbooks will not be assigned to students through ELAR classes (See Administration for textbook)

CLASSROOM SUPPLIES:

ENGLISH COURSE

  • 1 pack of FINE TIP dry erase markers, any color except black (students will need these to use on their dry erase boards)
  • 3-4 pencils (mechanical pencil preferred)
  • 2-boxes of Kleenex (this is needed to use during the entire school year)
  • 1 pack of Notebook paper
  • 1 pack of dividers

READING COURSE

  • 1 – One subject spiral notebook (will remain in the classroom)
  • 1 pack of Notebook paper
  • 2 ink pens (blue or black)
  • Pencils (any kind)

Note: Binders, composition books, highlighters, markers, colored pencils, index cards, and glue sticks were purchased by teachers over the summer. Therefore, your assistance with getting the remaining supplies above will be greatly appreciated.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

  • REFER TO ATTACHED CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN

GRADING POLICY:

  • Formative Assessments

~60% of each nine-weeks grading period

~Includes class discussion, daily work, lesson practice, progress checks, learning activities, etc.

  • Summative Assessments

~40% of each nine-weeks grading period

~Includesfinal drafts, projects, exams, district and campus assessments, presentations, etc.

~Tutorial attendance is required in order to make up any assignment/assessment. Student must attend tutorials, and make up assignment within one week of receiving the grade.

ABSENT WORK:

  • Students will have one day for each day they are absent to complete missing work.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to obtain work missed.

LATE WORK:

  • Assignments turned in ONE day after due date will receive a maximum grade of 70.
  • Assignments turned in TWO days after due date will receive a maximum grade of 60.
  • Assignments turned in THREE or more days after the due date will received a maximum grade of 50.
  • After one week from the due date, late assignments will not be accepted.

HOMEWORK:

  • Students will be expected to engage weekly in independent reading outside of class.
  • Assignments not completed in class will be sent home with students to complete and returned the following class period.

EXTRA CREDIT:

  • Extra credit will be given for the following items: Kleenex, hand sanitizer, post-it notes, loose leaf paper, and glue sticks.
  • If your child brings extra credit items, please make sure their name and class period is written on the items.

TARDY POLICY:

  • If a student is not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings, they will not be permitted to enter class without a tardy slip obtained from the Tardy Station.
  • The campus tardy policy and consequences will be strictly enforced.

ID POLICY:

  • Students are required to wear an ID badge at all times.
  • If a student does not have an ID badge, they may obtain a temporary badge from the office.
  • Students will not be permitted to enter class without a permanent or temporary ID badge.

**Pleasereturnthis section to teacher by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016**

______

PRINT student’s nameDate

______

PRINT parent’s nameEmail Address

______

Parent SignatureTelephone Number

NOTE: Students will receive 50 points for returning this form.