James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus

La Porte Independent School District Course Syllabus 2016-2017

Each secondary teacher in the La Porte Independent School District furnishes a course syllabus to students and parents during the first week of a course. This document contains general information about the course in which the student is registered and specific information from the teacher regarding the section in which the student is enrolled.

Course Title:6th Grade English Language Arts

Teacher Name: Rhonda Pena

Teacher Conference Time: 12:15-1:32

School/Teacher Phone Number: 281-604-6862

Contact Information:

*Please see teacher webpage for lessons via La Porte ISD webpage.Year at a Glance

Unit 1: Exploring Nonfiction and Poetry Unit 4A: Exploring Persuasive Text and Media

Students will write poems, literary responses, Unit 4B: Generating Connections – Literary Text

and a personal narrative. Students will write literary responses and persuasive

essays.

Unit 2: Exploring Fiction and Drama Unit 5A: Generating Connections – Informational Text

Students will write literary responses Unit 5B: Generating Connections – All Genres

and an imaginary story. Students will write an expository multi-paragraph essay

and choose a topic and genre to take through the writing

process.

Unit 3: Exploring Informational Text Unit 6: Exploring Through Research

Students will write literary responses, Students will follow the Big6 Research Plan to produce a

informal letters, and an expository multi-media presentation.

multi-paragraph essay.

Daily Class Supplies

  • 2 composition books and RED folder with pockets and brads
  • Pencils
  • Flash drive
  • Earbuds
  • Completed homework
  • Self-selected reading book (We will go to the library as a class once every two weeks. Students must have a book in class every day for independent reading activities.)

General Methods of Assessment and Grade Calculation:

  • 40% Major Assignments: Tests, Projects, and Process Papers
  • 55% Daily Assignments: Class Activities
  • 5% Homework: Literacy Activities

Independent Reading Program

Students will read at least 20 minutes at home nightly. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a parent or guardian's signature in their planner confirming the nightly reading. Students will receive a weekly homework completion grade based on the signatures.

Students will be required to read, at a minimum, 2 just right novels per six weeks. Students will complete a journaling activity to demonstrate completion and comprehension of the text.

District Late Work Policy:

  • 1 Day Late = 80 % of grade earned
  • 2 Days Late = 60% of grade earned
  • 3 Days Late = 0% No credit given but student remains accountable for the information.

Make-Up Work:

It is the student’s responsibility to pick up all assignments, materials, and information given while absent. If a student knows he/she will be absent, please let me know BEFORE the absence, and I will attempt to provide the assignment beforehand. Work is due on the day of return if the assignment was given before the absence.

Average Amount of Homework:

English Language Arts homework will consist of the following weekly activities:

  • Nightly reading with journaling activity
  • Wednesday comprehension worksheet
  • At the teacher's discretion, classwork that was not completed in class.
  • Occasionally, students will need to continue their writing assignments at home.

Assigned Reading/Literary Works not contained in course textbook:

Students will read from a variety of genres provided by the teacher.

For all state approved courses, the State of Texas has developed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the guidelines under which La Porte ISD must develop the objectives for the course. These TEKS are cross-referenced to the LPISD curriculum objectives. In addition, LPISD objectives are also cross-referenced to the STAAR objectives.

The complete TEKS document, which was approved by the Texas State Board of Education, may be found on the internet at and is accessible to teachers, parents, and students.

Syllabus Verification and Contact Information

Please complete and date this page to indicate that you have read and understood the policies explained in the course syllabus. Please return this page with your child tomorrow.

6th Grade English Language Arts

Student’s Name ______

Student’s Signature ______

Parent’s Name(s) ______

Parent’s Signature ______

Parent Email address ______

Work number ______

Home phone ______

Cell phone ______

Date ______

Please note that I will be setting up an email grouping for each class. If you have more than one email address that should be included in the group contact, please use the space below to add the contact’s name, relationship to the student, and the additional email address.

Please include any other pertinent information below or on the back of this page.

Sincerely,