Houck Middle School (http://houck.salkiez.k12.or.us)
Course Syllabus – 2014 - 2015 / Mrs. Laura Ellsworth
or 503-(503) 399-3446
Course Title: Language Arts 8
Course Description: Eighth Grade Language Arts is a year-long course. The district’s literacy model will be implemented to help all students learn and achieve their academic goals. Throughout the school year, students will master or exceed the Common Core State Standards in reading, literature, language and writing. The 8th grade uses the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop Model. Through this model students will write in a variety of genres and read a variety of text.
Course Content & Objectives: Throughout the year, students will be writing in various genres, with heavy emphasis on literary analysis and argumentative writing. In each of these genres students will practice the writing process – brainstorm/prewrite, draft, revise, edit, and publish. They will also utilize comprehension, summarizing, and note-taking strategies in Cornell Note format. Students will master reading and literature standards by reading a wide variety of text including self-selected novels, short stories, nonfiction, informational text, and culturally significant literature. Additionally, students will practice a variety of comprehension strategies, do word study, identify short story elements, and analyze claims.
Class Policies:
·  Classroom Guidelines:
Ø  Students will be in their seats and working when the bell rings.
Ø  Students will bring all books and materials.
Ø  Students will treat each person in the room with dignity and respect.
Ø  Students will follow directions quickly the first time they are given.
Ø  Students will follow all school and district rules.
·  Consequences:
Ø  1st: Verbal warning
Ø  2nd: Warning and documentation
Ø  3rd: Student will complete an action plan to improve behavior that will be sent home for parent signature. Parents will also receive a call home.
Ø  4th: Citation
·  Grading: This class will be graded using the traditional A-F grading scale.
·  Late Work: All work is expected to be turned in on time. Late assignments will not be marked down, but continually late assignments will affect work habit marks on report cards. Late work is accepted until the last day of the 5th week in a term. Students are expected to discuss ahead of time with the teacher if work will be turned in late. Absent students are required to make-up missing work, and they will select a manageable due date upon their return to submit missed work.
·  The Workshop Model provides the opportunity for each student to work at their own level and pace. Modifications, adaptations, and/or enrichments will be made for students based on their learning needs and rates. These modifications/adaptations/enrichments will be made readily available to parents through an agreed forum.
·  Class assignments and homework: All assignments will be given in class and class time will be given to complete them. If a student does not finish or is absent, it becomes homework. Each school night your student will have 30 minutes of reading and/or writing homework. Students will be expected to take their book home each day.
Communication:
·  If you need to contact me, e-mail is the best way to get a timely response:
·  You may also call the school to leave a message between the hours of 7:30 and 3:30: (503) 399-2030
·  Class website: http://ellsworthslanguagearts.weebly.com
I have read the above and agree. Keep the upper section for your records.
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