7th/8th Grade Basic English Language Arts:
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the support they need to improve their current reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills so they will be more successful with grade-level curriculum. This ELA course is designed to help students increase their self-confidence and become more powerful, independent readers and writers of a variety of texts. Grade-level common core standards will be taught using materials that meet your student’s skill level, yet still challenge higher level thinking. Various strategies and tools will be integrated into daily lessons to make grade-level expectations more manageable and less stressful.
Course Expectations:
Students are expected to keep up with reading assignments, develop independent writing skills, and positively interact with their peers. Students are expected to come to class prepared, actively participate, and complete assignments on time.
Materials:
Students will be provided with a classroom binder and a writer’s notebook. Pens, pencils, post-its, and other materials are also available for student use during class. Electronic devices will be provided when needed. Students may choose to use their own device, but only when instructed to do so. When not being used, devices will be stored in the student’s cubby.
Grading Plan and Assignments:
Each assignment is assigned a point value based on the difficulty and importance. Assignments will include daily work, participation, quizzes, projects, and tests. Students will also complete eight independent reading assignments (AR assignments) throughout the year—two per quarter.
Grading Scale:
A 90 - 100 = I understand, Neat and Complete, Ready to move on!
B 80 - 89 = Mostly understand, Mostly neat and complete, Need to practice a few things.
C 70 - 79 = I understand some, I need to ask questions, Still learning.
D 60 - 69 = I don’t understand YET, I am still learning, I need more practice.
F Below 60 = I need to ask for help.
Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time. Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework.
Extra Credit (2 pts.) will be given for the following items (limit 1 of each per student):
Kleenex
Post-it Notes
Highlighters
If you bring any extra credit items make sure your name is written on them.
Class Rules:
Statement of Academic Dishonesty:
Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, or no grade on the assignment. Academic dishonesty will be recorded and a parent will be notified.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the support they need to improve their current reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills so they will be more successful with grade-level curriculum. This ELA course is designed to help students increase their self-confidence and become more powerful, independent readers and writers of a variety of texts. Grade-level common core standards will be taught using materials that meet your student’s skill level, yet still challenge higher level thinking. Various strategies and tools will be integrated into daily lessons to make grade-level expectations more manageable and less stressful.
Course Expectations:
Students are expected to keep up with reading assignments, develop independent writing skills, and positively interact with their peers. Students are expected to come to class prepared, actively participate, and complete assignments on time.
Materials:
Students will be provided with a classroom binder and a writer’s notebook. Pens, pencils, post-its, and other materials are also available for student use during class. Electronic devices will be provided when needed. Students may choose to use their own device, but only when instructed to do so. When not being used, devices will be stored in the student’s cubby.
Grading Plan and Assignments:
Each assignment is assigned a point value based on the difficulty and importance. Assignments will include daily work, participation, quizzes, projects, and tests. Students will also complete eight independent reading assignments (AR assignments) throughout the year—two per quarter.
- Each student is required to maintain a writer’s notebook and resource binder consisting of the following items: 1) warm-ups/bell ringer activities, 2) journal entries, 3) class activities and worksheets, and 4) class notes/reference materials. Writer’s notebooks and resource binders will be checked on a regular basis and graded for completion.
- Students will participate in several individual, small group, and whole group activities. They will be expected to be an active member of their group and participation points will be assessed accordingly. Students will always be graded as an individual, not as a group.
- Homework: Ample class time will be given to complete daily assignments, however, any work not completed during class will be considered homework. Late work will incur a 20% penalty. Late work will not be accepted if turned in after the conclusion of a unit.
- Students are required to read at least 30 minutes every day.
- Absences: Absent work will be provided upon return to school, unless it is a lengthy absence in which case arrangements will be made for work to be sent home.
Grading Scale:
A 90 - 100 = I understand, Neat and Complete, Ready to move on!
B 80 - 89 = Mostly understand, Mostly neat and complete, Need to practice a few things.
C 70 - 79 = I understand some, I need to ask questions, Still learning.
D 60 - 69 = I don’t understand YET, I am still learning, I need more practice.
F Below 60 = I need to ask for help.
Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time. Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework.
Extra Credit (2 pts.) will be given for the following items (limit 1 of each per student):
Kleenex
Post-it Notes
Highlighters
If you bring any extra credit items make sure your name is written on them.
Class Rules:
- Students are expected to treat the teacher and other students with respect at all times. Offensive language and hatefulness is not acceptable in this class.
- Students are expected to be prepared for class when the bell rings. Being prepared for class means having all materials out and ready for instruction.
- Talking while the teacher or other students are talking will not be permitted.
- The phrase “I don’t know” is not an acceptable answer.
Statement of Academic Dishonesty:
Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, or no grade on the assignment. Academic dishonesty will be recorded and a parent will be notified.