Here is my syllabus and contact information. The Weekly Lesson Plan page will include the lesson plan for the week. This is subject to change to accommodate student needs or changes in schedules.
Language Arts 8th Grade Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. RT Glenn, M.Ed.
Course Title: Language Arts
Location: Room 31
Required Text:
Houghton Mifflin Literature in class and online at student portal
Houghton Mifflin Close Reader workbook
Electronic Resources Chromebooks in the classroom Telephone: (904) – 336-5175 ext. 65220
Loose Leaf Notebook Paper (spiral paper will not be accepted)
5 Dividers (as needed for other subjects)
Pens (Blue, red, and Black)
No. 2 Pencils
Highlighters
2 Composition books
A flash drive
NO SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS PERMITTED
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide grade 8 students, using texts of high complexity, integrated language arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language for high school, college, and career preparation and readiness. Students will learn to work in collaborative groups to deepen learning, promote intelligent conversation about literature, and promote social and emotional competencies to interact with others. Students will read at home one bokk of fiction and one book or article of nonfiction. Students are required to journal as they read. Journals will be reviewed and graded every two weeks.
GENERAL NOTES The content will include the following:
active reading of varied texts for what they say explicitly, as well as the logical inferences that can be drawn
analysis of literature and informational texts from varied literary periods to examine:
text craft and structure
elements of literature
arguments and claims supported by textual evidence
power and impact of language
influence of history, culture, and setting on language
responding to literature for personal and analytical purposes
writing narratives to develop real or imagined events
writing to sources using text- based evidence and reasoning
effective listening, speaking, and viewing strategies with emphasis on the use of evidence to support or refute a claim in multimedia presentations, class discussions, and extended text discussions
collaboration amongst peers
Grading Policy: In this class, grades will be calculated using the following categories and weights: Classwork 50% Assessments/Projects 45% Homework 5%
Homework: Reading independently and journaling are considered homework. Classwork: These assignments are completed in class and may be graded as assessments depending on the nature of the assignment.
Journaling: Students will journal independent reading assignments. They must read one nonfiction book or article and one fiction book each quarter. They will journal (summarize and connect with the text) for each reading session they complete. Journals will be taken for a grade every two weeks. There should be 6 to 8 journal entries every two weeks to get 100%.
Tests: This is work the student creates to demonstrate mastery of a standard or standards. These assignments may take only a class period or several weeks (as a project). They are graded for accuracy or according to a rubric that the student receives prior to completing the work. Other tests may include short answer, essay, or multiple choice questions.
The letter grades will be determined by the grading system in the student handbook. 90-100…A 80-89…B 70-79…C 60-69…D Below 60…F
Late Work and Make-up Work: Students are expected to complete assignments on time. Unless student has made arrangements with the teacher, no work will be accepted after one school day. In the event that a student is absent, they are to see the “Make-Up Station” in our classroom to see and obtain the work they missed. They are then given three days from the date of absence to turn in the assignments. Any missed work turned after the three days OR any work turned in late for which the student was PRESENT will not be accepted. This is an important concept for students to learn!
Classroom Norms and Protocols: Our classroom norms and protocols have been established. The students created our norms and protocols for collaborative learning together so all students are able to make academic progress in a safe, nurturing environment.
Discipline In accordance with school policy, the following system of strikes will be implemented:
Strike 1: In class punishment (change seat, verbal warning, etc.) Strike 2: In house “control” used (Remove student to classroom buddy) and parent contacted by phone or email. Strike 3: Silent lunch Strike 4: Discipline Referral sent to administration
* Accommodations & Modifications for Students with Disabilities: We recognize and accept our obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Accommodations & Modifications for Students with Disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified disabled students in all school activities. For further information, please contact Ms. Larianne Stutts, GCSJH ESE Support Facilitator at 336-5186.