Course Description:

This SDC English course uses LANGUAGE! which is a literacy solution that ensure that students not only build a strong foundation, but develop the ability to read closely; analyze and respond to text; write strong informative/explanatory, narrative, and argument compositions; listen attentively and critically; and build literacy in the content areas. Some of the Unit Text Selections will be about The World on the Web, Insects and Bugs, All about Time and Time Zones, The Study of Art, Mythical Heroes, and Inventors and Inventions. 

Course Expectations:

Students in this SDC English class are expected to develop writing skills, to keep up with class reading assignments, and to begin the process of critical thinking through reading comprehension strategies taught by the Adopted program Language!   Students are expected to come to class prepared and to complete assignments on time.

Textbooks and Materials:

Language! Interactive Text

Language! Class Student Text

Grading Plan:

Grades are based on the point system. Each assignment is assigned a point value based on the difficulty and importance. Daily work is 40 points. Test/Quizzes are 20 points, Homework is 20 points and prepared for class and being on time is 20 points. A student’s final average is computed by taking the total number of points received divided by the total number of possible points creating a percentage.

For Example:

 Daily Work                             You received 30 out of 40 possible points

 Test/ Quiz-                              You received 20 out of 20 possible points

 Prepared for Class                  You received 15 out of 20 possible points

 Homework                             Your received 20 out of 20 possible points

You earned:                                                    85 out of 100 possible points. 

                                                                         85/100 = .85 or 85%

• Each student is required to create and maintain a portfolio in a provided binder kept in class consisting of the following items: 1) daily work assignments, 2) class notes, 3) activities and worksheets, 4) returned quizzes, and 5) journal entries. All student work must be added to the portfolio unless otherwise noted by the teacher.
• Homework is usually given twice a week, every Monday and Wednesday. The students are given two days to complete the assigned homework.
• There is a weekly unit spelling test given every Friday. Practice test is given on Wednesdays. The Spelling words will be given every Monday.
• Any work not completed during the daily lesson may be considered homework.
• Each student will participate in several individual/small group activities/presentation.
• Grading Scale:

Course Policies:

Student Work: Students will be expected to complete assignments outside of class time on a regular basis.  All students are expected to read class material, think critically and write effectively.  Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar and correct spelling in every written performance.

Group Activities: You will be working in groups on a regular basis. Your group will be given cooperative learning activities to complete. You will be expected to be an active member of your group and participation points will be assessed accordingly. You will always be graded as an individual; however your group may earn points together that will lead to a reward.

Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time.  Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework, not work used to cover up missing work.

Absences: If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to get all late work from the teacher and return it in a timely manner.

Class Rules:

• The student is expected to treat the teacher and other students with respect at all times.   Offensive language and hatefulness is not acceptable in this class.  I like to use as a guideline “Do the Right Thing.” You know what is right and wrong and you will be expected to act accordingly.

• Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class when the bell rings. Being prepared for class means having all materials, portfolios, books, pens, etc. out and ready.

• Pay attention. Talking while the teacher is instructing or while other students are presenting will not be permitted. Listen the first time directions are given.

• Students will stay in their seats at all times unless otherwise directed by the teacher.

   

   Class Materials:

  All students will need the following:

Statement for Academic Dishonesty:

Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade on assignment or others as deemed appropriate. 

I have read and understand the rules for Ms. Myrdal class.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________ Date:__________________

Parent/Guardian’s Email Address:_______________________ and/or _____________________

Student Signature:________________________________     Date:__________________