Megan Burns, Language Arts

This course will explore literature, research, composition, grammar, and vocabulary. We will use the American Reading Company (ARC) program. The course is designed to be rigorous, yet developmentally appropriate, and assessments will mimic the style of the Smarter Balanced assessment given in the spring.

Units:

• Literacy Lab
• Human Body (informational)
• Realistic Fiction: Teen Issues Literature (genre)
• Civil Rights (argumentative)

Objectives/Goals/Targets: Students will work to improve written and oral communication skills, develop an appreciation of written and oral language, apply study skills, use research skills, and practice critical thinking. They will have the opportunity to collaborate, work creatively, and use AVID strategies to solve problems and complete projects. 

Required Texts Materials and Resources: Appropriate leveled books are provided in class; however, books brought from home are not discouraged. Students need a composition book, which will house notes, graphic organizers, writing pieces, reading goal information, and reading logs.

• Respect teacher's time and commitment - please allow 24 hours for a response
• Support your child in their learning
• Support your child to maintain regular attendance and on-time arrival (even when virtual)
• Communicate concerns/questions with the teacher

• Provide curriculum enrichment opportunities
• Foster higher-level thinking skills and creativity
• Support student's autonomy and promote self-advocacy
• Complete formative and summative assessments to modify instruction
• Provide opportunities to work collaboratively

Assigments: It is also recommended that students keep all graded assignments for the entire marking period just in case there are any discrepancies. Work will be due weekly, please see Schoology for due dates; however, please see Home Access for grades. All work is expected to be your own. Academic dishonesty involves, but is not limited to, cheating, copying homework, plagiarism, and using unauthorized online tools to help with assignments. It is taken seriously and will result in disciplinary action. The District's code of conduct will be followed. 

Behavior Management: Students have the opportunity to be recognized for positive behavior, each individual or class incentives, and earn marking period celebrations. The conduct policy of the school and the Board of Education, as outlined in the Code of Conduct handbook, will be followed in this course. Any behavior that disturbs classroom learning will not be permitted.

Reading and Writing Requirements: It is recommended students read at least 30 minutes each day outside of their class time. Students will be responsible to fill out a reading log and show evidence of working on their power goal in order to be considered prepared for ARC conferences. Students MAY count reading in other subjects on the reading log! Students may be required to complete extended writing assignments at home.