Eighth Grade Language Arts 2012-13
Mrs. Smith Room 112 White Team
E-Mail: School Phone: 355-5466 Ext. 5112
Text:
SpringBoard, Level 3
Vocabulary Workshop, Level C
Description:
All students in the Bellefonte School District from grades 6-12 will be using a new consumable textbook, SpringBoard. It is a highly engaging, student-centered, interactive, and standards-based curriculum. The goal of this program is to help our students become critical thinkers and independent learners. SpringBoard provides opportunities to refine and master strategies that will enhance students’ ability to:
· Understand and analyze challenging text
· Write with clarity and voice
· Listen and speak to communicate effectively
· View media with a critical intelligence
Eighth Grade language arts class focuses on the theme of challenge. Students explore challenges from multiple perspectives – personally, locally, and globally. The following units are included:
· The Challenge of Heroism
· Real-Life Challenges
· Reflecting on Challenges
· Voices and Challenges
· The Challenge of Comedy
Special Class Requirements:
1. Please bring in a two-inch three-ringed binder for this class to leave here. You will keep your text in this binder and rarely take it home.
2. Read faithfully and take Reading Counts quizzes. Your
goal is to earn 25 points each marking period, and the total will
count as one quiz grade. Points do not carry over. Some of you will
have an opportunity to read in school every day, 5th period.
3. Be willing to work in collaborative groups. Treat others with
respect and allow each person to share idea and listen to others
Grading:
I use a non-weighted point system of grading. I grade your homework, in-class work, tests, quizzes, and projects. Please check your grade in Power School frequently. Keep your papers until you see your grades accurately recorded in Power School.
Late homework:
One day late = half credit
Late projects:
Each day late = ten percent deduction
Classroom Rules and Expected Behaviors
1. Be in your assigned seat and quiet when class begins.
2. Gum may be chewed as long as it is not seen or heard.
3. Have your homework with you, or it will be marked late.
4. Bring something to write with and write on every day.
5. When you are given directions to work on something in class,
I expect you to use that time wisely.
6. Requests to use the bathroom or go to your locker will be honored
unless you abuse the privilege.
7. Check your grade and my homework page frequently.
8. Stay in a seat if we end class a little early.
9. Treat others with respect, including substitute teachers.
10. Don't complain! Be positive! Put forth an honest effort! Be friendly,
polite, kind, and considerate, we will get along just fine!