Point Webster Middle School
60 Lancaster Street
(617) 984-6600
E-mail:
Syllabus 2015- 2016
TEACHER: Ms. Loksze Wong
COURSE/GRADE LEVEL: English as a Second Language, Grades 5-8, Beginning-Reaching
· Prior to entering this course, students are given the WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test. This is an English language proficiency "screener" test given to incoming students who may be designated as English language learners. It assists educators with programmatic placement decisions such as identification and placement of ELLs.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
· Keystone - Level A and Level B textbooks and workbooks
· Keystone – Building Bridges textbook and workbook
· Keystone – Keys to Learning textbook and workbook
· Fiction and non-fiction English language books & picture books
· Instructional manipulatives for teaching root words and word structure
· PowerPoint Presentations
· Bilingual dictionaries
· Picture cards / flashcards
· DVDs and other audio material
· Manipulatives
· Maps
· Realia
· Additional materials related to students’ content area courses
SUBJECT MATTER:
English Language Learners (ELLs) need to develop and enhance their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English at the beginning, early intermediate, intermediate and transitioning levels. ESL classes are organized to assist students in the process of language acquisition. As ELL students learn about American and school culture, they share aspects of their home cultures. ELL students develop strategies to identify the appropriate level of formality to use with varied audiences in particular settings. ELL students learn to distinguish between oral and written language patterns in interpersonal and classroom settings.
ASSESSMENT TOOLS:
· WIDA Objectives and Can-Do Descriptors
· Classroom discussion
· Choral reading and read-alouds
· Story retellings
· Oral presentations
· Cooperative learning projects
· Role playing
· Open-ended questions
· Multiple choice questions
· Journal writing
· Tests and quizzes
· Compositions
· Letter writing
· Attendance
· Class participation
· Classwork/Homework
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS:
Students are expected to complete each homework assignment in a manner consistent with the individual student’s English language proficiency. Students are expected to submit homework the day it is due. Timely submission of homework is viewed as a factor in class participation.
MATERIALS:
-1” Binder
-1-2 Subject Notebook
-Pen/Pencil
-Highlighters
-Agenda Book (provided by school)
GRADING POLICY:
Grading will be based on class participation as well as performance on quizzes, tests and projects. Class participation includes students’ willingness to foster a supportive learning environment, and effort to complete assignments.