COURSE SUMMARY:
Students will learn, practice, and use skills and strategies that will enhance their reading abilities in all classes and in the real world.. These skills and strategies will be applied to a wide variety of texts including novels, short stories, poems, informational texts, and more in order to help students read a wide variety of genres. Students will also use a variety of types of technology to enhance their understanding of the topics covered in thematic units. In addition, Reading classes will use Vocabulary Workshop to improve vocabulary skills leading to the ability to read and analyze more complex texts. Throughout the year, we will use “real-life” applications of writing and encourage students to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, risk takers, balanced, caring, and reflective in their learning. Our study of these topics in language arts will be:
· Holistic: Students will recognize and apply knowledge of writing in everyday life in preparation for becoming lifelong learners
· Intercultural: Students will understand and appreciate various languages and cultures extending and broadening their viewpoints and international mindedness.
· Communication: Students will utilize all methods or forms of communication in Language Arts, which address the Common Core Standards, Standard English usage and elements of speaking, viewing, and listening skills.
Georgia Standards of Excellence:
The course content for sixth grade Reading is designed to help students focus on the performance standards. Cobb County has now adopted the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Reading and Language Arts. Visit this link for a breakdown of the standards: https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-Grade-6-Standards.pdf
OBJECTIVES, STANDARDS, AND UNITS OF STUDY
Units have been developed around the IB MYP criteria: Organization, Content, Language & Style
We will address MYP objectives through the state standards.
Units of Study / MYP Criteria / Common Core GA Performance Standards1 / Organization, Content, Language & Style / Reading: Literary
Focus Reading Standards: RL1, RL2, RL3, RL5, RL6,
See link above for more information
2 / Organization, Content, Language & Style / Reading: Informational
Focus Reading Standards: RI1, RI2, RI3, RI5, RI6, RI8
See link above for more information
3 / Organization, Content, Language & Style / Reading: Informational and Literary
Focus Reading Standards: RI1, RL1, RI4, RL4, RL7, RI9
See link above for more information
4 / Organization, Content, Language & Style / Reading: Informational and Literary
Focus Reading Standards: RI1, RL1, RI4, RL4, RI7, RL9
See link above for more information
MYP LANGUAGE A AIMS:
Language A- Reading provides students with opportunities to:
· Become active learners, efficient test takers, effective time managers, excellent organizers, competent researchers, and skillful communicators
· Read and interpret a variety of texts
· Analyze and talk and/or write about texts that have been viewed
· Ask and answer pertinent questions
· Write in a variety of forms
· Improve vocabulary
· Conduct simple and advanced research and present research findings orally and in writing
· Use the media center and information technology effectively
· Reflect critically on their own work and that of their peers
KEY CONCEPTS:
During this course, we will use the key concepts to build connections between students’ knowledge and experience related to the real world. Students will utilize prior and present knowledge from their environment, school, and other social outlets in order to effectively communicate using written and verbal language. Language A- Reading students will learn and utilize skills that will enable them to become life-long learners by applying knowledge and skills necessary for high school and college.
GLOBAL CONTEXTS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Global contexts direct learning toward independent and shared inquiry into our common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet. Using the world as the broadest context for learning, MYP sciences can develop meaningful explorations of identities and relationships; orientation in space and time; personal and cultural expression, scientific and technical innovation; globalization and sustainability; and, fairness and development.
METHODOLOGY:
In the MYP, instructors work together to develop a variety of opportunities for learning focusing on the approaches to learning, especially critical thinking and reflection. Individual and collaborative active learning are at the heart of the classroom instruction. Real world connections and opportunities to investigate and inquire about society will help students become world citizens who understand contemporary issues with a depth and wisdom drawn from experience and future trends.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:
The use of Synergy Internet Viewer (SIV) by parents and students is encouraged to view grades, each assignment, and class attendance at any time via the online grade book. An access code may be obtained by contacting administration. A balance of formative and summative assessments will be used to assess student learning. Rubrics and checklists will provide students with assignment expectations.
Class average will be determined using the following weighted averages for Common Core Standards to be covered during the year.
· Key Ideas and Details 25%
· Craft and Structure 20%
· Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 20%
· Speaking and Listening 10%
· Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 20%
· Summative Assessment 5%
(Independent Reading, Classwork, Tests, Projects, and Homework will be graded and categorized by standard)
Submitting work past due is discouraged. If a student turns in an assignment that is past due for any reason other than being absent, a penalty will apply. Students with excused absences are given the amount of days absent from class to submit an assignment. Regardless of the reason, it is the child’s responsibility to get the work missed during an excused absence and to make arrangements with the instructor to reschedule missed tests or quizzes. If a child is absent for an extended amount of days, parents should contact the school to request work for pick-up by the parent to take to the child.
CONDUCT:
Student must follow the CMS Positive Behavior Intervention Plan as outlined in the Campbell Middle School Student Agenda given to all students on their first day of school. The agenda must be with students at all times and will serve as their hall pass. If the agenda is lost, students must pay a $10.00 replacement fee for a new agenda book. In addition, students are expected to abide by ALL classroom procedures and expectations, as well as dress in the CMS Standard Dress Attire. Conduct grades will be determined using the number of classroom infractions earned by a student during the grading period. Additionally, the teacher’s assessment of the student’s overall behavior in his/her class will be considered in assigning conduct grades.