ELA 8 Course Expectations and Grading Policy
Mrs. Carol Fagan
Welcome to ELA 8 and a new school year! Below you will find information that will be important to your success in this class. I look forward to a wonderful year together.
Your grade in this course will be weighted as followed:
•Assessments (writing, projects, tests, and quizzes)=70%
•Homework=10%
•Classwork and Participation=20%
My classroom website is an extension of the classroom. It will keep everyone informed about weekly assignments, projects, review work, news, etc. Students will also have to access my website for assignments throughout the year. Please access my classroom websiteat:
Please note: In addition to the mandatory assignments, there will be extra credit opportunities throughout the course of the year.
Assessments:Assessments are worth 70% of your grade.
•Writing: There will be many writing assignments throughout the course of the year. All formal writing will be graded using a rubric. Rubrics and/or checklists based on the rubrics will be given out in class before the assignment is due. If you ever need extra help with the writing process, please make an appointment with me for office hours. Students will also be required to keep a Writer’s Notebook (the composition notebook) where they will compile all of the writing done throughout the year. This will help us all to track our progress as writers and improve upon our writing skills.
•Projects: Projects are often long-term assignments or creative assignments. Clear expectations and instructions are given, and with large assignments, there will be several due dates for different parts of the project. Rubrics will be distributed before projects are due.
•Tests and Quizzes:Tests and quizzes will be given throughout the year. There will be reading comprehension assessments, vocabulary assessments, and grammar assessments. Students are given more than enough time to prepare for tests. Students who feel they need extra support are encouraged to make an appointment during my office hours for extra help. Students will be given time to prepare for tests and quizzes. In addition, the material will be covered on a review day prior to the test date. Whenever possible, I will avoid scheduling major exams on the same days as other teachers.
Homework:Homework is worth 10% of your grade.
Homework is given almost every night. If there is no written homework assigned, students will be expected to read a book and respond in your Reader’s Notebook. Since homework assignments vary in purpose, how the assignments are graded varies as well. Homework assignments are thoroughly explained. Students are given the first few minutes of class to take out their student handbook, turn to the section for homework assignments, and copy the homework from the board. Homework is also listed weekly on my classroom website. When homework is completely done at the start of the period, students receive full credit.
A student will lose points if they do not complete the homework or if the homework is carelessly done. I will accept homework late depending on the nature of the assignment. For example, an assignment that I go over in class that day cannot be made up for points because the answers will be given in class. Homework assignments that are not directly discussed in class may be made up for partial credit.
Classwork and Participation: Classwork and participation is worth 20% of your grade.
Classwork and participation is graded on a somewhat regular basis. A student can receive classwork and participation points for contributing to the class activities and discussions. Students can receive classwork and participation points for completing in class assignments. Students can also receive points for group work that is assigned.
Office Hours: If you need additional help or clarification on assignments, prepping for assessments, help with writing assignments or projects, etc. I am available for office hours by appointment. Please contact me to let me know when you would like to meet so that we can schedule a time and avoid any conflicts.
Supply List for ELA 8
The following is a list of supplies that you will need this year in English class!
- A binder with plenty of loose-leaf and a place for handouts
- A composition notebook
- Pens, pencils, and a highlighter
- Access to your Google Drive
- Post-it notes
- Glue Sticks, scissors, and markers/colored pencils
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the grading policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to a wonderful year!
ELA 8 Course Expectations and Grading Policy
Please detach this section and return it to Mrs. Fagan.
I have read the expectations and policies and understand what is expected.
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Student Name (Please Print)Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Name(s)Parent/Guardian Signature
Please indicate the best way to contact you:
Phone: ______
Email: ______
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I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night!