Intensive Reading Syllabus

10th/11th/12th Grades

Columbia High

School Ms. Amy Wacha email: wachaa@columbiak12.com phone: 755-8080 ext. 184

Overview: The purpose of this course focuses on helping students succeed with areas of written and oral communication as well as reading. Reading, writing, and communicating are essential skills that are investments for all types of learning. In this class instruction will focus on fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking, and test-taking strategies. The Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards and the Common Core Standards will be used to guide instruction. Each student can be successful if they participate fully in class! Activities and assignments will vary and may include: shared inquiry discussions, cooperative learning, cumulative projects, etc. I believe that this course is structured so that if you make a sincere effort, you will succeed!

Keep this in mind Your commitment to me: Learning is not a spectator sport! No sitting in the stands! It requires involvement and a commitment on your part! My job is to provide guidance, inspiration, feedback and a learning environment for your efforts to be rewarded. Your job is to come to each class fully prepared to work and succeed! My commitment to you: The classroom will be a literacy rich environment. Students will find books of all genres, high interest magazines, word walls, and student work in our classroom at all times. They will learn new vocabulary and word skills every day. I will model the reading process, read to and with students every day. Students will find differentiated instruction that means we will work as a whole group, in small groups, and independently throughout the semester. We will learn standardized test skills in a

meaningful context. Students will also be provided time for daily independent reading.

Class Components: (in other words) What I Need to Do to Make a Good Grade on My Report Card 1.Participation: is an important component in this class. Your positive behavior will be vital to a successful school year! Participation counts 20%.

Dont be a Zombie!!
2.Computer Assignments: Our school has invested in the Study Island program for additional support of FCAT, ACT, and other test taking skills. We know how important these tests are for your future. Students will be required to complete assignments by a designated due date. These assignments cover vital skills that help support your performance on these tests. We encourage you to complete all assignments by the deadline as this will count as 20% of your grade! As the poet John Donne wrote No man is an islandeven though we have one at CHS! Study Island!!

Daily Classroom Assignments: (may include but not be limited to) small and large group activities, vocabulary instruction, reading strategy lessons and applications, reading responses, various writing assignments, independent work, exit activities. In

other wordsit could be lots of stuff! (jk!) Daily assignments count 20% of a students grade. Tests/Quizzes: Yes, we do have to have these occasionally to see if our students are not really zombies (lol!) Tests and quizzes will be given during each unit of study to

help guide a students instruction and to assess understanding of the skills and strategies covered in the curriculum. Tests/Quizzes count a whopping 40%! You will need to pay attention and study!

Class Playlist (Schedule): 90 minute block Bellringer/Sustained Silent Reading/Vocabulary- 20-25 min. Lesson- 60 min. Exit Strategy/Review- 5-10 min.

Supplies Needed: 3 ring binder w/dividers (1-2 in.) Highlighters Pencils/pens Notebook paper Post-it notes Spiral notebook (1 Subject) Earbuds (needed for computer work) Tissue/hand sanitizer (optional)

****Attendance is imperative for students success in any class and especially for students that need to make gains in reading. Please dont ask the question, Did I miss anything? You always miss something when you are absent. It is your responsibility to make up missed work!

Remember: Unexcused Absence = No Makeups= Zero In Gradebook **Attendance Policy: You have 3 days to bring in a note if you are absent. If it is excused you have 2 days for every day absent to make up your work. :0)

Keep your eye on the prize! Good Attendance + Good Grades = Possible Exam Exemptions , Good Report Cards, & Happy People

I am looking forward to an exciting year with you as we work together to help you become a more effective reader! Go Tigers!

Sincerely, Ms. Wacha

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Confucius

(Please detach and return for a classwork grade) :0)

I, __________________________________________________, have read the syllabus and understand the requirements and expectations of the Intensive Reading class. I make a commitment to my teacher, but more importantly to myself, to not take shortcuts and give 100% each day!

Student Signature___________________________________ phone number__________________ Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________ phone number_________________