7th PAP Grade Reading/ Language Arts Syllabus Mr.

Leonard Heritage Middle School 2012-2013 Purpose/Course Description A. To meet and master the criteria for 7th Grade Level English as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the state of Texas. B. To master skills that will help the student to pass the STAAR test. C. To build character qualities such as integrity, honesty, and responsibility as required by the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. D. To improve reading, writing, interpreting, listening and speaking skills, giving the student greater opportunities to achieve their goals. Focus of Study A. Reading- the student will be expected to read, interpret, analyze, and evaluate a variety of literature. Throughout the year, we will read selected short stories, novels, poems, dramas, and non-fiction writing. In addition, students will be expected to read and comprehend while reading both silently and aloud. B. Grammar- It should be understood that grammar will be studied every day. Students progress will be assessed through their major and minor writing assignments, advance-notice and pop quizzes, and occasional tests. Mastery of written and spoken English is an essential ingredient for future success. C. Writing- Writing will be incorporated into all units of study. The main focus will be on personal, informative, and fictional forms of writing, as well as learning what to expect from the STAAR test. Writing should be understood as a continual process, to which many revisions must be made in order to be successful in reaching the level of writing needed to achieve a passing mark in class as well as a nod of approval from the business community in the future. Good writers start TODAY. D. Vocabulary - These components will be incorporated through our literature, SpringBoard, and Word Within the Word root studies. Vocabulary quizzes will be given once a week. RICH (Reading In Class Helps) and RAH (Reading At Home) Grapevine Colleyville ISD expects all students to be life-long readers. To facilitate this expectation, 20 minutes of class on Mondays and Wednesdays will be dedicated to either silent reading or reading aloud. Students should ALWAYS bring a book to class. When students go home for the day or weekend, reading should not stop. Each week, students are expected to read at least 100 minutes/week. Students will be given a book report each six weeks which will assess their RAH grade for the six weeks. Rules and Regulations The 5 Ps: Be polite. Be prompt. Be prepared. Be positive. Be productive. Rewards Students that consistently exemplify good behavior will be rewarded. Rewards can be in the form of spoken praise, a phone call home, fun activities and lessons, free-time, etc. Of course, failure to behave correctly will result in the complete opposite of such rewards. Restroom/Water Breaks Students will have time to use the restroom and get water in between the passing period. I do not allow anyone to leave during class time unless it is an obvious emergency. In addition, students are not allowed to see the nurse unless they have medicine to take or it is an obvious emergency. Late Work Mr. Leonard is not a fan of late work. If I do not have an assignment when it is due, a grade of ZERO is entered into the computer. If the assignment is turned in afterwards, that grade will change. 1 day late: -20 points

2 days late: -30 points 3 days or more: The max grade possible is a 50% A student with late work may be assigned to tutorials before school or stampede study hall. Grading Policy The student's grade will be determined by the following percentages. Even though Reading and Language Arts are two separate periods, it is counted as ONE grade. 30% Projects & Papers 30% Tests 25% Daily 15% Quizzes Studying for Success I do not assign a whole lot of homework. I understand students have other classes, activities, expectations, etc. Even though homework is not assigned as frequently in this class as others, it is NOT an excuse to blow off the expectations for success. On evenings when the student does not have homework, they are expected to review their material. There is almost always a quiz on Fridays and usually another one during the week. Studying 20-30 minutes/ night can be the difference between barely passing and passing with flying colors. Materials Provided by the Student Pencils and either a blue or black pen- (Work written in anything other than pencil or blue/black ink will not be accepted) Notebook paper Silent Reading book Positive Attitude Assigned Novel (optional)- When we read an in class novel, I highly recommend students have their own copy. A school copy is always available, but it cant leave the classroom Materials Provided by the Teacher Textbooks: Each student will be issued a literature book that is to be taken and kept at home. I have a class set of books that will stay in the room at all times that students will use during the day. * The student edition can be accessed ONLINE at any time. SpringBoard book: This book must remain in class and will be used almost every day. Staplers, Tape, Scissors, Markers: These items are available on the teachers desk but students MUST ASK before using them. Tutoring/ Conference Please let me know if you are in need of tutoring. Im available before or after school most days. Just set up a time to meet with me. Teacher Website My website can be accessed through the schools website. Success in this Class All it takes to pass and succeed in this class is a good work ethic and a positive attitude. I am willing to take all the time necessary in order to see you succeed; however, I can only show you the door- the decision to enter is your choice! Sincerely, Jack Leonard Heritage Middle School 7th Grade Language Arts and Reading