8th Grade Language Arts with Ms.

Yost
2010-2011 Syllabus

Welcome!
In this class you can expect to work hard at improving your reading, writing,
and thinking skills. Your success will depend on how much effort you put into
this class. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Questioning shows that you’re
thinking critically and analyzing what you read.

Curriculum
This year, Westport has adopted the College Board Spring Board curriculum,
designed for AP and college readiness preparation. It’s a rigorous program,
focused mostly on inquiry, analysis and academic writing skills that will prepare
students for AP courses in high school, and the opportunity to choose college if
it’s right for them, and to then be successful once enrolled.

There are five units of study in the Spring Board curriculum:

1. “The Challenge of Heroism” – in this unit, students will read The Giver,
write an analytical essay about heroism in the novel, and create a comic strip
depicting an event in the novel
2. “Real-Life Challenges” – in this unit, students will analyze persuasive
techniques used in the media and persuasive writing. They will write a
reflective analysis about the media, as well as their own persuasive essay.
3. “Reflecting on Challenges” – in this unit, students will explore the
multiple intelligences, reflect on their own learning styles, and revise and edit
an essay.
4. “Voices and Challenges” – in this unit, students will explore historical
and global social challenges, such as the Holocaust. Students will read in book
clubs and be assessed on their abilities to demonstrate a discussion within that
book club. Students will also create an informational or persuasive campaign
on an important social issue of their choice.
5. “The Challenge of Comedy” – in this unit, students will read and perform
the Shakespearean comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students will also
write an analysis of a humorous text.

In each of these units, students will be expected to complete an open response

question, and there will be approximately three on demand practice tests this
year before the final KCCT assessment.

Your Grade
Your grade starts at an A every six weeks. Your job is to work hard to
maintain that A. Here are the seven areas in which you will be graded:

 In Class Assignments
o This includes all assignments we do in class, including making up
assignments you may have missed while absent
o 20% of your overall grade

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 Participation
 You can earn up to 5pts a day for participation.
 Participation includes completing all assignments to the best of
your ability, being respectful to your teacher and classmates, sharing your
writing, and following all rules and expectations, and contributing to a positive
learning environment.
 20% of your overall grade each six weeks

 Homework
 This will include independent reading assignments and Spring
Board assignments.
 Students will be expected to read 1 – 3 books (depending on
length and difficulty) each grading period, fill out a book review form, and
meet with Ms. Yost briefly to demonstrate that they read the book.
 10% of your overall grade each six weeks

 Writing Folder
 The writing folder will include all drafts, reflections, responses
and revisions of your writing.
 10% of your overall grade

 Reader’s/Writer’s Notebook
o You are responsible for journaling in your writer’s notebook,
conducting word study, and responding to texts
o 20% of your overall grade

 Assessments
o These include embedded assessment projects and essays, as well
as final tests, ORQ and On-Demand assessments.
o 20% of your overall grade

Late Work
Please turn in work on time! If you have a problem, please see me. If you are
absent, there is a Make-Up Work folder system next to the door. Please hand
in your late work on the tray next to the pencil sharpener. Late work for
unexcused absences will be counted down 10 percent per day late.

Supplies
Please purchase the following items for this class:
1. One package of wide-ruled loose-leaf paper
2. A package of pencils
3. A small notebook of any kind for a “take home journal”
4. A bottle of hand-sanitizer
5. A box of tissues

You will receive extra credit for each of these items.

I will provide you with a Portfolio Writing Folder for your final drafts and a
colored Writing Folder for works in progress, as well as a Composition writing
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notebook and SpringBoard workbook. All of these items (except your agenda,
take-home journal and independent reading book) will be kept in my
classroom.

Rules and Expectations

You are expected to behave in a respectful, professional manner while in my
class. You can expect my respect for you as an individual and a student.
Please be open to other people’s ideas and respect their right to work in a
safe, friendly environment. Bathroom use will be limited to scheduled times,
except in emergency situations. School rules apply in my classroom.

A Note to Parents and Guardians:

I’m happy to welcome you and your child to the 2010-2011 school year! It is
important that we work together so that your child will succeed. Please read
the above syllabus, and write any questions below or contact me by phone or
email:
 Phone: 485-8346
 Email: sarah.yost@jefferson.kyschools.us

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_____________________________ _______________________________ ___________

(Student Name) (Student Signature) (Date)

_____________________________ _______________________________ ___________

(Guardian Name) (Guardian Signature) (Date)

Thanks, and I look forward to working with you and your child over the course of the
school year.

Respectfully,

Sarah Yost