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Assignments and Syllabus Assigned Readings:
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Policies and Grading The powers that be tell me I have to actually take grades, so here you go: The curriculum consists of several interwoven strands: literary analysis, grammar and composition, reading, and vocabulary. As students read varied works of literature, they will discover literary elements and devices that will deepen their understanding of what they read while preparing them for Upper School coursework. At the same time, new vocabulary is introduced and highlighted within the selections. Constant attention to grammar will enhance students' writing mechanics while laying solid foundations for both Upper School English and foreign language study. Students practice writing regularly, critique and correct their writing periodically, and receive expert coaching in developing and expressing their ideas. Additionally, each student will strengthen reading comprehension at his or her reading level through the Accelerated Reader program. Students will sharpen their critical thinking skills not only through reading a writing practice, but also through frequent class discussions. As the year concludes, diligent students have honed their five-paragraph essay skills considerably, showing visible - and sometimes dramatic - improvement in both the content and mechanics of their writing. Homework: (15% of grade) Homework must be turned in when called for at the beginning of class. Failure to produce it will cause it to be recorded as missing and will remain a zero until handed in. The penalty for late homework is 5 points if turned in later in the same day and 10 points the following respective days. I will only accept late work for three days past due. Failure to put your name and pledge on the paper will result in the loss of 5 points. Quizzes: (25% of grade)
When given, quizzes will be in one of two formats: 25-point pop-quizzes and 100
point quizzes. Full-quizzes - worth 100 points, full-quizzes will cover several pop-quizzes' worth of material. Students will be given fair warning ahead of time so that they can be as prepared as possible. Tests: (35%) We will generally have a test every one or two chapters (approximately every 2-3 weeks). Review sheets will be given two days before the test and should be used as a supplement to help students study. Note: Accelerated Reader and memory work also count as test grades. Accelerated Reader: Each fall, every student is tested to determine his or her reading level. 8th grade students are required to read and take quizzes on two A.R. books* at or above their reading level. These two books must total at least fifteen points. The average of the quizzes counts as a test grade. In addition, students compose at least one paper over one or both of the books, which will count as a paper grade. * A.R. reading is independent reading. Students may NOT receive A.R. credit for a book being read for English or for any other class without special prior permission from the teacher. If a student wishes to read a book below his or her reading level, prior teacher permission is required as well. Memory Work: Memory work is usually assigned once per quarter, at least a week before it is due. It normally counts as a test grade, and is usually graded by the word as students recite it. There is a strict late policy on memory work: Ten points are deducted if the passage is recited later the same day, and no credit is given after that. Papers: (25%) Most papers receive two separate grades; one for form and one for content. The most common form mistakes students make are listed in a handout students have in their notebooks. The content grade is determined by a detailed rubric usually passed out in class approximately a week before the paper is due. Students who proofread their papers using these two sources and read their papers aloud often improve their grades dramatically. In preparation for the Upper School, there is also a strict late policy on 8th grade English papers: Ten points are deducted (from BOTH the form and content grades) if the paper is turned in later the same day, and no credit is given after that. Exams: Exams are not part of the quarter grade. For eighth-graders, exams count 1/4 of the semester grade. To help students review, a detailed review schedule of homework, quizzes, and possibly tests will be given out one to two weeks before the end of classes. By following this review program, the conscientious student can avoid much last-minute cramming, raising his or her quarter grade while studying for the English exam early. Academic Expectations: All assignments must be completed to the best of your ability. Homework and papers are due at the beginning of the class period. Make-up work is the STUDENT'S responsibility; the teacher WILL NOT remind the student of missed work. Behavioral Expectations: Students are expected to follow all rules stated in the Student Handbook. Extra Help/Assistance: Help is offered 7:45-8:05 am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Additional help is always available by appointment.
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