Planning Period M-W and Friday 9:09 am – 10:04 am

Tutorials - TBA

Course Overview for ELA (STAAR TESTED SUBJECT)

During the school year, 7^th graders will be expected to read a variety of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, non-fiction in order to enhance writing skills. They will analyze purpose, tone, style, structure, and use of literary devices to convey a theme or message. Students will learn and practice grammar mechanics, spelling, and academic vocabulary. They will engage in a variety of writing including journals, literary analysis, poetry, and compositions with an emphasis on expository forms of writing. Students will also edit their writing for clarity, engaging language, and the correct usage of the conventions and mechanics of written English. This course is a STAAR tested content area for 7^thgrade and proficiently is essential in the determination of future advance placement courses.

Writer’s Workshop:

Writer’s Workshop is an opportunity to practice writing skills. Students will have most of the class period to work on prewriting, drafting, editing, or revising. Participation during this time is crucial in developing the student’s writing stamina, focus, and independence. During Writer’s Workshop, participation will count as a test grade. Students will receive full credit for participation as long as the WW rules are followed and he/she is devoted to working on their craft. Writer’s Workshop rules will be outlined and found on my class page.

 Materials Needed by Wednesday –2 Composition College Rule 100-page Journal books, 1 Kleenex box, 1 box of pencils 12-count. Materials needed daily in the backpack -  Glue (not glue sticks), scissors, highlighters: yellow, pink, blue, and green, erasers, post-it tabs, red, blue, and black pens.

We will follow the UISD Student Code of Conduct. To highlight a few of those expectations: 1. Students may only have eight absences. If they have more than eight absences, they will lose school credit. Four tardies count as one absence. Any student who is not seated before the bell rings is marked tardy. 2. Students are not allowed to use an electronic device/cell phone unless directed to do so for our educational purpose.  3. Students are not allowed to eat or drink (except water) in class. 4. Students must be in dress code.

At UMS, our values govern our expectations for staff and student behavior:

My commitment to you –

• I will teach you how to think, not what to think; however, I will teach you what to think about J.
• I will remember that you are a young person who is in process of developing your character and your competency in writing, grammar, and reading.
•  I will not do anything for you that you can do for yourself.
• I will be prepared for challenging, engaging lessons.
• I will give you feedback on your thinking, learning, and achievements toward your goals.
• I will love you and respect you. If I fail in that (because I too am human), then I will apologize.
• Achievement values safety

Your commitment to yourself, family, and class --

1. I will create a community of respect by practicing proper Manners.  What does that look like?
2. I will demonstrate Achievement by taking ownership of my education. What does that look like?
3. I will choose Values over expediency and selfishness.   What does that look like?
4. I will support my present and future participation in my classroom by practicing positive Safety.  What does that look like?
5. I will expect Excellence from myself. What does that look like?

Cell phones/electronic devices distract us from learning. Therefore, cell phones/electronic devices must be turned OFF before you enter my classroom, AND not visible. If a cell phone/ electronic device rings, vibrates, is used for any reason or is visible anytime during class time, or you are caught using it during class time, you will be asked to surrender it. I will turn in any electronic device confiscated to administration and you will have to pay a fee to retrieve it.

Leaving the classroom means you are missing out on learning, and every time a student leaves, the class is a bit distracted. There are no bathroom breaks within the first 10 minutes of class or the last 10 minutes of class, so it’s best if you use the restroom before entering the class or during lunch. You must first ask to go to the restroom only when I am not giving instruction. If you take more than five minutes to return, you may lose your bathroom privileges for the rest of the semester.

Important to note to parent/guardian: If possible, please assist your child by scheduling doctor’s appointments around their STAAR tested classes.  Every day, I cover new content and when a child is not present, he/she is not learning; therefore, they may not understand the writing skill that is being introduced.  Your support in this matter would be so appreciated by your child.

Disciplinary Procedures of my class:

When an expectation is broken, the following steps will be taken:

Step I:  Verbal Reminder (Referral process begins) and noted on the behavior chart

Step II:  Teacher-Student conference, Parent Contact, and advise the administrator *Referral and/or citation from the administrator if level 2.

Step III: What is stated above and Parent Contact, Referral will be given to Administrator.

* Refusing to comply may result in a student being removed from the class by the security guard and sent to the administrator.

Students who complete their work in a timely matter excel in my class and on their STAAR.  Homework is due at the BEGINNING of the class period. NO daily grade assignments will be accepted late. Make-up work is to be completed in a timely manner. You have the same number of days to complete makeup work as you missed from school. (Example: Absent 2 days: you have 2 days to turn in or makeup work.) It is your responsibility to consult with me at the appropriate time (before or after school). Makeup tests/quizzes will be given after school, by appointment only. You may communicate with me via e-mail if you are absent or know you will be absent in order to receive your assignments. 

I want to encourage all students to develop good study habits this year. Consider a quiet area in your home, free from electronic devises and television, setting a bedtime (Electronic devises off in the evening), eating breakfast before the day begins, and drinking water during the day.  Routinely check your Remind 101 text for homework updates and deadlines.

*Remember, do not talk during tests or quizzes for any reason. Talking during the exam, will be considered cheating and result in a zero.  If you need assistance, raise your hand and I will assist you.

Substitute Teacher Clause

The rules enforced are the same even when a substitute teacher is present. If a substitute teacher reports you were disrespectful or breaking the rules, disciplinary action will be taken. Any work I leave for you will be counted for a grade.This means if you refuse to do the work, your average will be affected. I will never leave you anything too difficult for you to do without guidance. 

GRADING POLICY:

DAILY GRADES:                                  50%

• Classwork
• Homework
• Exit Tickets
• Participation

TESTS                                                  50%

• Writer’s Workshop
• Quizzes
• Spiral Test
• CBA’s
• Special Projects

SEMESTER GRADES:

1^st SIX WEEKS                                     25%

2^ND SIX WEEKS                                   25%

3^RD SIX WEEKS                                   25%

MIDTERM/FINAL EXAM                     25%

FINAL GRADES:

1^ST SEMESTER                                    50%

2^ND SEMESTER                                    50%

STAAR WRITING: April 7, 2020		STAAR READING: May 12, 2020
READING & WRITING: CBA 1 September 11 CBA 2 October 16 CBA 3 November 20	WRITING Benchmark: February 5	READING Benchmark: March 12
2019-2020 STAAR ALT Testing Window: March 30 - April 21		TELPAS & TELPAS ALT Testing Window: February 24 - April 3