Language Arts Advanced Syllabus
Northwestern Middle School
Language Arts Syllabus
Grade 8 Advanced
Textbooks: Elements of Literature, Second Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 2003)
The Holt Handbook, Second Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 2003)
The Holt Reader: Interactive WorkText, Second Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston)
Selected grade-appropriate novels
Description of Course:
In Eighth Grade English Language Arts, students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language that now begins to extend beyond the school setting. They broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature while continuing to develop their own writing styles. They independently apply the steps of the writing process to produce, revise, and publish informational and literary essays drawn from research. The Middle Grades Writing Test and the CRCT serve as measures of what they have accomplished. The emphasis on strategic processing, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning continues and prepares students for rigorous tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T.).
Because this is an advanced course, expect a differentiated curriculum that includes higher level thinking, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. While we will be following the GPS curriculum, we will also compact and enrich the existing curriculum to meet the challenging needs of our gifted and advanced students.
Reading and Literature
- The student will read and analyze a variety of literary texts such as poetry, drama, short stories, and novels to acquire an understanding of the conventions of each form.
- The student will read and analyze a variety of informational texts to develop an understanding of organizational structures, such as cause and effect or comparison-contrast, and graphic features, such as diagrams and illustrations, which are typically found in nonfiction.
- The student will acquire new vocabulary and use it effectively in reading and writing.
- The student will recognize and trace the development of the author’s argument for and against an issue.
Reading across the Curriculum
- The student will read the equivalent of 1 million words per year from a variety of subject areas.
Writing
- The student will produce a variety of writings such as persuasive, narrative, expository, and response to literature.
- The student will use technology to research topics and to produce various products such as essays and presentations.
Conventions
- The student will learn and apply the rules of Standard English in written and oral language.
Listening, Speaking, and Viewing
- The student will participate in effective oral interaction with the teacher and with other students.
- The student will listen to and view various forms of media in order to gather and share information, persuade others, and express ideas.
Continuing Criteria for Advanced Classes
Students failing to meet the Continuation Criteria are automatically placed on probation. Probation may last for as little as one grading period, but can last no longer than one school year. Parents must be notified in writing when a student is placed on probation. A written plan explaining how a student can be removed from probationary status must be included in notification to the parent and student. In placing a student on probation, it should be considered that unsatisfactory performance in an advanced class would be documented with a grade <80%.
Classroom Management
Students will be expected to follow all school rules. Please see Agenda and the Fulton County Code of Conduct. Students are expected to be prepared, punctual, organized, and respectful of others.
Make-up Work Due to Absences
It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work for an absence. Upon returning to school, the student should request make-up work. The student must complete make-up work within the time specified by the teacher.
Grading
- Tests, major projects, and major writing assignments will make up 50% of the grade
- Quizzes, minor projects, and writing process assignments will make up 35%
- Homework and classwork will account for 15% of the grade
For more information on the NEW NMS grading policy, see pages 8-9 in the student agenda or the NMS website. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for affected assignments.
Projects
These may include research papers, book reports, presentations, and creative art projects.
Homework
Homework is assigned as necessary. Homework may take the form of reading, writing, research, projects, grammar practice, or studying for tests. Homework will be checked on the due date, and late homework will not receive credit.
Provisions for Improving Grades – Fulton County Policy
Provisions for improving grades are provided through recovery and must be completed ten days prior to the end of the semester. These opportunities are designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade (73 or below) when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
A student may request recovery work only once per course during each semester (or nine-week connections period). Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities.
Scheduled Help Sessions – also available by request in advance
Mrs. Street – First semester, Mrs. Street will be available on Mondays until 4:30. If this will need to be changed for the second semester, I will notify the students.
Teacher/Parent Communication
Email is the most efficient first line communication.
Mrs. Street’s address is: street@fultonschools.org and her blog page can be found at: http://wordonthestreet.edublogs.org/
In-person and phone conferences will be set up as needed. Please check your student’s agenda daily for important information.
