Ms. BackusRoom 232School Phone: 607-655-8247Email: cbackus@windsor-csd.orgPlanning Periods: 4/5, 6, 7/ 8 and Mod 11

Welcome to 8th Grade English Class!

Course Description:The 8th grade ELA curriculum will be geared toward the reading and writing process, with a focus on critical thinking. The focal point of every learning objective will. Lessons developed will coincide with the new Common Core Curriculum Standards. A more in depth explanation may be viewed at the following website:

Common Core Curriculum Standards:http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards/english-language-arts-standards

Course Materials List One inch three ring binder/5 subject notebook plus Folder Loose leaf paper Pens/pencils Highlighters/colored pencils

Note: If you have any problems acquiring the required class materials, please see me individually, and I will help you obtain them.

Grading/Assessment:Grades are based on a variety of assessment methods, including, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, bellringers, writing assignments, independent reading projects, vocabulary work, class work, homework, and projects.

Grades are calculated and based on a percentage system: Homework: 10% Class work: 30% Participation: 10% Paragraphs and Essays (writing tasks): 30% Exams/quizzes/projects: 20%

Absences/ Makeup Work Missing class work will seriously impact all parts of evaluation. It is the student’s

responsibility to make up all missed work, and arrangements should be made with the teacher upon the students return to class. The amount of time allowed for make-up work will be determined from the length of the excused absence.

Late Work All work should be turned in on time unless the teacher has been made aware of and

accepts the validity of an extenuating circumstance.

Class Expectations (materials):For English class each day, you will need the following materials:

writing utensils (pen or pencil) paper binder or folder silent reading book textbook, handouts, etc. completed homework assignments

Course Texts: Throughout the course, we will read fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, newspaper articles and novels. These texts will derive from various anthologies. In addition, we will be reading texts from the Common Core Module Curriculum. Using the web address below, you can explore these texts http://www.engageny.org/english-language-arts

Module 1: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha LaiModule 2A: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeModule 2B: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William ShakespeareModule 3A: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura HillenbrandModule 4: The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Young Reader’s Edition by Michael Pollan

NYS Modules:The State Department of Education has provided teachers with ELA modules, which are in essence a prescribed curriculum. For each module, the students will be reading a central novel and having supplemental texts to complement the themes and issues of the novel. The modules are setting a precedent for a more rigorous curriculum linked to the newly emplaced Common Core Nationalized Standards. The NYS ELA tests will be directly linked to the modules and will help prepare students statewide for college and career readiness.

Module Based Texts:Every student will be provided with their own copy of the novel by the Windsor Central School District. It is the responsibility of the student to keep the book in good condition, bring it daily to class, and be expected to take it home in order to complete the assigned reading homework. At the end of the school year, a Student Obligations Report is to be completed by the teacher. The students will be responsible for paying the full current price for any lost or damaged book, given these are brand new copies.

Module Bases Workbooks:To help make the modules easier to follow and keep students organized, we have created module workbooks for each unit. The workbooks will be kept in class at all times to limit lost or damaged workbooks. Unless a student is absent for a prolonged period of time or needs to make up important lessons/classwork, they will be sent home with the student. It is crucial that they are returned after making up the missed work. The entire module, in terms of cumulative work for the year will be contained in these workbooks. During several points in the year, students will be able to use past assignments for open notebook tests and quizzes.

The ELA Exam:During the spring, you will take the New York State English Language Arts Exam. We will be working on the skills necessary to succeed on this test throughout the year, and we will review closer to the exam date.

Extra Help:I encourage you to obtain extra help whenever you find yourself struggling, miss class, and/or need clarification. If you are absent from a class for any reason, you are responsible to attain and make up your work.

Classroom Rules and Consequences

In order for our class to run smoothly and for all of your classmates to excel, we must have rules that everyone follows and respects. Please make sure you understand and follow these rules throughout the year.

1. Respect everyone in the classroom: In order for you and your classmates to do your best and feel comfortable in the classroom, everyone must be respected and valued. This means you must treat your peers, teachers, or substitutes with respect. Respect includes, listening to your peers, raising your hand to speak, being kind through words and actions, and valuing everyone’s opinion.

2. Be on time: Every day we will begin class on time and commence with a bellringer. The expectation is that you will be in your seat before the bell rings and begin to work on the bellringer. If you enter class late, for any reason, please quietly take your seat and do not distract others.

3. Be prepared for class: (Refer to the class expectations section)

4. Stay quiet during independent work and silent reading.

5. Participate during group/ partner work: Being a part of a group allows you to express your opinion, learn from others, and teach other students. However, if you do not participate, the effectiveness of the entire group as a whole suffers.

6. Do not talk while your teachers or peers are speaking.

7. Do your best and stay positive! Everyone is capable of giving his or her best every single day

As always, during class, you are expected to follow all Windsor Middle School rules.

Consequences:1. Verbal warning2. Seat change3. Phone call home/ C.C./ Referral to the Principal

English Language Arts: Grade 8Windsor Middle School

Ms. Backus

Checklist

_______ Three ring binder (1 inch or larger)/5 subject notebook plus folder

______Loose leaf paper

______Pens/ pencils

______Highlighters/colored pencils

Due on: __________________________________________

Name: ____________________________________________

I have read the English Language Arts 8 syllabus and understand the course requirements, texts, and expectations.

Student’s Name______________________________________________________________________________(Printed)

Student’s Signature__________________________________________________________________________

I have read the English Language Arts 8 syllabus and understand the course requirements, texts, and expectations.

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name___________________________________________________________________(Printed)

Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature_______________________________________________________________