Course Syllabus



8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Course Syllabus

Tonia Albert

Skyridge Middle School

2013-14

Contact Information:

E-mail: tonia.albert@camas.wednet.edu

Web page: TBA (in progress)

Plan time: 10:00-11:16; 2:45-3:15 Room: 224

Phone: 833-5800 ext. 75754

Course Overview

The integrated Language Arts / Social Studies block is a broad survey of American history, which provides an authentic context for students to review, learn, practice, and hone crucial language arts skills. Students should expect challenging reading, writing, thinking, and speaking activities over the school year. The LA/SS block is taught as one integrated class with emphasis on US history content and language arts skills. We seek opportunities to enjoy literature that has historical connections. The curriculum allows students to explore areas of interest and gain both breadth and depth in their studies.

Please see the Curriculum Guide to be located on my webpage for more specific information on major units of study, projects, and Grade Level Assessments. Web page will go live in the next few weeks.

iPads

Students will also have the exciting opportunity to utilize a set of iPads during the year. The iPads allow students to complete digital based assignments, have research tools at their fingertips, and access vital resources. Students are expected to sign an iPad Use Contract in order to have this privilege. If this contract is broken, iPad privileges will be removed. iPads will be available to teachers on a “check out” basis as we are expecting to have some mobile carts available for classroom check out.

Google Drive

Each student has an active google drive account through his or her school log in. Students can simply use their UN plus the email ending @camas.wednet.edu to access this resource. Password is their school log in (note that this log in is DIFFERENT than Skyward access). Google drive is where we will share documents for peer revisions and teacher review. We will also compile student porfolios of best work throughout the year.

Communication

As students progress through school, parents often feel that they are out of touch with the happenings in their child’s academic lives. Communication requires partnership. I will commit to:

• Classroom updates via E-Newsletter monthly

• Updates on the Skyward grading system biweekly

• Useful information and resources posted on my webpage

• Return phone calls and email messages as promptly as possible

• Conference with parents as needed

I ask parents who desire more communication to do the following:

• Contact me if you are concerned or would like information about your student

• Feel free to email me as often as you like

• Let me know if there is a problem- we can work together to solve it

• Update contact information in the Skyward system, as I use it for group emails regarding LA/SS

Grading

A student’s grade is a reflection of his or her progress in learning. Letter grades will be awarded using the standard grading scale outlined in the Skyridge Student Handbook. The course grade is a combination of work done in both language arts and social studies.

Grades are posted on the Skyward grading system. The grades for all assignments completed in this block class will be found in the “Language Arts” class of Skyward. At the end of each six-week grading period, the grade earned in the block class will be entered into the “Social Studies” class in Skyward. (i.e. If a B is earned in Language Arts, a B will be entered in Social Studies too.) Parents are encouraged to check grades regularly. If you are new to the district, additional information regarding passwords and procedures for using this tool will be coming home in the next two weeks.

Late work receives a 10% reduction each day late to a maximum reduction of 50%. Late work due to unexcused absences is not accepted. Please see student handbook for policy on make up work from an excused absence.

Supplies

See the 8th grade supply list.

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