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Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School8th Grade English Class Syllabusnikki.boleyjack@615-329-8400 Ext. 811669I look forward to a great year getting to know my students and helping them grow as readers and writers.Questions and comments are always welcomed. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. ~Ms. BoleyjackBA Communications & Fine Arts, The University of MemphisMA Curriculum & Instruction, The University of MemphisED S Administration & Supervision, Tennessee State UniversityIn 8th Grade ELA, there is a great emphasis on critical-thinking, problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills that are developed and enhanced through collaborative experiences while reading, writing and talking about texts. We will focus more specifically on analyzing textual evidence and developing thought provoking ARGUMENT, EXPLANATORY and NARRATIVE WRITING.Honors ELA Curricular MaterialsIFL Units & MNPS Scope & Sequence ()Springboard Close Reading Workshop (Consumable books and Springboard Digital)Summer Readings & Additional Extended Text NovelsOnline Educational Software ProgramsDistrictwide Secondary Literacy Priorities 2019-2020Core Action 3: Students are responsible for doing the thinking in the classroom.Elevate student voice in the classroom through speaking and writing by providing students with opportunities to share, explain, and defend their thinking through text-centered high quality instruction.MLK Schoolwide Literacy Focus 2019-2020All students will be exposed to rigorous, well-developed instruction that equips students to do the heavy-lifting, and engages them with a variety of complex texts and opportunities to share, explain and defend their thinking.MLK English Department Core Four Focus 2019-2020Academic VocabularyClose ReadingQuestioning the TextDepartment Specific Rubrics with Literacy SkillsDaily Materials:1-one subject spiral notebook 1-composition notebook1-pocket folder with prongs 2 inch three-ring binderPencils, Black or blue ink pens & highlighter Assigned TextsIndependent Reading BookSticky NotesNotebook PaperThe expectations, rewards/consequences and procedures of 8th grade English Language Arts are intended to keep the classroom environment safe, orderly, and productive. Please respect the rules so that we can maximize learning time together. Classroom Expectations 1. A cooperative working environment that allows all learners to think and focus. 2. Every student focused on learning for the full period. 3. Respectful interactions with other students and teachers.Classroom RulesBe Respectful *Use an appropriate voice at the appropriate time. *Display a positive attitude and actively participate in all lessons and activities. Be Responsible *Arrive to EACH class ON TIME--prepared to learn. *Bring all required materials to class EVERY day. This includes ALL texts assigned to class. *Complete all classwork and homework—when assigned. *Adhere to the assigned locker/bathroom break times. *Manage your transitional time so that you are in your seat, ready to learn at the beginning of class. *Keep your belongings IN your locker.Be Safe * *Follow all school, classroom expectations and procedures. *Stay in your assigned area(s) at ALL TIMES. Make sure an adult knows where you are at ALL TIMES. 5/5 Rules *Sharpening Pencil – ONLY During the first five (5) and last five (5) minutes of class. *Turning in Papers – Place papers in the designated area ONLY during the first five (5) and last five (5) minutes of class. *Picking up Graded Work – Pick up papers from the designated area ONLY during the first five (5) and last five (5) minutes of class. Cellphones- Students are to cut cellphones and other electronic devices off upon arrival and stored in a designated area. If cellphones are needed for instructional purposes, you will be allowed to use them.1st: Violation-Warning2nd Violation-Call Parent3rd Violation-Phone will be confiscated by teacher.*Throwing away trash – Hold trash at your desk—do not throw paper at the can. Discard trash upon exit. *EXITS: There will be NO EXITS (emergency) during the first and last 5 minutes of the class. As our goal is to maximize instructional time, all ‘emergencies’ will be evaluated on a case by case basis. ***NEVER LEAVE THE ROOM WITHOUT THE HALL PASS FROM THE TEACHER*** Procedure for the End of Class and Class Dismissal Right before the bell rings everyone should: be in assigned seat, be quiet, gather all their materials--pick up all paper and trash from the floor and waiting for the teacher to dismiss the class. Discipline PolicyMLK’s schoolwide discipline policy supports Restorative Practices that resolve disciplinary problems in a cooperative and constructive way. The program is based on respect, responsibility, relationship-building, and relationship-repairing. Offenses will be assessed based on the infraction codes found on the MNPS Discipline Table. Records of offenses will be documented in Infinite Campus Support & Intervention. Teacher Level Rewards 1. Positive Praise/Phone Call(s) home 2. Individual reward (as determined by teacher) 3. Class reward (as determined by teacher) Teacher Level Consequences Verbal warning/Re-direction Written ReflectionStudent/Teacher Conferences/Parent ContactBehavior Contract/Parent ContactRestorative Circle: Informal or formal as needed during the discipline process depending on the offense (Peace Center Request Forms will be available for students.)* Serious offenses can result in more severe consequences regardless of previous steps takenSchool Attendance ProcessTurn in absence note to the front office upon arrival to school. 1-2 Absences: Teacher talks to student and call parents. Enter in S & I4 Absences: Teacher refers to School Counselor. Enter in S & I5 Absences: Attendance Secretary runs attendance report every week to identify 5+ unexcused and excused absences. 5 or more unexcused absences could lead to truancy letter. 7 Unexcused Absences: Attendance Conference10 Unexcused Absences: Attendance CourtNote: It is YOUR job to check the designated area for missed/make-up work, Schoology and class website. All work is due within three (3) days of the absence. Additional time may be extended for lengthy absences. MLK Tardy PolicySign tardy log in binder. Place tardy excuse note in the designated area; the teacher will collect it.1st Time: Confer with teacher2nd time: Parent Contact3rd time: Referral/Parent ContactDocument in S & IGrading Policy/Scale *At MLK, we follow the attached Standards-Based Grading Practices. The grading scale is: 93-100 A 85-92 B 75- 84 C 70-74 D 0 – 69 FRetakes: “Multiple Opportunities” does not always mean there will be retakes or redos on assessments. Retakes will be offered when appropriate. Students who score an 85% or less on summative assessments who are eligible for a retake/redo must notify the teacher and submit the attached retake form within 5 days of the original test. Plagiarism:PLAGIARISM IS CHEATING! USING ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE TO SOMEONE ELSE’S WORDS IS ILLEGAL. THE ENTIRE ASSIGNMENT WILL BE GIVEN A ZERO. ORIGINAL THOUGHT IS ALWAYS BETTER. According to , plagiarism is defined as “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.” When plagiarism and cheating can be proven, a student will earn a “0” for the assignment.PLT/Study Hall: Please see attached guidelines and signature page.Technology Students have more opportunities to utilize technology than ever before! In accordance with TNReady Standards, students are expected to become proficient in 21st Century competencies in many areas including accessing texts and information and the presentation of the same. We are fortunate to have class computer cart assigned to our ELA classroom for daily use. Students must use the laptops responsibly and notify the teacher immediately of any issues or repairs. In order to check-out a laptop to be used in other classrooms in the building, you must leave your student id in the designated area and pick it up upon returning the laptop to the computer cart. Homework expected each week: Membean (15 mins daily) Membean, the online, interactive vocabulary program, will be utilized in Grades 7-9.? The program may be utilized in Grades 10-12.? Teachers of the same grade level (not necessarily the same course) need to reach consensus about its use in grades 10-12.? (That is to say, one teacher at grade level cannot require his or her students to use the program while the other does not require his or her students to use the program.)??Students must complete a minimum of 6 15-minute training sessions biweekly, or 90 minutes of training time biweekly, or 45 minutes of training time per week (3 15-minute training sessions per week).?Students will receive a reduction of five points for each day under six they do not train. ?Students in grades 7-9 will receive one fifteen-minute training session in class per week in the 1st Quarter.Each Membean grade will consist of a biweekly quiz (60%) and an acknowledgement of practice time (40%). The Membean grade will be placed in the Homework category.?Students must complete the minimum amount of training time in order to be quiz-ready. Students who complete less than half of the time between biweekly quizzes will receive a 0 for the Membean grade.Students will receive credit for biweekly training according to this scale:90 minutes = 40 pts.89 – 80 minutes = 36 pts.79 – 70 minutes = 32 pts.69 – 60 minutes = 28 pts.59 – 50 minutes = 24 ptsBelow 50 minutes = 20 pts.Student growth will be measured by accuracy at the end of each quarter and will count as an additional assessment grade. This assessment will be placed in the Summative category: 80 – 100% accuracy = 10070 – 79% accuracy = 9060 - 69 accuracy = 8050 - 59 accuracy = 70Below 50% accuracy = 50Quarterly, midterm, and final assessments will be administered at the discretion of each teacher.The requirements for Membean will be uniform across all grade levels.Additional Online Resources: Students will be responsible for completing additional homework and classwork assignments using the following websites:Common LitNewselaNo Red InkRead WorksIndependent Reading Students are STRONGLY encouraged to read independently throughout the school year. Students are required to set a 30-book yearly goal. Students choose novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Students will be responsible for recording new vocabulary, keeping a reading response journal and sharing their reading through Book Talks. Students may select novels from the classroom library, school library or Limitless Libraries. Please note that the 8th grade classroom libraries may include some books that are considered to be Young Adult Literature (YA), in addition to some children’s literature. Children’s literature is geared toward ages 12 and under while YA is geared toward ages 13-18. We understand that sometimes these books have content that parents may find inappropriate for their child. If you would prefer for your child to not read YA novels, please send a note, either through your child or via e-mail, and we will not check out a YA novel to your child. You are welcome to contact us via e-mail or phone with any questions regarding this matter.Article of the Week: Students must show evidence of close-reading and be prepared for group and whole-class discussions.Most students can complete at least some if not all of this in study hall. If students are having difficulty finishing, they should meet with teacher to discuss a homework schedule that works. Alternate Text Selection PolicyShould a parent wish for his or her child not to read a chosen literary selection, he or she should contact the child’s English teacher prior to the beginning of the unit of study for an appropriate alternative text designated by the English department.?Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School8th Grade English Class SyllabusMs. N. BoleyjackStudent Name: _______________________________________________________________ Student: I have read and understand the 8th grade English course expectations. By signing below, I agree to follow and adhere to the information contained in the syllabus. Student Signature: ____________________________________Date: ___________________ Parent/Guardian: I have read and understand the 8th grade course expectations and have discussed the expectations outlined above with my son or daughter. Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Date: ______________Parent Email Address (Please print neatly)Parent Contact Number(s): ______________________________________________________________________Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School8th Grade English Class Texts 2019-2020Please see below an overview of the texts that will be covered this school year. There may be additions, changes or adjustments to the list during the course of the school year.Quarter 1 Essential Question: How do others’ perceptions of us shape our perceptions of ourselves? Summer ReadingThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonThe Children of Bone and Blood by Tomi AdeyemiReading Focus Text-Set A ? “Freak the Geek” by John Green (IFL)? “It’s That It Hurts” by Tomas Rivera (IFL)Text-Set B ? “Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes ? “Why Teenagers Act Crazy” New York Times Meta-perceptions: How Do You See Yourself? By Carlin Flora JohnsonSPRINGBOARD: “This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie”Writing Focus: Argumentative (Synthesis) Writing & Narrative Writing Quarter 2: Essential Question: How does failure impact identity? Reading Focus Text-Set A ? “Lolo’s No Choke” by Sean Gregory (IFL) ? “The Art of Failure” by Malcolm Gladwell (IFL) ? "Neurologists Explain How Olympic Athletes' Brains Help Them Pull Off Those McTwists and Triple Lutzes" by Susan Svrluga Text-Set B ? "10 Wildly Successful People on How They View Failure" by Jared Lindzon ? “The Fringe Benefits of Failure” by J.K. Rowling ? "'Sully' Sullenberger Remembers the Miracle on the Hudson" by Newsweek Special Edition Staff ? “The Friday Everything Changed" by Anne Hart EXTENDED TEXT: The Pearl by John Steinbeck (Student Copy Required)SPRINBOARD: “Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat” by Winston ChurchillWriting Focus: Informational/Explanatory Writing H GRADE ELA YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE 2019-20 UPDATED 05/29/19Quarter 3: Essential Question: What happens when people fail to live up to their perceptions of themselves? Reading Focus Text Set A ? United States Declaration of Independence ? “Learning to Read and Write” by Frederick Douglass ? “Red Cloud’s Speech After Wounded Knee” ? “Why I Love a Country That OnceBetrayed Me” by George Takei ? “Danger of a Single Story” by Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie Text Set B ? “Viewpoint: His Dark Charisma” by Laurence Rees ? “The Story of the Conflict” by Lucy Rodgers, David Gritten, James Offer and Patrick Asare for BBC News EXTENDED TEXT: ? The Diary of Anne Frank (drama) (textbook p. 855) SPRINBOARD: “To the National American Woman Suffrage Association” by Florence KelleyWriting Focus: Argument Writing Quarter 4:Essential Question: How do people use their understanding of who they are to become agents for change? Reading Focus Text Set A ? “What Makes an Activist? By E.J. Graff ? “Latino Americans: Los Angeles Walkout” PBS video clip ? “Daughter of Invention” by Julia Alvarez ? “Environmental Activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: A Teen on the Front LinesText Set B ? “A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell ? “Opinion: Proposed police reforms come from all corners, cover broad range” by Ken Armstrong ? “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker ? “An Obstacle” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman EXTENDED TEXT: Strong Inside: (Young Readers Edition) The True Story of How Perry Wallace Broke College Basketball’s Color Line by Andrew Maraniss SPRINGBOARD: “From the Defence of Fort McHenry” by Francis Scott Key Writing Focus: Review of Narrative, Explanatory, and Argumentative Writing ................
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