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| updated November 19, 2008 |
8th Grade English
Course Syllabus
2008-2009 School Year
Mr. Jibril
Room 410
Phone #: (619)582-8990 ext. 2410.
E-mail: jjibril@sandi.net
Description of 8th grade English:
The class offers a student-centered reading and writing workshop format. Students will have instruction and practice in reading and writing using a wide variety of materials in both fiction and non-fiction.
Units of study include the reading and writing of narrative texts, response to literature, research/persuasive writing, as well as a unit on functional documents.
Students will be reading and writing within specific units of study. For example, if we are reading persuasive texts, students will also practice writing persuasive letters and/or essays.
GOALS:
Each 8th grade student will demonstrate mastery of the goals based on the California Language Arts Standards for 8th grade and become an independent learner. The goals are as follows:
1. Improve their use of language and language conventions.
(Reading Standard 1.0, Written and Oral Standard 1.0).
2. Read 25 books at grade level from a variety of different authors and
genres. (Reading 2.0)
3. Write effectively for different audiences, following standard conventions
of written language, and using the steps of the writing process as needed.
(Writing 1.0)
4. Write in a variety of forms: literary responses, informational and
technical texts, and complete authentic writing tasks characteristic of real
world experiences. (Reading 3.0, Writing 2.0)
5. Listen to, view, and respond critically to a variety of multimedia
communications. (Listening and Speaking 1.0)
6. Deliver both formal and informal presentations, demonstrating effective
organizational strategies and delivery techniques. (Listening and
Speaking, 2.0)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
• Students must maintain a three ring binder with a separate section for this class. All assignments and handouts must be organized and kept in order.
• Students will maintain a spiral notebook for taking notes on reading and class discussions and grammar. This is called an English Notebook.
• Students will participate in paired or group work and class discussions.
• Students will work to the best of their ability and use class time effectively.
• Students will complete any unfinished class work at home the same evening. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make arrangements to make up any work given while he/she is absent. If a student is unable to come to school for any reason on the due date of a culminating project, it is the student’s responsibility to have someone bring the work to school on that date.
• Students will be evaluated on all material read in class or assigned for homework.
• Students will complete culminating projects, which will be due at the end of each unit.
• Students will read at home every day.
• Students will work independently on spelling and vocabulary practice.
HOMEWORK
• The standing homework requirement for this class is that all students must read for approximately 30 minutes each evening. Reading logs, signed by parents, reflection sheets, and book reports will be used to monitor this requirement. Reading logs (signed by parents) are due every Monday.
• Spelling practice will be given each Monday and will be due on the Friday of the same week. There will be a spelling test every Friday.
• If a student is unable to complete class work in the allotted time, he/she is responsible for taking the work home and completing it. Class lessons are built upon the work from the day before, so there is an expectation that the work has been completed.
• Other homework assignments will include vocabulary practice, research, writing practice, and projects.
LATE WORK
Projects and formal written papers may not be turned in late. All work may be revised for a better grade later, but if a student does not turn the work in on the due date he or she will receive reduced credit for that assignment when they do turn it in. Revisions will be accepted up to the last week of a grading period, but may not be evaluated in time to reflect the quality of the work for that grading period.
EXTRA CREDIT
Every Assignment is very important to individual and class progress. For this reason, no extra credit is accepted. If a student is working in a timely fashion and reworking a paper when asked to do so, there will be no need for extra credit.
EVALUATION
Academic grades are based upon point totals. Points are earned in various ways, including:
• Meeting California State Standards by completion of culminating projects and other assignments from the course curriculum.
• Completion of homework, which includes independent reading, reading logs, vocabulary and spelling assignments, and completing any assigned work not finished during class time.
• Maintenance of a good English Notebook, and an organized three ring binder with all handouts. This includes quantity, quality, organization, neatness, and completeness.
• Participation in class discussions, pair and group discussions and one-on-one conferences.
• Utilization of class time effectively and efficiently to complete assigned work which may include writing assignments, projects, and/or worksheets as well as partner work, group work, or individual work.
• Test scores are determined by a standard grading scale. Any student absent on a test date needs to arrange for an after school appointment to make up the test.
Academic grades are based on upon the percentage of points earned, compared to the percentage of points possible.
A = 90% to 100%
B = 80% to 89%
C = 70% to 79%
D = 60% to 69%
F = Any grade below 60%
Citizenship grades are based on effort, attitude, and contributions to a positive learning environment. All students begin the semester with an “S” in citizenship. The individual grades will go up or down according to how successfully the students adhere to the following standards:
1. Listen and follow directions at all times.
2. Bring working materials to class EVERY DAY (necessary materials are listed on the next page).
3. Be seated and ready to work before the bell rings. Students are to remain seated during my instruction and raise their hand to ask questions.
4. Be polite, courteous, and respectful to all classmates, the teacher, and any other guests. All comments must reflect respect.
5. Help to maintain a good working environment by staying on task, not bothering others while they are working, and keeping voices low while doing partner or group work.
6. Use class time for class work, not outside interests.
7. Respect the space and property of others. This includes school property as well as the property of your fellow students and the property of the teacher.
8. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
The Mann Middle School Code of Conduct will also be enforced.
MATERIALS NEEDED
• Three ring binder with clearly labeled dividers for each class. A binder will be provided by Mann Middle School; however any lost or damaged binders will not be replaced.
• Lined notebook paper
• #2 pencils—at least two of them
• A highlighter
HOME TO SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Open communication between parents and teachers is extremely important to the success of students. I will keep in touch with you through notes, phone calls, e-mails, and progress reports as much as possible. I will be sending home a progress report at the end of each month, so please ask your son/daughter for them. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Parents are always welcome in our classroom. If you want to just pop in and observe, please check in at the front office first.
ATTENDANCE
There is a direct relationship between attendance and grades. More time on task will usually bring about greater success. Absenteeism during the final days of a grading period when projects and culminating assignments are due will usually result in a severe drop in a student’s grade.
Students must attend class every day and be on time. Tardiness often results in missing directions and inconveniences the entire class. A student is considered tardy if they are not in class when the bell rings. In accordance with Mann Middle School policy, a student who receives three tardiness will serve a 30 minute detention, after school. If a student fails to attend detention, the number and length of days for detention will be doubled. Persistent tardies will not be tolerated and could result in parent conferences and additional consequences.
This syllabus is to be kept in the student binder. Please sign and return the next page to acknowledge you have read and understood my class expectations. Extra copies of the syllabus are available upon request.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
Mr. Jibril
English 8th Grade.
2008-2009
STUDENT
I, (please print your name) , have
read and understand the syllabus for Mr. Jibril’s English class.
Student Signature:
Date Period
PARENT/GUARDIAN
I, (please print your name) , have
read and discussed the syllabus for Mr. Jibril’s English class with my son/daughter. I realize these guidelines are intended to provide a good educational program and to help my son/daughter be successful. I will help by supporting these policies and working in partnership with the teacher. If I have a concern, I will discuss it with Mr. Jibril.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
PLEASE PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
Parent/Guardian Name:
Home Phone Number:
Work Phone Number:
Cell Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
(Indicate which you would like me to use to contact you by highlighting or circling)
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Horace Mann Middle School
Jamaal Jibril
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