Andover Middle School �FROM EXCELLENCE TO EMINENCE� Language Arts & ESOL Department 2010-2011Course Syllabus Language Arts 2 and Language Arts through ESOL Course Number: 100101001/ 100200002 Course Title: M/J Language Arts 2 Course Length: 1 year Course Outline: The purpose of this course is to provide integrated educational experiences in the language arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and literature. This course provides educational experiences, which develop English language arts concepts and skills. The course will include technology for students to develop competencies in the language arts. Textbook: Elements of Literature Holt, Rinehart and Winston Writing and Grammar Prentice Hall � Copper Technology: Riverdeep, Compass Learning, and FCAT Explorer Curriculum Content: The content includes the study of literature, the use of the writing process, and the application of reading, listening, speaking, critical thinking and study skills. Students will apply their knowledge on how language arts skills apply to their daily life and work. The teacher will accommodate student learning tasks and materials to meet the individual needs of students. Materials: Students are required to have the following: 1 pocket folder with prongs, a composition book, highlighters, colored pencils, loose leaf paper, No. 2 pencils, ink pens (blue or black), and a book to read daily. Please note: It is a requirement that students have their notebooks at all times. Notebooks are checked periodically for a grade. Home Learning (Homework) Home learning is integral in fostering the academic achievement of students and in extending school activities into the home and the community. Regular home learning provides opportunities for developmental practice, drill, the application of skills already learned, the development of independent study skills, enrichment activities, and self-discipline. Students will receive home learning assignments daily. Home learning is expected to be submitted the following class meeting. Students are also required to read for a minimum of 30 minutes each night. Andover Reading Plan Students are required to read a minimum of five (5) books each nine (9) weeks, one will be a class novel. In addition, students will be required to document reading on a daily reading log and students take a minimum of five (5) Accelerated Reader test on all books read. Students are required to bring a book and their reading log daily. Grading Scale A � 90 � 100 % or 3.50 and above B � 80 � 89 % or 2.54 � 3.49 C � 70 � 79% or 1.50 � 2.49 D � 60 � 69% or 1.00 � 1.49 F � 0 � 59% or 0 - .9 Interim Progress Reports are issued to all students approximately four and a half weeks after each quarter begins. This report will inform students and parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student�s progress in reading. As per school policy, students will receive a minimum of two (2) grades per week. Andover�s Attendance and Tardy Policy The Language Arts/ESOL department follows the Miami-Dade County Public School attendance and tardy policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct handbook. Please note if students are tardy to class during the school day it will affect his/her conduct grade. Classroom Rules/Responsibilities Your child s Language Arts/ ESOL teacher will inform you of his/her classroom and procedures. Please ensure that your son/daughter adheres to the school board regarding the following: *Electronic devices . i.e. MP3 players (Ipod), PSP�s, Game Boy, and cell phones are not allowed in student�s possession during classroom instruction. Students will risk having these items confiscated for the day. *General disruption is prohibited i.e. swearing, fighting, defiance, and/or leaving class without permission. Classroom Procedures /Consequences Make up Work: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student�s responsibility to contact the teacher to request make-up work. The student will have the same amount of time to make up the work as the student was absent, unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up work if the absence is �excused.� Failure to do so will result in the students receiving a �0�. Students and parents may go to the website http://www.classjump.com/msttaylorsclass/to check for homework assignments, upcoming activities, and other relevant information. Once on the website, simply type the teachers last name and �enter�. A list of teachers will then appear. Scroll down to locate teachers name and select view site. A list of updates will then appear.
Please be advised that during the year your child may be photographed, videotaped or interviewed at various school sponsored events.
Should you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact the teacher.

Andover Middle School
Tiffany Taylor