Expectations |
Materials: 3-ring binder ( 1 ½-2”), 1-2 folders for assignments/handouts, lined paper (8x11 loose leaf), colored pencils (12+), pencil pouch, pencils, hand held pencil sharpener, highlighters (2-3), 8 ½ x 11” 70 page spiral notebook, and sticky notes. These materials are used REGULARLY in class.
Classroom rules: 1. Students are prompt (on time) to class and turn in completed/quality work on time. 2. Students are prepared daily with binder, materials, and assignments. 3. Students pay attention during instruction and class discussions. 4. Students participate during lessons/discussions/work time and ask questions to clarify concepts. 5. Students practice concepts by reviewing, studying, and finishing assignments. Absent work: In accordance with school policy, absent work is due within five school days of the absence. Assignments and quizzes will be recorded as a zero for absent students until they have been made up or turned in. Exceptions to this policy are major projects or writing assignments with due dates that have been assigned in advance. These should be turned in before the absence or the day following the student’s return. Homework: Students will have homework. This will include finishing and reviewing daily class work. Students will also have occasional writing assignments, which are sometimes completed on Utah Compose (an online writing program). This program can be accessed from school and home with the assigned user-name and password. (Web address: www.utahcompose.com). Computers are available before and after school for those who may not have computer access at home. Writing: Argumentative and informative writing are important parts of the 8th grade core. Students are asked to write several five to six paragraph essays throughout the year. Proficiency is determined through organization, use of conventions, word choice, and correct use of supporting evidence and elaboration. Quarterly Grammar Focus Points*: 1st: Parts of Speech and Punctuation 2nd: Part of Speech and Punctuation 3rd: Punctuation with emphasis on citing evidence and quotations 4th: Vocabulary (building vocabulary/confusing words/affixes) *This is a tentative schedule and is subject to change. Article of the Week: Students will read weekly informational articles. They will complete a short written assignment to build a reading comprehension skill. Classwork: We will give assignments to help students gain mastery of the standard being taught. Keep in mind, not all assignments will be graded. They will, however, be turned in and marked for completion. Computer Use: Since we write a lot in this class, we will use computers frequently. Computer usage is a privilege. Any student caught misusing a computer in any way (vandalism, random off-task browsing, etc.) may be denied access to the computer or even assessed fines for computer repair or replacement. REDO Assignment/Quiz Policy: If students receive a grade that is not proficient or merely proficient, they may retake/redo that assignment/quiz one time for a ‘mastery’ grade. In order to do this, they need to show understanding of the material by means of practice assignments/remediation. This opportunity only lasts until the Friday before the end of each quarter. Redos will be accepted for most assignments within a limited time period. Grading: There are three main components to your Language Arts grade: reading comprehension, vocabulary/grammar quizzes, and writing assignments. Mastery grading will be used to show proficiency as follows: Language Arts skills are assessed on a 4, 3, 2, 1 proficiency scale (also known as a rubric):
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a form of cheating. It is taking credit for another person’s work or ideas. Students need to complete their own work. The internet has many resources and is meant to be a tool for researching and gathering information, however, student work should not be copied from online sources. Any information from the internet that is three words or more should be cited so credit is given to the original author. Students caught plagiarizing will receive a zero on the assignment until they meet the standard independently. Parents will be notified by the teacher. Administration will become involved if necessary. Communication: If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We are here to help you be successful! The best way to communicate questions or concerns is through email. In most cases, we will respond within 24 hours. 8th grade Language Arts teachers: Paula Butterfield: [email protected] Christy Tohara: [email protected] Tammy Barber: [email protected] Cynthia Nye: [email protected] |