Paul D.

West Middle School

8
th
Grade TAG/Advanced Language Arts Syllabus
2!"#2!$
Ms. Ale%is &arns'orth
(arns'orth)(ultonschools.org
Mission State*ent
The mission of Paul D. West Middle is to educate our students to their
fullest potential so they will become responsible, productive citizens in
a global society.
+ourse Descri,tion
In
th
!rade "anguage #rts, students will build upon the foundation of
literary studies introduced in the seventh grade, and plunge deeper
into the study of writing and literature throughout the year using
e$tended informational and literary te$ts, short stories, and non%ction
te$ts. Instruction in writing will focus primarily on argumentative
analysis, narrative, and routine in&class e$ercises. 'mphasis will be on
strengthening grammar, vocabulary, and rhetoric as students complete
many multi&paragraph essays at this level. Throughout the year,
students will hone s(ills necessary for success on the th grade writing
assessment.
-nits o( Study
I. )arrative *eading and Writing+ Mapping ,ur "ives
II. #nalyzing )arrative and Identity+ The Outsiders
III. *esearching the Weird+ -ombies and .ultural Myth
I/. 0nderstanding 1istorical 2etting+ To Kill a Mockingbird
/. "aw and "iterature+ Crucible Moc( Trial
3*outine writing will occur throughout all units, including
re4ective 5ournaling, argumentative writing, and e$pository pieces.
!rammar instruction will also be given throughout all units.
32yllabus is sub5ect to change based on students6 interests and
areas in need of improvement.
Grading/Assess*ent
7our language arts grade will be determined based on the following
components+
.lasswor(8 1omewor( 9:;
Participation <course noteboo(= >:;
#ssessments ?:;
Pro5ects 9@;
Mid&term8 Ainal >@;
Probation (or Gi(ted Services
2tudents failing to meet the continuation criteria with unsatisfactory
performance in a content area of service as documented with a grade
B: are automatically placed on probation. Probation may last for as
little as one grading period but not more than one school year.
2tudents who do not show improvement after a period of time on
probation are dismissed from the program. Parents will be noti%ed in
writing when a student is placed on probation and prior to dismissal. If
dismissed, a student may re&enter the gifted program after one
semester upon meeting the speci%cations of continuation criteria.
.ecovery
!rade recovery opportunities will be allowed if a student6s performance
indicates a signi%cant decline in achievement or a failing cumulative
grade. *ecovery assignments are directly related to the course
ob5ectives. It is the student6s responsibility to contact the teacher
concerning recovery opportunities. *ecovery wor( will be oCered to
students the wee( following each D E wee( grading period. #ll
recovery wor( must be completed ten days prior to the end of the
semester.
PARENTAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LANGUAGE ARTS SYLLABUS
My signature below indicates that I have reviewed the course syllabus for
language arts with my child. I am aware of the grading and recovery policies
set forth by Paul D. West Middle School and agree to assist my child at home
with the content of this course.
Parent6s )ame+
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
"ast Airst
'mail
#ddress+FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Phone G to use+
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Parent8!uardian 2ignature+
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
2tudent
2ignature+FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Please contact me via e-mail should you have any questions or concerns