7th Grade English Language Arts Syllabus

2015-2016 Academic Year

Teacher:Miss Hastings
Classroom:E5

Phone:(302) 323-2760 ext. 1305

E-mail:khastings@colonial.k12.de.us

School Website:http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/schools/georgeread/
Teacher Website:http://kendrahastings.weebly.com/

Curriculum Overview
The curriculum used in the Colonial School District is aligned with the Common Core State
Standards for English Language Arts and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.
These standards focus on the following:
Reading for Literature;
Reading for Informational Text;
Writing;
Speaking and Listening; and
Language.
Seventh Grade Textbooks
We will use the McDougal Littell Literature Series. Due to the limited availability of textbooks,
students will not be permitted to take them home; however, the majority of the textbook is
available online. If you have regular access to the internet (at home, a friends, the local library,
etc.) please follow the directions to set up an account. When necessary, photocopies of the
story will be available for students to borrow. Additional texts used in class can also be located
on the teacher website.
Major Assessments
At least one major process-writing piece or text-based writing piece will be completed each
marking period. In addition to tests and quizzes within the Literature series, students will take
an assessment at the end of each unit. Periodically, District Common Assessments will be
given.
Supplies
Students should bring the following supplies to class daily:
Agenda (given to each student at the beginning of the school year)
1 Binder with 8 Dividers
Wide-Ruled Loose Leaf Paper
A Blue or Black Ink Pen
A Handheld Pencil Sharpener with a Cap for Shavings
A Pencil with an Eraser

Grades
Grades will be updated every two weeks. They can be accessed through the Home Access
Center (HAC).
Grading Policy
Grades will be based on the following common District ELA Grading Policy:
Category
Percentage
Examples
Assessments
35%
Process Writing Pieces, Unit Tests, Common
Assessments
Classwork
30%
Warm-Ups, Individual/Group Work/Practice
Homework
Quizzes

5%
30%

Handouts, Vocabulary, Grammar Practice

Flocabulary Vocabulary Tests, Quizzes

Certain assignments, such as projects, may be worth two or three classwork grades.
Report Card Grades
All grades will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Letter grades will then be
assigned based on the rounded percentage.
A = 90 to 100
B = 80 to 89
C = 70 to 79
D = 60 to 69
F = Below 60
Make-Up Work Policy
Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. If a student is absent for a test, text-based
writing assignment, or throughout various stages of the writing process, arrangements must be
made after school to complete the work. Upon returning to school, I will provide the missed
work. Students have the number of days they were absent to make up missed work. Please
contact me for extenuating circumstances.
Late Work Policy
All assignments are due when called for in class. However, all students are required to turn in
all of their assignments. If necessary, Working Lunch will be used to ensure that all work is
completed.
Consequences
Behaviors that interfere with class instruction and activities will result in actions such as verbal
redirections, private warnings, seat change, parent/guardian contacts, and administrative
referrals.
If you have any questions, please ask. Im looking forward to having a fabulous year at George
Read Middle School!