Intensive Reading

SYLLABUS, COURSE OVERVIEW, AND UNIT PLANS

Spruce Creek High School
2017 2018
Ms. Chelsea Ambrose
School Phone: 322-6272
E-mail address: ceambros@volusia.k12.fl.us

The purpose of this course is to provide instruction that enables students to accelerate the
development of reading and writing skills and to strengthen those skills so students can
successfully read and write grade level text independently.

Students enrolled in this course will explore how authors draw upon and transform source
material in the development of central ideas. Students will analyze how authors shape, refine, and
transform shared central ideas as they read a variety of thematically related poems, short
stories, and non-fiction texts embedded in two instructional modules. Students will close read,
annotate text, develop strategies for vocabulary acquisition, and participate in evidence based
class discussions and writing.

GRADE SCALE: A = 90%

B = 80%
C = 70%
D = 60%

GRADING POLICY:
Three types of measurements will be used when looking at student achievement: diagnostic,
formative and summative, with most of the weight of the grade based on performance in
summative assessments. Examples of each assessment are as follows:

Diagnostic pretests, informal observation, participation in class, etc.

40% - Formative quizzes, teacher questions, homework, group work, etc.
60 % - Summative formal observations, tests, projects, etc.

Proficiency (70% or higher) on summative assessments will be critical to students receiving a

passing grade for class.

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MAKE UP & LATE WORK:
Make-up assignments are due in as many days as the student is legally excused from class-
EXCEPT WHEN THERE HAS BEEN A PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ASSIGNMENT OR
EVALUATION DUE DATE GIVEN! If you attend school on the date an assignment is due
regardless of whether or not you attend this class - the assignment is still due that day!
Announced exams are to be taken on the announced day (Friday) - even if you are absent the
day before. Make-up exams (and quizzes) WILL be given in a timely manner, as determined by the
teacher!! All make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Failure to complete or
participate will result in 0 points for that assignment.

LATE SUBMISSIONS ALONE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT. Students will
be provided an alternative assignment of equal or greater rigor to ensure student learning has
occurred. Points acquired from the alternative assignment will be used to replace points which
would have been earned on the original assignment.

HONOR CODE VIOLATIONS:

Cheating is ethically & morally wrong not to mention academically dangerous. The following are
considered examples:
1. Copying another students work. Pointing out where an answer can be found is not
considered a violation.
2. Unless specifically stated, it is a violation to:
- work together on assignments
- divide segments of an assignment & exchange completed work
- scan work
- cut & paste typed work completed by another
- concluding an assignment without completing all the work assigned (chapter
outlines, study questions, etc.
3. Students from one class sharing information of any kind about a quiz or exam with
students from another class.
4. Plagiarism is a serious violation. Anytime a student fails to give credit to a source or
quote directly from a source without citing it is in violation.

Consequences of honor code violations can & will be detrimental.

1. Copying someone elses work will result in a 0 for BOTH papers.
2. Copying during exams or quizzes will result in a 0.
3. Guidance counselors will be notified.
4. Parents will be notified.
5. Disclosure of violations will be presented to the Deans office, other teachers,
prospective college & university admission offices, scholarship selection committees,
etc.
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CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS -
1 Come to class prepared (pen, notebook, etc.).
2 Cell phones are to remain in a backpack unless the instruction requires the use of
technology.
3 Be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings.
4 Be respectful to everyone.
5 Do not leave your seat or the room without permission.
6 No food or drinks in the class.
7 The procedures and policies of Spruce Creeks Discipline Plan will be followed. It is the
students responsibility to be familiar and to adhere to the code of conduct.

VIEWING OF PG-13 MOVIE RELEASE

Often appropriate PG-13 movies or sections of PG-13 movies can be utilized effectively to enrich
classroom instruction and accomplish identified objectives. If you give permission for your child
to view such materials, you do not have to do anything. (NOTE: NO sections of R rated movies
will ever be shown per Volusia County School Board policy.)
If you do NOT wish to grant permission for your child to view any PG-13 movies or sections of
PG-13 movies identified by the teacher as effective in teaching the curriculum, please contact me
via e-mail at edesposi@volusia.k12.fl.us or send a note in with your student.

TEXT/****MATERIALS*******:
***********************
All Students must have a spiral notebook (11 x 8 ) to be used as an interactive notebook
for the year. Students need to see me if they have difficulty locating this type of
notebook. ******** Spiral notebooks must be in class by Friday August 18th*********

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(Please detach and return this section)

We (I) have read the attached syllabus for 2017 - 2018

We (I) understand that my child is responsible for bringing a 11 x 8 spiral notebook to class
by August 18, 2017 Please contact me if you require assistance acquiring this notebook.

Student name (print first & last) ______________________________________Period ____

Student Signature __________________________________________________________

Parent Contact Information:

Name _______________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________

Name _______________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________

Parent Name (Print)_________________________________________________________

Parent Signature ___________________________________________________________

Phone/Cell Phone

Name _______________________ Phone/Cell Number __________________________

Name _______________________ Phone/Cell Number __________________________