8th GRADE READING

Rasheda Dean and Paige Vogel

Room E-110 |2018-2019

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Eighth grade Reading is designed to prepare students to meet the challenging literacy requirements. The
curriculum is based on the Grade 8 Georgia Performance Standards. Reading efficiency is enhanced
through students’ increased understanding of how to construct meaning from narrative, expository, and
digital literature. The ongoing development and reinforcement of comprehension strategies promote
independent reading and learning. Opportunities for self-selection of reading material further promote
independent reading, as students chose literature that will challenge and be at a high interest level.
Integrated units will allow students to read and study literature that connects with the learning that is
taking place in other content areas. A variety of assessment tools will be used to show growth and
achievement outcomes.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

 Be respectful to others, including teachers, staff, students, parents, and visitors.

 We are a learning community; therefore, use language that encourages learning and shows your
respect for others. Bullying and inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
 Respect class time. Complete all assignments on time. Come prepared to learn and to contribute to
classroom discussions.
 Be in your seat when the bell rings. If you are not in your seat, then you will be marked tardy.
 Most food and drinks are not permitted in class. Only bottled water is acceptable.
 All maintenance activities need to be completed before class begins. This includes pencil
sharpening, using the restroom, and visiting your locker.
 We will use technology in class; however, you are responsible for securing electronic items in a safe
location when not in use. Student cell-phones and other electronic items may only be used during
class time for instructional purposes. Students are responsible for all technology utilized in class.
 Respect property. This includes your own materials, other’s materials, and the teacher’s
materials. Ask permission to use any materials that do not belong to you.
 Listen carefully to directions. Ask questions if you do not understand something.

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES:

In accordance with the AVID initiative, all students are required to keep one binder. The binder will be
complete with a Reading section. Students are also expected to keep the following supplies: composition
notebook, notebook paper, pencils and pens (red and black), sticky notes, highlighter, and index cards.
Markers, colored pencils, etc. are available in class, but students may enjoy the benefits of having their
own supplies.

TEXTBOOK AND READING INFORMATION:

There is no assigned textbook for this course. Students will engage in a variety of reading tasks, covering
both fiction and nonfiction, self-selected and assigned. Short stories are instrumental when used to
introduce, model, and practice successful reading comprehension strategies. The short story compilations
planned for discussion during this course include: French Kiss: and Other Traumas by Adam Bagdasarian,
The Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut, and At the Mouth of a River of Bees by Kij Johnson. Please review the
Novel Consent and Reading Inventory Survey to explore the title selection. Most books are provided by the
school to students; however, students will be responsible for replacing any lost or damaged books.

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GRADING SCALE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
A 90+ Major Assignments (tests, project) 40 40%

FALL SEMESTER

SPRING SEMESTER
%
B 80-89 Minor Assessments (quiz, short writing) 30 30%
%
C 70-79 Common Assessments 10 10%
%
F below 69 Classwork 15 15%
%
Homework 5% 5%
Final Exam 10 10
% %

Check Home Access (HAC) regularly to stay updated on grades and assignments. Students should record
all assignments and due dates in their agendas.

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND BEHAVIOR:

Cases of cheating and/or plagiarism are handled in accordance with school policy. Plagiarism is the use of
another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of
plagiarism include, but are not limited to, the following actions: (1) using words or ideas from a published
source without proper documentation n; (2) using the work of another student (i.e. copying another
student’s homework, composition, or project); (3) using excessive editing suggestions of another student,
teacher, parent, or paid editor. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is
not acceptable. Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of
the student code of conduct. To avoid plagiarism, the student must document all sources consulted or used
in the preparation of a document or presentation. This includes sources from online resources. If you are
caught cheating on any assignment, the incident will be reported to the administration and your parents. If
you see or hear of anyone cheating, it is your duty to report it.

All students are expected to follow the guidelines listed in The Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook. A
copy of the handbook is available on the Elkins Pointe Middle School website. Students demonstrating
inappropriate behaviors can expect the following actions:

 1st Offense: Teacher Supervised Consequence (Warning, Silent Lunch, etc.)

 2nd Offense: Parent Notification & Teacher Supervised Consequence
 3rd Offense: Parent and Teacher Conference & Teacher Supervised Consequence
 4th Offense: Parent Notification & Referral to School Administration
TECHNOLOGY

Once issued, all students are required to bring their school-issued laptop to class each day. Laptops should
be charged before students come to school each day.

There is a myriad of technology-based websites we will use for instructional and/or assessment purposes
(USA Test Prep, Common Lit, Go Formative, etc.). You must register using your real name since many of
these tools will be used for assessment purposes. If you have already created an account for another class,
you may continue using that same account. These sites are free for educational usage. Additional
information will be given before using these tools. While students may be asked to use technology during
instruction, it is not appropriate for students to use their technology for personal reasons during
instructional time. If a student’s technology becomes disruptive to the learning environment, a teacher
may confiscate the device from the student.

HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS:

Students will have homework most nights; however, it should not take longer than 30 minutes.

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY

8th grade Reading Syllabus | 2

Making-up work due to an absence is the responsibility of the student. You have the number of days that
you were absent to make up the assignment (For example: If you are absent for one day, then you have
one day to complete the missed work.) If you are absent on test day, come see me immediately to
schedule a time for you to take the test. Failure to complete make-up work in accordance with the policies
set forth in the syllabus will result in a "0." Students who are present for any part of the day are expected
to turn in assignments that are due on that day. It is the student's responsibility to turn in the assignments
to the teacher.

RECOVERY AND RETEST POLICY:

All teachers will offer recovery to students who receive a grade of 70 or below on any major assignment.
Students must earn this opportunity through additional practice, and the maximum grade possible on
recovery is 70%. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative
grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has
demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements. This may include attending a help
session outside of classroom hours. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities
because the recovery process is the responsibility of the student. All recovery work must be directly
related to course objectives and must be completed by the deadline determined by the teacher. Teachers
will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.

HELP SESSIONS:

I am available most mornings by appointment and whenever help is needed. Please see me as soon as
possible for extra help, make-up work, grade concerns, etc. If you are coming for a morning help session,
please be sure to have a pass before you arrive at school because the teachers on-duty will not allow any
students to access grade-level halls before the bell rings in the morning. Only a teacher may provide a
pass

TEACHER/PARENT COMMUNICATION:

Formal progress reports will be sent home twice per term. At the mid-point and conclusion of the nine
weeks. I will also contact parents regarding specific academic or behavioral performance by phone or
email as needed. The best way to contact me is via email. Parents without access to email may
contact me by sending a note with their student. I will make every effort to respond within 24 hours.

TEACHER CONTACT:

The best way to contact your teacher is via rasheda.dean rashedadean.weebly.com

email. All social media pages are for school
use only. I expect all students to be
positive digital citizens while using
social media. rashedadean deanr@fultonschools.org

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SYLLABUS SCAVENGER HUNT

DIRECTIONS: Review your syllabus either individually or with your group mates. For each question, locate
the correct information in your syllabus and write the answer in the corresponding box.

What is/are my teacher(s) name(s)?

Will there be a final exam in this class this year?

Do you remember your USA Test Prep log in

information? What is it?

List the materials/supplies you should have for

this class.

What weight (percentage) is given to tests in the

gradebook each semester?

What is the highest you can earn on a recovery

assignment?

When are help sessions offered?

What is the best way to communicate with the

teacher?

How many days do you have to make up a missed

assignment?

When is the Novel Consent and Reading Inventory

Survey (last page) due to your teacher?

8th grade Reading Syllabus | 4