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Course Description:  This course will focus on analyzing literature (stories, novels, tales, poetry, mythology, drama, and nonfiction) through critical thinking activities.  Such activities may include but are not limited to: responses to literature using textual evidence, dissecting grammar and usage within the text, and writing expository, persuasive, narrative, and research pieces. We will examine the writing process: planning, drafting, revising, editing, and proofing with emphasis on preparing for the 8^th grade Georgia Writing Test. Because students are enrolled in a high school level class, there are higher expectations for students than regular 8th grade classes.  This course will require a focus on learning, a willingness to work independently, an understanding that the work will be challenging, and a desire to succeed. 

Special Note:  My goal is that each and every student will experience personal success in the classroom.  To achieve this success, a safe and secure work environment is necessary.  All students are expected to respect themselves, each other, and their teacher. 

Supplies

• 3 ring binder to hold all paperwork and handouts
• blue or black ink pens
• loose leaf paper
• assigned text or novel when reading (provided by the school)
• computer disk or flash drive when needed
  
   

Assignment/Grading

*Grading Weights:

Daily work/Homework/Journals                                          

Tests/Projects                                                                      

END OF COURSE TEST (EOCT)                               15%

Requirements: 

If a student is absent, the student must take a re-take (during the online EOCT retest days.)   No student can be exempt from the EOCT. The EOCT must make up 15% of the student's final grade (by State Board Of Education rule).  

The criteria for earning the Carnegie Unit for 9^th grade Literature/Composition is a yearly average of at least 70%.

Notebook Sections:

Journal/Notes

Class work/Homework

Graded Papers (Tests and Quizzes)

Standardized test preparations

Notebook/Agenda Usage

Each student should utilize his/her agenda by writing down the class assignment and homework.  The agenda is provided to aid in organization and student success.  In addition, the student notebook should be neat and well organized.  Students should have any class notes labeled by their content and arranged in chronological order.  Agendas and notebooks will be checked periodically.

Attendance/Late Work Policy

Regular attendance at school is an important key to a student’s success throughout his/her academic career.   Please make every effort to attend school on a regular basis so that you do not miss out on assignments and deadlines.  With this said, please note that late work will not be accepted without a valid documented excuse.   Students are responsible for providing excuses and requesting any missing assignments.  Students are allowed one day for each day absent to make up work missed. After their allotted days are up, I will take off 10% each day after up to 3 days.  After the 3rd day, the highest grade that can be made is a 65.   

If you are absent on the day a test is given, you must be prepared to make up that test on the day you return to class. 

Please let me know in advance if you are planning to be absent for an extended amount of time or if you need to make plans to complete missing work before or after school.

Please sign below indicating that you have read the above syllabus for language arts/reading class regarding expectations, policies, and procedures.

Parent Signature_________________________________

Student Signature________________________________

 

*With the exception of the End of Course Test, grading weights will be determined at a later date

Syllabus may change at teacher’s discretion
 

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