Mrs. Harris' World of English

Course Description

The seventh-grade student will continue to develop oral communication skills and will become more knowledgeable of the effects of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in oral communication. The student will continue to read a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry while becoming more independent and analytical. The student will continue to refine written composition skills, with special attention to word choice, organization, style, and grammar.Written explanations will utilize informational writing skills. The student will continue vocabulary development through a study of figurative language and continuing study of roots, affixes, and cognates. Knowledge of the informative/persuasive techniques of media messages will be studied. The student will apply research techniques to gather, organize, and communicate information, properly citing sources. The student will also demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking. -from Virginia Standards of Learning

Instructional Materials and Resources

• The Elements of Literature Holt, Rinehart, Winston 2007

• Elements of Language Holt, Rinehart, Winston 2007

• Various literary works that will be provided to students throughout the year

Plans for Assessing, Evaluating, and Recording Students’ Progress and Achievement

A.   A snapshot will be given to the class everyday upon their arrival in class.  This will include a literary element of the week practice, journal writing or reading comprehension practice, and grammar review. The snapshot should be recorded in the student’s Snapshot notebook (spiral notebook) daily.

B.  Homework is an essential part of the learning process.  It affords the student an opportunity to practice and review newly learned skills as well as reinforce accumulated material to date. Homework will usually be given nightly.  All homework is checked for completion and accuracy. No late assignments will be accepted unless there is an excused absence and/or note from parent. (Students who fail to complete their homework will complete a student responsibility card where they acknowledge their missing assignment and provide a reason why the assignment was not completed). Parents will be contacted when 3 assignments have been missed.

C.    Test/Quizzes will usually be given every 1- 2 weeks and will cover a reading assignment or notes that were given in class.  Most quizzes will be announced, but occasionally pop quizzes are given. 

In regards to test, students will be informed well in advance of these tests, since they are generally comprehensive. Upcoming test dates will always be posted on the homework board as a reminder.  Students should use their interactive notebooks to study for tests and quizzes.  We will always review for the test one day prior to giving the test.   

D.   Unit based projects will usually be given once or twice during a quarter.  Specific directions will be given for the projects, but students are encouraged to be creative. Students will sometimes have time allotted in school to work on their projects, but some work will be required at home. 

Interim and Final grades are based on a weighted scale. 

           Tests                           35%                 Homework/Daily Assessments  10%

           Quizzes                      25%                 Participation & Independent Reading 10%                    

           Writing                      20%

Student Records 

Grades are recorded in my digital grade book and will be available for review for parents on Aspen. A username and password are required to access the grades. Parents are welcome to request a paper copy of their child’s grades at any time. 

Missed Work/Make-up Policy

A.   Students are responsible for all work missed assignment(s). Students are given a maximum of 2 days to complete missed assignment(s), provided that the absence is excused. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for the missing assignment(s).

B.   I will be happy to work with any student before or after school to make up any missed instruction.  

Attendance and Tardy Policies 
A.   Students are expected to be present at all classes unless he/she has an excused absence.  Students are also expected to be on time. Tardy students will sign the tardy book and state why they are tardy.

A student who is not in the classroom when I close the classroom door is considered either late or tardy. A student is tardy if he/she enters without a pass or note from another teacher. A student is late if he/she arrives with a pass/teacher note after I close the door. There is no penalty for arriving late with a pass or note from another teacher.

Tardy Procedures
1.  Late students must place their pass or note in the tardy slip basket on my desk.

2. Tardy students must sign the tardy book and record a reason for their tardiness.
3. Both late and tardy students must enter quietly and begin work the assignment the other students are currently working on.

Consequences for Tardiness

1^st incident: Student/teacher conference

2^nd incident: Lunch detention

3^rd incident: Parent contacted and/ or after school detention

4^th incident: Conference with the principal and parent