Teacher: Mrs.

Flathers
colleen.flathers@central-csd.org
Mrs. Regenwether
lori.regenwether@central-csd.org
Room 317
Website: http://cflathers.weebly.com

LA LAB

The man who doesnt read has no advantage over the

man who cant read. ~Mark Twain~
Course Description
Required for all 9th graders with Iowa Assessment scores for reading comprehension
below the 41st percentile and some upperclassman that need to work on improving their
scores. Students in LA Lab will focus on comprehension skills that will assist them in all
subject areas. Students will develop vocabulary skills and fluency in both fiction and
non-fiction texts. Students will also complete an extensive amount of independent
reading at their own recreational reading level. This course counts as one (1) elective
literature credit.

Required Materials
KBR Book
Pencil
Pen
2 packages 3 x 5 index cards
We will expect all students to have the required materials no later than the third day of
class so August 31, 2015. If this will be a problem please contact me right away.
Students will be checked on a regular basis to make sure that they have the correct
materials and will be given points if they have everything.

Grading
Independent Reading
Book Talks

15%
20%

Vocabulary
Comprehension
Participation

20%
20%
25%

Independent Reading You are expected to read 2000 pages this semester. This will
require you to read outside of class.

Passes________________________________________________
Each student will be issued 4 bathroom and 4 locker passes per quarter. The student is
responsible for using these passes wisely. If they need to use the bath room or go to their
locker during class a student is expected to give me a pass. Note, NO one will be allowed
to leave during the first few minutes of class or during KBR time. They are also expected
to stay in class when direct instruction is taking place. Unused passes will be collected
on the last day of the quarter for extra credit. Each unused pass is worth 5 extra credit
points for a total of 40 points per quarter. Students MAY NOT choose to take a detention
instead of turning in the pass so as to save them for extra credit. Students that have used
up their passes or do not have the pass on them, will be expected to serve a 15 minute
detention if they need to leave the classroom.

Attendance and Behavior Expectations

Attendance:
Students are expected to be in their seat, with their books open and reading when the bell
rings.

Respect:
The most important expectation for one to follow during class is to conduct oneself
towards others with honesty and respect. As a teacher, I set the same expectations for
myself. If we can do this as a class, we will avoid many difficulties or dilemmas.

Behavior:
Students must be on time, prepared, respectful and positive. Students are held to all
expectations in the Central High School student handbook, which includes policies on
cell phones, food and drinks, and tardiness.

Computers:
Will not be needed for this class.

Work Habits:
Since this class is a reading class, and the best way to get better at something is to
practice, students will be required to read. We will spend time each day in daily reading
of the students choice, the remainder of the time students will be working on different
skills that will help them to improve their reading skills. Because of this, the only outside
class time assignments will be to read.

Late Work:
NO late work for this class. The work for this class is done entirely during class time
except for independent reading outside of class. If you miss a component of the class,
you will be required to make this up. Since much of what we do in class is partner based,
you will need to make this up with a partner, in other words probably one of the two
teachers will be your partner for the particular activity. When absent from class, you will
need to come in and make up the work that you missed before or after school. Please
schedule a time with one of the teachers to get this taken care of.

Detentions:
In the unfortunate circumstance that we have to give you a detention you will have until
the next class period to serve that detention with me. If you fail to serve the detention by
that time, it will be doubled. Failure to serve both the first and second detention will
result in a referral to the office. The office automatically doubles the detentions so what
started off as one 15 or 30 minute detention is now 2 hours.

Approach to Reading:
It is crucial you read what is interesting to youplain and simple. Keep an open mind
and positive attitude toward multiple genres of literature. Find an author you like and
read several of his/her books!!!

Student Responsibilities
The first and major requirement of this course is extensive independent reading. As
students, you are allowed to choose the books you read, as long as they are at an
appropriate level of difficulty. You are also responsible for maintaining personal
vocabulary lists (student vocabulary cards are filed in your individual recipe boxes),
maintaining your reading folders, writing a summary/evaluation of each book you read,
engaging in book talks with your teacher, me, and assisting me in maintaining the class
wall chart of books read by the class.

Course Contract
Please meet with your parents to discuss the requirements and projected schedule for this
course. Return this half-page of the syllabus to class no later than August 31, 2015 We
are looking forward to an exciting semester with you.
I have read and understand the course syllabus for Mrs. Flathers/Mrs. Regenwethers LA
Lab class. I am confident in my ability to meet the requirements of the course. I will
contact my teacher if I have any questions or concerns.
Student Name (Print)_______________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________Date:______________
I have read and understand the course syllabus for Mrs. Flathers LA Lab class. I am
confident in my childs ability to meet the requirements of the course, and I will help
provide the support he or she needs to be successful. I will contact my childs teacher if I
have questions or concerns.

Parent Signature:____________________________________ Date:____________