Grade 8 ELA Course Outline 2016-2017

The following is an outline of what we will be doing in class this year and you can
find daily/weekly updates on my class blog: http://mrsjonesclasswjhs.weebly.com
Units:
1. Narrative: In our first unit well be talking about how authors create the
books we read and how, as authors, we create stories and characters.
Reading: short stories, The Giver
Writing: Personal autobiographies, short stories, and your own piece.
2. Informational: In our second unit well be reading and writing
informational, or fact based, pieces.
Reading: Search and Destroy and Warriors Dont Cry
Writing: Informational writing and research, newspaper articles, and
your own informational piece.
3. Argument: In our final unit, we will focus our reading and writing on taking
a stance on a variety of issues and backing up that stance with evidence.
Reading: Speak
Writing: We will focus our writing on evidence-based assertions and
a research project, as well as your own argument piece.
Year long areas of study:
Vocabulary: Vocabulary quizzes will be given regularly and always with
advance notice; it is the students responsibility to keep track of and
prepare for quizzes.
Grammar: In each of our units we will focus on grammar, particularly how it
relates to your own writing.
Choice Reading: You will choose a book that you have not yet read and are
not reading for any other class and bring it to class EVERY day, no
exceptions (for English class too!).
Journal Writing: Every English day we will be writing for 10 minutes to
improve our writing skills and provide practice and material for our own
pieces. We will do this writing in Google Docs (which we will set up in class
together) or on paper if you are not able to use technology. In either case
YOU are responsible for keeping the entries.
Portfolios: Each trimester you will have a portfolio of work that is due. Your
portfolio will be graded as a whole at the end of each trimester and is a
reflection of your growth.
Grading:
Late Work: I will deduct 5 points every day an assignment is late. *
English:
40% Writing Assignments: Writing assignments throughout the year (ex. phase
autobiography).

20% Classwork: Anything we do in class can be considered classwork and

therefore should always be done thoroughly and to the best of your ability (ex.
quizzes, notes, activities, etc.).
15% Homework: Homework is the basis for all of the classwork and projects that
we do and therefore is essential to your success.
25%: Portfolios: See above for description and separate handout for more
information.
Reading:
10% Homework: Homework is the basis for all of the classwork and projects that
we do and therefore is essential to your success.
20% Classwork: Anything we do in class can be considered classwork and
therefore should always be done thoroughly and to the best of your ability (ex.
quizzes, notes, activities, etc.).
35% Novels: Throughout the year we will read novels as a class. There will be
assignments throughout as well as at the end of the unit to measure your growth
and understanding.
35% Independent Reading: Our goal is for you to be a life long reader which
means reading independently. This category is for assignments that are designed
to help you think about your independent reading and show us both your growth
and understanding.
* There are certain projects I will not accept late (such as the Civil Rights
Movement project) because of how much time we spend on it and how long it
takes to grade. I will always give you advance notice for projects and tell you if I
will not accept them late.
After 2 weeks, I suggest you do not turn in late work, as we will have moved
on to new work and it would likely put you further behind.
*If you feel you deserve a different grade on any assignment, I would be happy to
discuss it with you outside of class; I would not discuss your grade in front of your
classmates and therefore I expect that you will discuss your grade with me at the
appropriate time also.
*I do not give extra credit because there are many opportunities for you to learn
and be successful: You can re-do any writing assignment, within 2 weeks of when
you get it back; re-take vocabulary quizzes; and re-do most homework
assignments. If you do the work on time and to the best of your ability you will
not need extra credit!
Routines:
Homework/Classwork:
o Any work we do in class is fair game to be graded.
o Unless otherwise assigned, homework is to be completed by you and you
alone. If you feel you need help with an assignment, please come see me
for help.
o Homework must be put in the homework bin or turned in to Google
Classroom the day it is due (if you are absent, it should be turned in after
the number of days you have been absent for, per school policy).

o Homework will always be posted under our daily agenda, the homework
board, Google Classroom, and the class blog. It is your responsibility to
check these places and write it down.
Independent Reading or Silent Sustained Reading (SSR):
o As soon as you get to class, take out your SSR book and start reading
silently until I tell you time is up. This is a sacred reading time so focus and
dont distract others.
o Keep track of the books youre reading on your reading log and the books
youd like to read on the To-Read list.
o When you finish a book you will give a book talk to give your classmates an
idea of a new book to read. You will also write me a letter essay every few
weeks on one of these books.

Quizzes:
o We have very few quizzes so it is essential that you take notes, ask
questions, study, and do the required reading/ homework. Tests and
quizzes will be announced and reviewed in class, but you should also
prepare for them on your own.
o Talking or other disruptive actions during quizzes/tests will not be
permitted. Any cheating on quizzes will result in loss of credit.
Absences: Absences are your responsibility.
o If you are absent you should check the blog and Google Classroom to see
what you missed before you come to class.
o Next you should check the hanging folder at the front and your own folders
at the back for any papers you missed.
o Then you should check with the teacher about any makeups/missing work/
time to review anything learned in class the day you missed.
o Get notes/other materials from a friend/classmate you trust.
o In order to be most successful, you need to be in class as much as possible
and that includes going to your locker, the bathroom, etc. in between,
rather than during, classes.
Expectations:
Heres what you can expect from me:
I will always be prepared, respectful, and helpful.
I will be available to you when you need help. Set up a time with me in
class or via email (kjones@aos92.org) to guarantee Ill be there when you
need me.
I will always give you advance notice for tests, papers, projects, and
presentations. (You should assume that anything we do in class or for
homework is fair game for a grade or quiz at any time.)
I will update Infinite Campus regularly (usually weekly, often daily) to help
you stay informed about your progress and grade.

 I will post daily agendas and assignments on my class blog

(http://mrsjonesclasswjhs.weebly.com) and will update this with any
changes.
I want to work WITH you: Each of you has a unique perspective, skill, or
knowledge base and I want to let that shine. If you have constructive
ideas for what you want to do in class, let me know!
Heres what I expect from you:
You will come to class prepared (with materials, homework complete, and
the mental space to be a part of class) every day. If you are unprepared or
having such a bad day you dont think you can be a part of class, speak to
me privately and well find something else for you to do that day.
I expect you to do all of your homework, including reading, whether there is
a quiz or not. I expect that your homework will be done well and on time. If
its not, your grade will reflect this.
You will advocate for yourself by asking for help and coming to me with any
problems you are having with my class or me.
You are familiar with the school rules and handbook and will abide by them.
You will use your technology for the purpose it is intended and always
appropriately.
You will be respectful to yourself, your classmates, and your teacher. If you
are not, you will accept responsibility for your actions and be prepared to
serve detention with me.
I am very excited to have you in class and look forward to getting to know you
and learning with you. I want you to succeed and I believe that if you put time
and effort into your work you will be successful this year. By signing below,
you and your parent(s) acknowledge that you have read, understand, and
agree to the content of this outline. Please feel free to email me
(kjones@aos92.org) or call me at school (872-1973 X2326) if you or your
parents have any questions.
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(Student signature)

(Parent signature)