Triangle Math and Science Academy

Mrs. Dawson’s 7th Grade Language Arts

2019-2020
Teacher: Mrs. Dawson
E-mail: rdawson@tmsacademy.org
Website: rdawsontmsa.weebly.com
Textbook: Grade 7 Prentice Hall Literature (Pearsonsuccessnet.com)
WordlyWise 3000 Book 7

Goal:
Students will explore a wide range of texts in order to practice and apply reading and comprehension
strategies. Texts will include a variety of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama literature. Students will
read for literary experience, to gain information, and to perform a task. Students will write to express
themselves, ideas, and information. They will use a variety of strategies and the writing process to
compose different genres of literature. Students will become proficient in listening, speaking, and using
media and technology. Students will improve understanding of how to use the English language in oral
and written presentations. We will study and practice the components of writing: prewriting,
drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Students will write in many different forms including
reader response journals, personal narrative, persuasive and analytical essays. The
development of vocabulary and grammar skills occurs through specialized exercises
(WordlyWise) and through writing assignments and speaking activities.

Course objectives:
• Explore a wide range of texts
• Practice comprehension strategies
• Allow students to think critically and creatively about the text
• Expand vocabulary through reading, discussion, and writing
• Use correct grammar and language in oral and written projects

Topics Covered:
Non-Fiction, Fiction, Poetry, Drama
Writing: Personal, expository, narrative, descriptive, persuasive, poetry, and plays
Vocabulary and Conventions: Meanings, grammar, and usage

Standards and Expectations:

Classroom Rules:
1. Be respectful!
2. Be responsible!
3. Try your best!
4. Come prepared to work and learn!
Needed for Class:
 1 spiral notebook/folder/section in binder (at least 200 pages)
 1 composition book (Daily Writing Journal); at least 150 pages
 Blue or black ink pens (Students are expected to have a writing utensil at all times)
 Pencils (Students are expected to have a writing utensil at all times)
 Sticky Notes
 Highlighter
 Agenda Book (Provided by the school, MUST be used daily)

The composition notebook will be used mostly for in-class writing activities. The spiral notebook/binder
is for note-taking, and the highlighter and sticky notes will be used to help students interact with various
texts. Students should also remember to bring at least two sharpened pencils and all required texts to class
each day. I strongly recommend a homework folder for organization.

For the purpose of lessons in study skills and annotation, it is possible that students may be required
purchase a copy of an anchor text. This text will be assigned at a later date; start dates will be provided
with ample time to find and purchase the material.

Plagiarism
 Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated as noted in TMSA’s student handbook. Plagiarized work will
result in a zero for the assignment, and the discipline coordinator will be notified of the violation.
For more information on plagiarism, please read more about it here:
http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism/

Methods of Evaluation: Grading Scale:

Tests/ Essays 50% A 90-100
Projects/ 25% B 80-89
Quizzes: 15% C 70-79
Homework: 5% D 60-69
Classwork: 5%
*All accommodations for students with an IEP will be adhered to

Late Work Policy:

Students are required to turn their work in on time. Late work will be decided on a case by case basis.

Absent Work Policy:

If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for requesting their missed work and notes. The student has one
day to make up the work for each day he/she was absent.

Extra Credit Policy:

Students are expected to complete their work to the best of their ability in a timely manner. Extra credit
will not be given to students who have missing assignments or who didn’t put in their best effort.
-------------------------------Please return to Mrs. Dawson-------------------------------

Students should keep their copy of the policies in their binder or taped/stapled to the front cover of
their spiral notebook. Signing below will acknowledge parent/guardian-student agreement to the
syllabus. Please sign and return this agreement by Monday, August 16, 2019.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _______________

Printed Student Name: ________________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________________________Date: _________________

-------------------------------Please return to Mrs. Dawson-------------------------------