Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School Curriculum Paper

Course Title: English Language Arts Seventh Grade Teacher: Mrs. Flynn Mission Statement: Our Mission at the Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School is to create college bound students with a deep commitment to public service and a true understanding of their leadership skills within the global community. Course Overview: Students will read and analyze different literary genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. Students will read, analyze, and write expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive essays, as well as learn to develop ideas fully, organize them effectively, and express them clearly. Students will use speaking strategies effectively, and understand the nature and power of language. Critical thinking is integrated into all components of the course therefore, students will engage in the learning process as critical and creative thinkers. Tentative Course Outline: First Quarter (Plot, Conflict & Setting; Analyzing Character and Point of View; Understanding Theme; Socratic Seminar; FCAT prep,) Second Quarter (Mood, Tone & Style; The Language of Poetry; Myths, Legends & Tales; FCAT prep,) Third Quarter (Biography/Autobiography; Information, Argument & Persuasion; Research; FCAT Prep) Fourth Quarter (Novel Studies). Student Evaluation: Students will be assessed formally, quizzes and tests, and informally within the classroom setting. Students will document their growth technology, reading logs, portfolios, journals, and personal academic goal setting. Educational Materials: McDougal Littell Literature, Grade 7 (www.classzone.com) This textbook is available online! Conduct: (Minor Offenses) Students will receive verbal warnings. After three warnings, repeated occurrences of this nature will result in student-teacher-parent conference. (Major Offenses) The Team Discipline plan will be enforced or a Referral will be written to rectify the situation. Any and all offenses will be documented. Please note that we want all of our students to enjoy their 6th grade experience and everything we have to offer. The overall safety and welfare of the students takes top priority. Good conduct must be maintained by all. Homework/Late Work Policy: Homework is intended to help students preview new material in preparation for the next lesson, or review material that was covered during that days session. As such, it is to the students benefit that all homework assignments be completed. Students have the opportunity to recycle does not meet standard work, missed in-class work (if the absence is excused) and homework. If a student chooses not to recycle work, that work will incur a late penalty at the discretion of the teacher. Recycling of work must occur two weeks before the district Teacher Planning day. Make-up Work Policy: It is the students responsibility to ask for missed work. Students who have an excused absence have one (1) day per excused absence to makeup assignments and homework. Students with an unexcused absence will not have the opportunity to makeup assignments and homework. Students who anticipate being absent on the due date of an assignment should turn it in early or arrange for another student to bring it to school. Assignments may also be faxed (904) 346-5657 or e-mailed to flynnk@duvalschools.org. Grade Recovery Policy: Students will be offered grade recovery as outlined in the Duval County Pupil Progression Plan found on the Duval County Public Schools web page. Parent/Teacher Conferences: Arrangements for conferences must be made in advance by calling Judye Cameron 904-346-5650 extension 114. Tutoring Schedule: Arrangements for tutoring sessions must be made in advance (at least 1 week prior) and are strictly by appointment. Grading Scale: Students are evaluated in accordance with the standard Duval County Public Schools grading scale www.duvalschools.org. Progress Reports: In addition to report cards issued at the end of each quarter, students will receive progress reports. Students earning a grade of D or F on a progress report will be required to return the progress report signed by the parent/guardian within two days. Other Information: If parents or legal guardians do not have access to the Internet, please make sure I am aware so that I may make other arrangements to provide you pertinent information that relates to your child.