English 8

Instructor: Michael Keller

Room: A209

Phone: 434-245-2410 (ext. 1111)

E-mail: kellerm1@charlottesvilleschools.org

Pre-Requisites: Academic: English 7; Honors: Passing score on 7th grade SOL, English 7 teacher recommendation

Course Description:

Using the Standards of Learning as its foundation, students will continue to develop critical and creative thinking, problem solving, communication, and reading and writing skills. A variety of literature will be read including classic and contemporary fiction, drama, poetry, narrative nonfiction, and informational text with an emphasis on describing themes and main ideas, interpreting cause-effect relationships, making inferences, and drawing conclusions. There will an emphasis on writing in a variety of forms including expository, persuasive, and informational. Students will continue to develop vocabulary with attention to connotations and figurative language. Students will take both the Grade 8 Reading and Writing SOL tests.

Course Objectives/Expectations:

Reading	The student will continue to develop an appreciation for literature through a study of a wide variety of selections. The student will describe themes or inferred main ideas, interpret cause-effect relationships, and draw conclusions from a variety of literary and informational selections. The student will apply reading skills in all subjects, as well as respond critically to literature.
Writing	The student will plan, draft, revise, and edit writing, with emphasis on exposition and persuasion. The student will apply writing skills in all subjects, as well as respond critically to literature.
Grammar	The student will demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking.
Speaking	The student will learn and apply interviewing techniques.
Vocabulary	The student will continue development of vocabulary, with attention to connotations and figurative language.
Media	The student will become a skillful interpreter of the persuasive strategies used in print and mass media.

Required Text(s): Write Source 8, Holt Elements of Literature 8, Vocabulary for Success/Vocabulary Workshop

Required Daily Student Supplies: Notebook paper, sharpened pencils or pen, index cards, post-it notes, designated section in school-provided 3-ring binder, ear buds/headphones.

Media: Excerpts from numerous films/videos, songs, etc., will be shown to supplement and support learning.

Class Format:

Students will complete a warm-up activity at the beginning of class. After the warm-up activity, a review of the previous class material will be conducted. Homework will be reviewed. An overview, including the objectives and desired outcomes, and facilitated learning of a new topic/material will be provided. Students will participate in activities to engage with the new material. A follow-up/review activity will be conducted at the end of class to tie up loose ends and answer questions relating to the new material. A homework assignment may be assigned.

Students will be using CANVAS consistently. Parents are encouraged to create an observer account to stay abreast of assignments, due dates, grades, etc. You can learn how to do so here: https://goo.gl/vBpyh5.

Classroom Rules and Regulations:

Students must show respect for self, peers, adults, and property in words and actions.

Students must keep their hands, feet, objects, rude words and comments to themselves.
Students must participate positively in class.
Students must not interrupt the teacher or classmates.

Students must be on time and prepared for class.

Once the late bell rings, each student should be in his or her seat and ready to work.
Students are expected to have their tablet with them daily.
Students should have completed work, supplies, and required texts with them in class.

When an adult makes a reasonable request, students are to follow it.

Arguing with adults is not acceptable, nor should adults argue with students.

Students must stay focused on learning. No eating, drinking, chewing gum, grooming or using personal electronic devices in class.

Grooming means no putting on make-up, spraying perfume, applying lotion or make-up, combing, brushing or braiding hair, etc.
Students may have a water bottle with water; no flavored drinks; no food.
All electronic devices, including cell phones need to be off and put away.

Copying or plagiarizing writing is forbidden.

Assessment: How students will be assessed on their accomplishment of the course objectives.

Homework assignments will be checked.
Students will be quizzed on new material covered in class. Quizzes may or may not be announced.
Students will be tested regularly.
Required assessments will be given quarterly.
Student writing will be graded according to a rubric aligned with the state writing rubric.
Projects in English will be graded with a teacher-made rubric for each specific project.
The two-part state SOL in writing will be given in March. The state SOL in reading will be given in May.

Reading and Writing Assignments: Assignments will be given frequently and should be written in agenda.

Grading: Grading will be based on homework, assessments, papers, projects, classwork, and engaged participation.

Grading Scale :

A (91%-100%)

B (81%-90%)

C (71%-80%)

D (61%-70%)

F (0%-60%)