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Richmond Hill Middle School Course Description 2010 - 2011 Grade- 6th Subject – English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher: Julie Pecenka School Phone: (912) 459-5130 Email: jpecenka@bryan.k12.ga.us Planning time: 8:00 - 9:30 AM Website: www.bryan.k12.ga.us/rhms - click on “directory/webpages”, then click on my name Broad Course Goals: Reading • Reading for vocabulary improvement • Reading for locating and recalling information • Reading for meaning • Reading for critical analysis English/Language Arts • Sentence construction and revision • Paragraph content and organization • Grammar and mechanics • Research process Web address for GPS objectives: http://www.georgiastandards.org/english.aspx Scroll down to “Grades 6 – 8” and click on “Grade 6 ELA Standards” Projects/Tests: Tests will be given as needed – at the ends of units and throughout the course of study to assess learning. Test formats include, but are not limited to, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and essay. Tests will be announced and recorded in students’ agendas. Throughout the year, students may be assigned various projects to complete both in and out of class. These projects will count as tests grades. Students will have ample time and teacher assistance in completing each project. They will also have a rubric to better understand what is expected of them. Grading: Description of how grades will be allocated and computed: 40% Test/Project Average 40% Daily Average 20% End of Nine Weeks Exam Final Exams: A comprehensive exam will be given at the end of each nine weeks Exams cover everything we have covered in class throughout the entire nine weeks. This exam counts for 20% of the nine weeks average. SAVE ALL WORK AND USE IT TO STUDY!! Agendas: Students should bring their agendas to school and home EVERY DAY. They should have them with them at all times while at school. Students are responsible for keeping track of daily assignments, homework, tests, and projects in their agendas. I will check and stamp each agenda to ensure important information is documented. Rules and Expectations: Students will keep a Source Book – a personally decorated composition book – in class that will be checked periodically. This notebook will include journal entries and various other writing samples. Students will also keep all notes, worksheets, vocabulary work and other class information in a binder. Each entry should be dated and in chronological order. Students will participate in the writing process and take a practice writing test. Students will complete a research project in the spring in class. Topics will be assigned, and students will be guided through each step: research, note cards, rough draft, revising, editing, and publishing. Students will participate in various activities such as literature circles, author studies and spelling bees. Homework: Homework will be assigned as needed to include: • Vocabulary Workshop assignments as outlined in their binders • Weekly Worksheets to reinforce grammar skills learned in class • Working on projects and other extended activities • Reading designated pieces of literature A homework grade will be assessed weekly. Homework will not be graded for accuracy, but simply checked to see if a genuine effort has been made to attempt the assignment. The homework grade will be computed based on the number of assignments completed divided by the number assigned. Vocabulary units take 2 weeks to complete, therefore vocabulary quizzes will be on every other Friday. RHMS Accelerated Reader Policy: At RHMS, our Accelerated Reader (AR) policy differs from elementary school. I will only require one AR book per nine weeks. If a student takes more than one test, the highest score will be entered as a test grade. AR reading levels are formulated mathematically using word syllable count, sentence complexity, and book length, and do not reflect the maturity level required to fully comprehend the novel. AR reading levels do not correlate with subject matter and age appropriateness or Georgia Performance Standards. In elementary school, students learn to read. In middle school, students read to learn. Novel selection is based on literary elements correlated to the Georgia Performance Standards and student interest. AR is still an incentive program. Students will continue to be encouraged to read and test to earn points to spend at the AR store in May. Tips for Success: Check and sign agendas on a regular basis. Talk to your child about school and what is going on in class. Hold your child accountable for his/her success in the classroom. Volunteer in our school. Take him/her to the local library and to cultural events, such as museums, festivals, plays and musical events. Encourage your child to read. Read with your child. They are never too old! |