Course Syllabus: [See unabridged version in student hand-outs, first week of attendance]
Course Objectives: Develop reading & writing skills; Increase FCAT Reading scores through use of strategies and test-taking skills; Increase decoding, fluency and comprehension skills; Develop vocabulary; Foster an independence and enjoyment of reading.
Expectations: Students must be prepared to participate in class every day. They must read nightly and complete homework assignments 3-4 nights/week. Students who choose not to complete assignments will be given a 8AM detention Students are responsible for checking this website from home or school, and thereby meet all assignment deadlines. Students AND parents should check K12Planet.com regularly, so that they might stay on top of grades and attendance entries.
Supplies: Students are required to use 6 dividers dedicated to the class, and kept in a binder, NOT a folder. Students are expected to bring this binder and all their supplies, including their Independent Novel with them each day. Additionally, there is a class novel being read concurrently, and ALL students in Sem I MUST obtain a copy of Kite Runner to use at home for assigned reading. [Novels: Last Lecture. Kite Runner, Upstate, Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?]
Major Assignments: Students are responsible for maintaining and submitting a portfolio of their work at the end of each semester. This portfolio represents the better portion of the midterm and final grade. Life Skills are weighted at 20-25% and Participation at 20-30%. Novel Reviews
and Projects are weighted at 30-40%, Tests at 35%. Extra Credit work is at teacher's
discretion and will not be offered w/i 3 days of close of grading period.
Policy for Make-up Work: The webpage describes all assignments. Go there BEFORE requesting info. on make-up. Any student who is aware of an assignment due date prior to the deadline is responsible for meeting that deadline. No further extensions will be provided. Make-up work must be submitted within 3 days of single excused absence and all OCPS policies apply for extended absences.
Fundraiser: A single fundraiser is held each year. Consider the extent of your participation,
because the funds raised there help the class immeasurably with materials and activities.
