Strategic Reading and Writing
2015-2016 Course Syllabus
J. Redd- instructor
M226
Planning Period 3:00-3:55; Tutorials 8:00-8:30
Course Overview
Strategic Reading and Writing is a class like no other. Created to support students in 9th grade, it is an
opportunity to meet with our students who need the most support in reading and writing. This course has
been improved and aligned with best practices for our students needing to spend as much time as possible
reading and writing for authentic purposes.
Mission Statement
The faculty, staff, and community of Reagan High School are committed to creating lifelong learners in an
atmosphere of respect and responsibility. Students are encouraged to reach their maximum potential by
promoting positive attitudes in a safe, nurturing environment and establishing high standards of
excellence, character, academics, and international mindedness.
Reagan HS is an International Baccalaureate World School and is part of the first continuous IB feeder pattern
in the historic Heights neighborhood. Students now can begin the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at
Harvard Elementary and then progress to Hogg Middle School and Reagan High School for the IB Middle Years
Programme (MYP).
Reagan IB Students Strive to Be:
Inquirers— Students develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research
and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout
their lives.
Knowledgeable—Students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they
acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers— Students exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach
complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators— Students understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one
language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled— Students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity
of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that
accompany them.
Open-minded— Students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the
perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and
evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring— Students show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a
personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers— Students approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the
independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their
beliefs.
Balanced— Students understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal
well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective— Students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and
understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
Classroom Expectations
1. No cell phones, ear buds, or musical devices allowed unless instructed to do so.
2. Come to class prepared and on time.
3. No personal grooming, electronics, food or drinks (except water) in class.
4. Listen to and follow instructions.
5. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.
6. Respect your classmates and your teacher.
Required Materials
Folder (class color)
Loose-leaf paper
Pencils, pens
1 box of tissue, 1 roll of paper towels, or 1 bottle of sanitizer
Grading
Evaluation of your work, both in and out of class, goes hand in hand with your own perception that you are
making progress and becoming increasingly accomplished as a student. You, your instructors, your peers, your
parents, and others in the world around you best serve that function. Together we will assess your strengths
and weakness in Reading/English language skills throughout the year.
All assignments will be graded on a weighted system of daily grades and assessments consisting of, but not
limited to:
 Daily Work
Scoring rubrics will be provided for
 Essays, in-class writing
assignments and writing exercises.
 Vocabulary Study and Quizzes
 Participation in Classroom Discussions
Late work will be penalized 10% per
day
 Class Presentations
 Projects
After 5 school days, the grade will reflect
a ‘0’ with no make up
Gradespeed
Students are expected to maintain and monitor their PS Connect account (Gradespeed) in order to actively keep
track of assignments, due dates and grades.
Homework
To impact/improve reading skills, students are expected to do independent reading outside of class. 30
minutes nightly is recommended.