In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term. Teacher: Dr. Melissa Bouchér E-mail: Melissa.Boucher@biloxischools.net 2015-2016 Syllabus English Language Arts (ELA) Term 4 Objectives: This is a general overview of what your child will learn and what he/she is expected to master. RI4.1 Make inferences using specific details from the text. RI 4.2 Determine the main idea of a scientific text. RI 4.3 Determine the main points in a historical, scientific, or technical text, using specific details from the text. RI4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases in an informational text. RL4.1 Explain what a text says using specific details from the text. RL4.5 Use literary terms (Characters, Setting, Description, Verse, Rhythm, Meter, Dialogue, And Stage Directions) to describe parts of a story, poem, or drama. RF4.4 Read fourth-grade -level texts with fluency. SL4.1 Effectively engage in discussions with diverse partners about fourth-grade topics and texts. L4.1b Form and use the progressive verb tenses. L4.1c Use modal auxiliaries to convey various conditions. L4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. L4.5b Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. L4.4 Use a variety of strategies to determine the meaning of words and phrases. W4.2 Write informational/explanatory texts that convey ideas and information clearly. W4.8 Document what I learn about a topic by taking notes. W4.9 Choose evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research Homework/Assignments/Projects: Spelling homework is due daily. Other homework assignments will be due the day after they are assigned. All class work assignments are due at the end of class unless specified by the teacher. Projects will be announced. Students are to read an AR book nightly. Tests and Grades Grading: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=65-69, F=below 65, and I=incomplete. Grading follows the policies of Biloxi Public Schools. A mid-term progress report and a report card following the end of each term are issued. http://www.biloxischools.net In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term. Testing: Students will be tested weekly. The tests include quizzes, oral exams, open book exams, and summative tests. Tests: Spelling Tests are given every Friday and are given the following week’s words. Spelling pretests are given every Monday. If a student earns a 100% on his/her spelling pre-test he/she does not have to do spelling homework for that week. If the student is absent on Monday, they will be required to complete the Spelling Homework. Reading tests are given throughout each module. Students will be given ample time to study and prepare for all tests. Grading Scheme: Term Test: 5% Activity: 35% Test: 60% Retesting: If a student scores below 65% on a TESTS ONLY, a parent or student can request a retest. However, students must meet the requirements in order to retest: a. Complete extra I-Ready lesson(s) b. Get test signed by parent. c. Attend ER (educational rejuvenation) time twice for remediation. Students who meet this requirement will receive a retest within 10 days of the original test. The number of times a student is allowed to retest will be limited to once. The higher of the two grades will be posted in the grade book with the original grade. Planners: Parents are required to sign their student’s planners every night in order to earn their “Fun Friday” or PBIS every week. Each Wednesday, students are responsible to bring home their red “Take Home” folders for their parents to view the graded school work, obtain a parent signature, and return the red “Take Home” folders on Thursdays. Thank you for your support in your student’s educational success! Please feel free to contact via email at melissa.boucher@biloxischools.net or call the school to schedule a conference. I am available at 11:05 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. every Monday – Thursday. Important Dates: MAP State Testing STAR Testing Field Day Awards Day Programs – May 24th and 25th Last Day for Students – Thursday, May 26th – 60% day Early Dismissal for Students http://www.biloxischools.net In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term. http://www.biloxischools.net