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.
2014-2015 Course Syllabus 7th Grade ELA Term 1
Teacher: Dr. Melissa Bouchér E-mail: Melissa.Boucher@biloxischools.net
Teacher’s Web Site: http://www.biloxischools.net/Domain/631
Objectives: This is a general overview of what the teacher will teach and what the student is
expected to master.
Reading Standards for Literature (RL)
7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as
well as inferences drawn from the text.
7.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of
the text provide an objective summary of the text.
7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative
and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds
(e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama
7.6 Analyze how an author develops and contrast the pints of view of different characters or
narrators in a text.
7.9 Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical
account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter
history.
7.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and
poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at
the high end of the range.
7.11 Recognize, interpret, and make connections in narratives, poetry, and drama, ethically and
artistically to other text, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, personal events, and situations.
Reading for Informational Text (RI)
7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as
well as inferences drawn from the text.
7.2 Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the
course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word
choice on meaning and tone.
7.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author
distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
7.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6-8 text
complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
Writing Standards (W)
7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (A-F)
7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations)
7.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing a
as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on
how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
7.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms
effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the
data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format
for citation.
7.9 Draw evidence from literary from literary or informational texts to support analysis,
reflection, and research. (A-B)
7.10 Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of disciplinespecific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
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.
Speaking and Listening Standards (SL)
7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 7
topics, texts, issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (A-D)
7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats and
explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner wit
pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate
volume, and clear pronunciation.
Language Standards (L)
7.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when
writing or speaking. (A-C)
7.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation,
and spelling when writing. (A-C)
7.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening. (A)
7.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases
based on grade 7 reading and content choosing flexibly from a range strategies. (A-D)
7.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word
meanings. (A-C)
7.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words
and phrase; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to
comprehensions or expression.
Tests and Grades
Grading: A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=65-69 F=below 65 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.
Tests: Three department tests are given per term covering all objectives, TESTS WILL BE
TIMED. Tests make up 55%, Activities/Projects make up 35%, and CTAs make up 10% of the
term grade.
Retesting: Students have the opportunity to retest on three (3) tests by meeting the following
requirements: Students must have completed ALL QUESTIONS on their test, must have the
required parent permission slip signed, and must have returned this slip to the school counselor
to stay after school. Students must attend TWO reteach sessions held only on Tuesday and
Thursday afternoons from 3:00-3:45 (buses are available to bring students home from
reteaching sessions), and students must not have any “0”(zeroes) in the gradebook.
Homework/Assignments/Projects: Homework is not typically assigned unless class work was
not completed or as needed for lengthy projects. Daily homework is due the following day
unless otherwise specified. Homework grades decrease by 10 points for each day they are late.
Assignments will not be accepted late after 10 days, and the student will receive a 0 for the
assignment. Projects will have specified due dates.
Course Requirements: Students are required to complete all homework assignments, projects,
and assigned class novel. The student must master all objectives with 65% mastery to pass the
term.
Important Dates: No School – Labor Day: Monday, September 1st, 2014
No School for Students – Columbus Day: October 13th, 2014 – Teacher Professional Development Day
Midterm Progress Report: September 10th, 2014
Common Term Assessment: October 6th – 10th – End of Term One
Report Cards: October 20th, 2014
http://www.biloxischools.net