21 st Century Literacy Strategies I & II
Course Syllabus
2015-2016
Course Description:
21 st Literacy Strategies I and II are designed for students who will benefit from specific instruction in reading secondary content material by strengthening reading and writing skills. Instruction in this course will build upon students’ reading and writing competencies and support students’ efforts as they analyze, compare, evaluate, and interpret information from a variety of disciplines including texts, visual representations, and media.
Learning Expectations:
 Demonstrate growth in reading and writing
 Find literacy relevant to your lives
 Purposefully use different reading strategies appropriate for different genres
 Apply skills and strategies in content areas
 Engage in authentic writing
 Use and develop your critical thinking skills
 Become an independent learner
 Increase your vocabulary
 Activate background knowledge
 Use strategies to listen and organize what you hear
 Demonstrate use of effective study and test-taking skills
 Use effective time management
Course Content:
1.
Reading o We will read text from multiple genres in a variety of ways, including print and digital. o We will use a variety of strategies to understand and critique texts. o Student choice of text is encouraged and supported.
2.
Writing & Communication o We will write every day in many formats and for various, authentic purposes. o We will use other media, such as music, pictures, and video to better understand language processes.
3.
Vocabulary and Language Study o We will study word parts, such as roots, culminating in weekly quizzes. o Students will also learn skills to identify and define challenging vocabulary within chosen texts.
4.
Test-taking and Study Skills o We will learn organizational and study skills to promote success in the secondary school setting. o We will incorporate content area reading and writing into the classroom. o We will practice test-taking skills and discuss the challenges of reading “test texts”
General Procedures and Guidelines:
I.
Students are expected to treat everyone in the class with dignity and respect.
II.
Students are expected to keep organized binders with all of their handouts and work samples.
III.
Students are expected to put forth their best effort and participate in class activities.
IV.
Students are expected to bring a book for Reading Workshop (SSR) to the classroom at all times.

Grading:
Grades are based on the adopted grading scale for LCPS. This can be found in Phoenix via the LCPS website.
Summative assessments are tests and quizzes. Formative assignments are daily assignments such as classwork and notebook checks. Diagnostic assessments are for determining a starting point for instruction only and will not be counted as a grade.
1.
You will have assignments every day, most of which will be completed during class time. a.
Bell Ringer: A Bell Ringer is a task that you will be assigned upon your entrance to class every day. You are expected to begin work on the Bell Ringer as soon as you enter the class. This may be as simple as a journal entry or practice with grammar skills.
2.
You are responsible for make-up work missed due to an excused absence within three class days.
Make up work may not be made up if the absence is unexcused. If there are special circumstances, please communicate with me so that we can work together.
3.
Some assignments are group work, and some are independent work. Regardless of the type of assignment, you are expected to complete it in a timely manner and with your best effort.
4.
Homework will be assigned on an as-needed basis.
Ms. Lough’s Goal for 21 st Century Literacy Students:
My goal is to provide opportunities for you to create a “toolbox” of strategies to use in your content area course work and to assist you in the discovery of the enjoyment of reading.
Ms. Lough’s Mission:
My mission is to help you find books you love to read, to encourage habits of success and lifelong learning, and to maintain a classroom that is safe, supportive, and engaging.
Ms. Lough’s A Day Schedule
1 st Block
9:00 AM-10:33 AM
2 nd Block
10:38 AM-12:08 PM
3 rd Block
12:13 PM-2:13 PM
4 th Block
12:18 PM-3:48 PM
PRIDE
Auditorium (700A)
Room 2324
21 st Century Literacy Strategies
English Department Planning
Lunch
Room 2324
21 st Century Literacy Strategies
Ms. Lough’s Contact Info:
E-Mail: christie.lough@lcps.org
School Phone: 571-434-4500
Ms. Lough’s B Day Schedule
5 th Block
9:00 AM-10:33 AM
6 th Block
10:38 AM-12:08 PM
7 th Block
12:13 PM-2:13 PM
8 th Block
Teacher Support
Teacher Support
English Department Planning
Lunch
Room 2324
21 st Century Literacy Strategies II