SAI English
Room: 112
Mrs. Pamela “Ela” Ludlow
Email: pludlow@fcusd.org
Voice: ext. 112
Curriculum: This class is designed to meet the individual needs of students while
closely following the California Common Core Content Standards for Reading,
Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Language Skills.
Vocabulary/Spelling/Grammar—Elements of reading comprehension and written
expression will be addressed through a variety of types writing—narrative,
expository, descriptive, persuasive, and reading—non-fiction, fiction, poetry, plays,
folk tales. Students will expand their vocabulary and word usage by developing a
Content Cognitive Dictionary where they will log relative vocabulary and explore
usage and meaning through context, reference materials, and class lessons.
Book Review—Students will be required to turn in one Book Review per class novel.
Novels are selected from the District’s approved list of middles school grade level
books. Most of the preparation for the Book Review will be done in class.
Homework should not take more 30 minutes to complete for a daily assignment.
Students are responsible for daily reading of choice outside of class, logging their
reading time, and writing a short summary. Additional practice of unit content
vocabulary, and Greek and Latin roots will be assigned.
Course Materials & Supplies Needed: Having the following supplies in your
backpack every day will help to insure a successful year:
1.
A calendar or FMS Jagenda—checked daily in class
2.
Sharpened pencils, erasable pens (blue/black), highlighters, colored pencils
3.
Plenty of lined, white, 3-ring binder paper
4.
A book for silent reading
If you would like to donate to the classroom, we can always use: tissue, paper towels,
water markers, crayons, pencils, dry erase markers, colored paper, highlighters…
Text:
Holt Handbook and Literature & Language Arts Texts; Language! Comprehensive
Literacy Curriculum; English from the Roots Up: Greek & Latin Roots
Note: Holt text books are for home use. A class set is available in the classroom.
Ludlow SAI English 2015-2016
Grading Policy: Final grades will be determined based on total points earned in
each of the grading categories over the entire trimester. I do not “give” grades—
students earn grades. Power School is available at fcusd.org to view logged scores.
A+ = 98% - 100%
A = 93% - 97.9%
A- = 90% - 92.9%
Grading Codes:
B+ = 88% - 89.9%
B = 83% - 87.9%
B- = 80% - 82.9%
ABS (absence) /
EXD (extended
time)
= exempt
C+ = 78% - 79.9%
C = 73% - 77.9%
C- = 70% - 72.9%
RWR (re-write
required) / INC
(incomplete) =
<60%
D+ = 68% - 69.9%
D = 63% - 67.9%
D- = 60% - 62.9% F = <60%
NTI (not turned in after
several opportunities) = 0
Each assignment will be given a point value based on length of time involved and
importance of topic. Grades are not weighted. Not all grades entered will be
calculated in the end grade for each trimester. Initial assessments and pre-tests
are given a score, but are not part of the end grade. Practice work and
participation which culminate formative assessments, are given a score but may not
be part of the final grade. All summative assessments will be scored and will be
reflected in the final grade. The two lowest scores will be tossed at the end of
each trimester. Citizenship O = Outstanding—earned for exceptional behavior,
complete work on time, AND participation in class discussions. Succeeding scores
follow suit: S = Satisfactory. N = Needs Improvement. U = Unacceptable.
Make-up and Late Work—For every day a student is absent, he/she will have a
reasonable period of time in which to make-up the missed work (District policy).
This is usually about two days. Late work where there has not been an approved
absence, or due to a suspension receives a maximum of 60% credit, and will be
accepted only one day after the assignment was due or after returning from a
suspension. Students not completing work will stay Friday after early release
to complete work.
Grade Improvement (re-writes)— Basically, this is what is offered as extra credit.
The supporting philosophy is that students do the work that is assigned, not extra
work to make-up for work not assigned. In addition to homework time, there will
be scheduled class time for improving assignments. Students are encouraged to
rewrite assignments until they get the grade they desire; mastery of content is
80%. Most written assignments may be rewritten, and all students can earn up to
100% as long as the assignment was submitted initially on time . Late work does
Ludlow SAI English 2015-2016
not have this option. If a student is required by the teacher to rewrite an
assignment (for improvements needed), no grade higher than 60% will be given for
that assignment until an acceptable rewrite is submitted. Up to 3 days will be
given for either type of rewrite.
Core Values of Our Class
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We are all responsible for our own actions
Act with courtesy and respect towards everyone
Always show positive encouragement—this is a safe environment
How to Succeed in English Class and Beyond…
 Show Respect
 Be a Problem Solver
 Make Good Decisions
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Take risks and participate—fulfillment comes by working together
Be present and on time, ready to begin the opening activities promptly at the
start of the bell, otherwise you will be marked tardy. See school handbook
for further truant information.
Be prepared with class work and studying materials. Completed, quality work
is expected. Students may be assigned Friday work time after early release
to complete work by request to parent from the teacher.
Be active with active listening, writing, thinking and producing—the more
engaged you are, the more you will get out of this class and the more you’ll
contribute to other people’s positive experience. Do your own work. This
class adheres to the school’s policy regarding cheating and plagiarism.
Keep a Positive Attitude for a Positive Atmosphere
COMMUNICATE WITH THE TEACHER—I am available Monday and
Thursday mornings by appointment, during Homeroom, during “C” lunch and
immediately after school. The best way to reach me is via e-mail.
(cut along dotted line and return to teacher)
We have read and discussed the course expectations.
Student Signature________________________________________________Grade________
Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________________________Date__________
Ludlow SAI English 2015-2016