Course Syllabus 2014-2015
Laura Haigler
haiglerl@ltisdschools.org
512-533-5630
Pre-AP Language Arts Seven
Type of Course
Pre Advanced Placement
Course Description
In seventh grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex
presentations, reading selections, and written compositions. The reading course is an integrated approach to the
teaching of English. A literature-based reading program is joined with a process-oriented writing program to provide
a well-rounded language arts curriculum. The students read different genres of literature for enjoyment, exposure to
different people and ideas, higher level and critical thinking skills, enhancement of reading comprehension, and
access to meaningful writing topics. In the Advanced Placement class, a gateway course, the emphasis will be on
classic literature and literary analysis. The writing program is based on a five-step process in which students apply
their integrated knowledge in a variety of guided writing experiences reflecting cognitive concepts and the writing
process. Considerable emphasis will be placed on increased writing skills as seventh graders bear the responsibility
for passing the STAAR Writing Exam in the spring of the year. Integration of the library’s services and campus
technology enhance the program.
Major Learner Outcomes
Reading Comprehension: Students understand, make inferences, draw conclusions about literary texts, theme,
genre, poetry, drama, fiction, literary nonfiction, expository, persuasive, and procedural texts, as well as sensory
language in literary texts.
Writing Outcomes: Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, and
publishing) to compose texts. Students write literary texts, narratives, expository, persuasive essays using correct
conventions and legible handwriting.
Scope and Sequence of Units
Unit 01: Understanding/Applying Elements and Structure in Fiction and Drama (8 weeks)
Unit 02: Understanding/Applying Elements and Structure in Literary Nonfiction and Informational Text (8 weeks)
Unit 03: Applying Comprehension Skills (6 weeks)
Unit 04: Understanding/Applying Elements and Structure in Persuasive Text and Media (4 weeks)
Unit 05: Connecting Reading Comprehension Skills Across All Genres
Unit 06: Creating/Understanding/Applying Elements of Research Across Genres (10 weeks)
First Nine Weeks August 25 - Oct 17
Understanding/Applying Elements and Structure in Fiction and Drama (8 weeks)
Required outside reading / Novel Project
Literary Non Fiction; STAAR related Narrative formal writing
Close Reading Assignments with annotation
Parts of Speech-form and function
Sentence Structure and Punctuation
Daily Oral Language/ Concept based language study; Writer’s Notebook
Root word
Paragraph Practice, Taming of the Shrew William Shakespeare
Second Nine Weeks October 20 – Dec.19 (early release)
Understanding/Applying Elements and Structure in Literary Nonfiction and Informational Text (8 weeks)
Required outside reading/
Close Reading Assignments
STAAR related formal writing; Extended Expository essay writing practice
Daily Oral Language/ Concept based language study
Writer’s Notebook
Sentence Structure and Punctuation
Timed Writing
Paragraph Practice, vocabulary study context clues and etymology
The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Third Nine Weeks January 6 - March 13
Gaining Information and Providing Evidence
Required outside reading/Novel Project
STAAR related formal writing: Expository and Narrative essay practice,
Daily Oral Language/ Concept based language study
Writer’s Notebook
Timed writing
Vocabulary study, context clues and etymology
Fourth Nine Weeks March 23 – June 4 STAAR Writing March 30, 31 STAAR Reading April 22
Unit 05: Connecting Reading Comprehension Skills Across All Genres
Unit 06: Creating/Understanding/Applying Elements of Research Across Genres (10 weeks)
Required outside reading /Novel Project &
Close Reading Assignments
STAAR related formal writing
Daily Oral Language/ Concept based language study
Writer’s Notebook
Analogies
Persuasive essay writing practice with “Do Your Dream” research project.
Textbooks and Other Major Resources
Summer Reading,
Holt MacDougal Literature and adopted novels,
Holt McDougal Write Source! – Holt Reinhardt and Winston,
The Giver by Lois Lowry,
Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech,
The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens,
The Taming of the Shrew William Shakespeare
Films: The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare directed by Franco Zifferelli;
A Christmas Carol directed by Clive Donner
Grading Policy
Opportunity to improve a failing grade on major exam/test (excludes mid‐term and end-of-course exams)
Students must make an effort to attend a re‐teach session and/or prepare study sheet/notes (or anything else the
teacher may require to show the student learned the material);
Tests/Exams must be re‐taken and/or corrected at the teacher’s discretion within the week of the failed test or within
the next five school days;
Re‐submitted work will be graded for a maximum grade of 70%.
Late work policy –Zeros for an assignment are not acceptable.
Therefore, students are expected to complete the work and turn it in. Daily work that is late must be turned in for a
maximum grade of 70 (less any incorrect answers) by attending homework hall and turned in the next class period
with the Homework Hall stamp. Teachers will drop one homework grade at the end of the nine week grading period.
Long term work will be taken one school day late with a 15% deduction; two school days late with a 30% deduction;
no work taken after the third school day.
Work is considered due at the door. Work completed in the hall after the start of class is considered late.
Relevant Reading and Vocabulary Lists
Academic Vocabulary for Reading Comprehension: Figurative language, Literary terms
Academic Vocabulary for Writing: Essay Terms
Required Outside Reading: 900 pages minimum per quarter (including classics) This could be two 450 page
books, or perhaps three 300 page books. Students may not re-read a novel they have previously read.
Tutoring Times
Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:15 to 8:40 A.M.; after school by appointment
Homework Policy
Students will be assigned Language Arts homework regularly. Assignments are posted on the board and on my
Schoology regularly. Students are to write the assignments in their planner each day and are expected to complete all
assignments on time. Independent work is essential to the mastery of language skills. Please encourage good study
habits so that your child begins developing habits that will lead to success in the future.
Short Term and Formative Assignments:
A. Vocabulary study: self-selected and class novel-based SAT words
B. Latin and Greek root words, prefixes and suffixes
C. Analogies
D. Daily Oral Language/Grammar in Context Language
F. Writer’s Notebook; Weekly Reading Log Reading Comprehension focus
E. Literary terms; definition, identification, effect and application
Long Term and Summative Assignments:
A. Novel study with emphasis on literary elements, style analysis, annotation, tone and attitude, symbolism, and text
organization
B. Required Outside Reading: 900 pages minimum per quarter (including classics)
C. STAAR Writing with emphasis on thesis, claims and assertions, ideas and content, organization, voice, word
choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.
D. Timed writings in the Advanced Placement practicing literature analysis (2)
E. Oral Book Reviews and/or Novel Projects, Final Reading Logs
Grading Weights:
Daily/Homework: 15%
Quizzes/Minor Writing Assignments: 25%
Tests/Projects – 60%
Conference Period:
6th Period: 1:45-2:33
Discipline Plan
Minor infractions: verbal redirect/warning
Continued infractions: parent contact by phone or email
Problematic infractions/insubordination: parent contact by phone or email with referral