8th Grade Language Arts Independent Reading Contract
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
Independent, at-home reading is important for a successful year in Language Arts. All middle school students in Georgia
are expected to read 25 books each school year. Each book must contain at least 150 pages. Books that exceed the
page requirement will not count as multiple books. While some of this reading will take place in the classroom, outside
reading is crucial. Students are expected to read daily and bring their current book selection to class each day. It is
our hope that students will find books that are of high interest to them. Students have access to classroom libraries and
the media center, and may obtain books from both of these sources.
In an effort to monitor students’ reading and meet the state requirements, students are required to keep a log of
their reading. When a student finishes reading a book, he or she should record the title of the book, the date he/she began
and completed the book, and the number of pages read. Students should record this information on the reading log in the
front of their student agenda.
At the end of each nine weeks, the reading log will be graded as a test grade. In order to receive credit, all
reading logs must be signed by a parent, giving his or her word that the student completed the reading of those books
during that nine-week period. Both student and parent are on the “honor system” and are asked to record/sign logs with
honesty.
Late or unsigned reading logs will not be accepted!!!
How will the number of books I read calculate into my grade?
All reading logs count as one test grade per nine weeks. The number of books a student reads during each nine-week
quarter will relate to the credit he or she receives. The more books a student reads, the better the grade! The evaluation
guidelines are as follows:
7-8+ books = 100%
5-6 books = 90%
3-4 books = 80%
1-2 books = 70%
Will I ever have to complete assignments related to the books I read each quarter?
Yes. Students are required to complete one book presentation each nine weeks. Students will choose one book from their
reading log and present it as a book project. Books selected as class/grade level novels may not be used to complete
book presentations. Please see the Book Presentation Menu for more information on project guidelines.
When are reading log and book presentations due?
Reading logs and book presentations are due on the same date. Please have these items ready to submit on the dates
below.
1st nine weeks – Thursday 10/4/2012
2nd nine weeks – Thursday 12/13/2012
3rd nine weeks – Thursday 3/7/2013
4th nine weeks – Thursday 5/9/2013
Happy Reading!
Mrs. Delaney, Ms. Ortega, and Mrs. Phalen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read, understand, and will adhere to the requirements and guidelines of this reading contract.
Please sign, detach the bottom portion of this letter, and return to your Language Arts teacher.
Student’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________