Language Arts Syllabus
2015-2016
Greetings Students, Families and FriendsIt is our belief that all students can and will learn. Learning is a cooperative venture among
teachers, students and families. As your Language Arts teachers, we are thrilled to begin an exciting and
challenging year focused on developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Though our
teaching approaches may vary, our expectations, curriculum and goals do not. We are committed to
providing students a fair and rigorous education that is aligned with Common Core State Standards and
expectations. When students commit to their own success, they bring motivation, willingness and
positive participation to the classroom.
As experienced teachers, we recognize that a student’s education is greatly enhanced with support from
home. We encourage families to be involved in their student’s work, whether it is by supervising
student’s 30 minutes of nightly reading, checking their student’s planner, providing opportunities for their
student to write, discussing the learning that is happening at school and/or communicating with the
teacher. We appreciate and value the support that families provide, and are looking forward to this
positive partnership and a wonderful year together.
Introducing . . . Co-Teaching!
Pacific is pleased to be piloting a researched-based best practice known as co-teaching. The goal
of Co-teaching is to optimize learning for all students. Students who are a part of a co-taught class will
have the benefit of daily instruction from two teachers. The co-teaching model uses two instructors to
deliver content using a variety of techniques to best support the needs of all students. Having two
instructors allows for more small group and individualized instruction, thus allowing for more timely and
specialized feedback. Both instructors will share the responsibility of all students and will communicate
with parents and students accordingly. Teachers who are participating in the co-teach program have been
participating in ongoing training around the co-teach model and are excited to offer this opportunity to
families.
Course description:
7th Grade
8th Grade
Unit 1 Agency & Independence in Reading (Sept– Oct)
Unit 2 Writing Realistic Fiction (Sept-Oct)
Unit 3 Reading as a Writer (Nov– Dec)
Unit 1 Textual Lineages (Sept– Oct)
Unit 2 Investigative Journalism (Sept-Oct)
Unit 3 Fantasy & Dystopia (Nov– Dec)
HBA #1 Nov 16th-20th (subject to change)
HBA #1 Nov 16th-20th (subject to change)
Unit 4 Writing about Reading (Companion Books)
(Nov-Dec)
Unit 5 Non-Fiction Research (Jan-Feb)
Unit 6 The Art of Argument: Research-based Essays
(Feb-March)
Unit 4 Literary Essay (Nov-Dec)
Unit 5 Critical Non-Fiction Reading (Jan-Feb)
Unit 6 Position Papers & Argument (Feb-March)
HBA #2 March 7th-18th (subject to change)
Unit 7 Analytical Reading (March-May)
Unit 8 Memoir Writing (April-May)
Unit 9 Reading for High School (June)
Unit 7 Analytical Reading (April-May)
Unit 8 Student Choice Writing (May-June)
Unit 9 Planning for Summer Reading (June)
HBA #2 March 7th-18th (subject to change)
Language Arts Class
Diversity of Teaching Methods: Within these units, students will engage in a variety of learning
experiences, including the following:
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Targeted, small group instruction when
needed to address learning needs
Writers and readers workshop
Individual conferencing
Book clubs
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Stations
Blended Learning (learning using
technology components)
Whole class instruction
Diversity of Assessments: We make decisions to determine the learning needs of your child
using a variety of assessment methods. Student’s skills will be assessed by the teacher, but
students will also engage in self- and peer- assessment.
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Formative assessments (frequent checks for understanding)
o Exit tickets, notebook entries, rough drafts, quizzes, reading responses
Summative assessments (end of cycle/unit assessment)
o Final revised drafts, on-demand (test-like) writings, unit tests, presentations
Re-assessment (re-takes)
o The opportunity for re-assessment is available to students who meet the
requirements.
Student-work Policies
Retakes & Revisions: Students are encouraged to demonstrate their growing understanding of
skills through re-takes and revisions of summative assessments.
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Students may be asked to complete a “Revision Form” and take advantage of
tutoring opportunities.
In order to be eligible for a re-take/revision, students need to have completed all
necessary learning activities leading up to the assessment.
Missing Assignments: Missing assignments will receive a 50% in the gradebook until they are
received. Students who are absent from class should follow these steps:
1. Consult with a trusted classmate on missed classroom activity or assignments.
2. Access materials from your teacher’s designated area
3. Check-in with your teacher about what you’ve done so far, ask for anything you
still need, and develop a plan to catch up.
Grading Policy: Students will be assessed on their progress toward mastery of the Common
Core standards. Most items in a gradebook will reflect a student’s progress toward a standard
or skill and will be represented by points. Traditional assignments may also appear.
Gradebook marks:
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M= missing, “50%” The item has not been received.
X= Excused The assignment will not impact the student’s grade
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Point distribution:
Classwork/Homework = Approximately ¼ of grade book points
Assessments = Approximately ¾ of grade book points (formative or summative)
Classroom Expectations:
To ensure that all students have a safe and optimal learning environment, Pacific uses restorative
practices to help students develop positive and appropriate behavior. If at any time, a student does not meet
behavior expectations, logical consequences will follow. Please see student handbook for details on behavior
expectations.
Language Arts Teacher
Kate Cassidy & Jennifer Schultz
Room #105
Catherine.Cassidy@highlineschools.org
Jennifer.Schultz@highlineschools.org
Cut out my contact info for easy access in your
home!
206-631-5821
(please use phone to reach me outside of school hours only)
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Parent Signature: ______________________________________________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________________