Course: Content Reading and Study Skills
Instructor: Janet Willis
Essential Outcomes:
 Students will hone study skills necessary for success in high school (and college)
classes.
 Students will expand their vocabulary knowledge by wide reading, discussion, and
instruction in roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
 Students will learn how to effectively preview a reading assignment.
 Students will master various types of note taking (such as HUG, Cornell notes, SQ4R.)
and will demonstrate the SKRAWLL characteristics of effective note taking.
 Students will increase their critical reading and thinking skills:

Students will be able to read various types of non-fiction texts proficiently. This
includes their science, social studies, math, and English texts.

Students will be able to detect bias and loaded language in text or speech.

Students will recognize fallacies of logic in advertisements, speeches, and articles

Students will recognize patterns of organization in written text.
 Students will engage in wide reading for both academic and recreational purposes.
Course materials: a notebook, folder, pencils, a planner/organizer, a highlighter, a book to
read for pleasure
Grading scale:
A = 90-100%
C = 70-79 %
B = 80-89%
D = 60-69 %
Honor’s Option
There is an Honor’s Option available for this class. Students register for this option by
completing a form obtained from the GATE office. A brief summary of the requirements:
1. Student reads a nonfiction book about a significant topic. In a paper s/he analyzes the author's
primary message, elaborates on three pieces of evidence provided by the writer, and discusses
the impact that the book had on him or her.
2. Student reads 6 articles on a current social issue and completes a PAL-BEG critical analysis of
each article.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is taking the ideas, concepts, facts, and/or words of another and using them as
one’s own. It is considered a form of stealing. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.
If you plagiarize on any written assignment, you will earn a grade of zero. (FYI: Most
colleges have university-wide plagiarism policies. Consequences range from class failure to
expulsion from the university.)
Digital Citizenship
Use technology, including cell phones, in an appropriate manner. In other words, texting during
class would not be acceptable, but taking a picture of a schedule or notes would be fine. It
would also be fine to enter vocabulary words to a study app during work time. Cell phones
should be silenced during class. Cell phones will not be used during any exams. And, cell phone
etiquette dictates that a person never takes video or pictures of anyone without getting
permission first. Cell phones and other technology are useful tools for responsible learners.
Classroom expectations
It is important that I respect each of you and that you respect both me and each other in
order for us to have a safe, healthy, and successful learning environment.
 Attend class every day.
 Do your best. Ask for help when you need it.
 Complete make up work as per district policy.
Independent Reading
The class objectives include wide reading to increase general knowledge and to increase
your own independent word learning skills so that you are a better academic reader. I also
want you to simply enjoy reading. To meet this goal, you will get to choose your own
books to read! There are a few common sense parameters and a “book report” each
quarter to hold you accountable for your reading.
o
The book can’t be one that was required reading for another class.
o
Your selections must be of an appropriate reading level for you. We will read in class
several days each week and I will help match you up with a book.
o
o
Grading (per quarter): 451-500 pages = A
350-399 pages = C
400-450 pages = B
300-349 pages = D
I am looking for quality in your book reports. I am expecting some detail and careful
thinking in whatever ways I ask you to respond to the book.
I am looking forward to a productive and successful semester!
Mrs. Janet Willis
Email: jawillis@rochester.k12.mn.us