Pre-AP ELAR (English Language Arts & Reading)
Procedures and Requirements
Grade 7
2011-2012
Please keep in English notebook for references throughout the year. A copy for
parents/guardians will be made and sent home through students.
Pre-AP and AP English classes are designed for the advanced student in language arts skills. The
objectives of these classes are to prepare students to be successful on the Advanced Placement tests
in English given in the 11th and 12th grades. Earning a satisfactory score on an AP test is a difficult
undertaking and requires the best academic efforts of students and a great deal of work to prepare for
these college level tests which can earn Pre-AP and AP students college credits in English or other
subjects.
Submitting Assignments: Headings consist of first and last name, date, class period written in the
upper left hand corner and assignment title written on the topic line. Homework assignments must be
placed in the proper tray and are due at the beginning of the class period. All assignments are due the
next class day unless specified by instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class prepared
with all assignments and materials.
Late Assignments: No assignment will be accepted after its due date, nor will students be allowed to
rescue averages at the end of the six weeks period by making up neglected assignments. It is the
students’ responsibilities to work efficiently. In a crisis situation or extenuating circumstances,
exceptions may be possible but extremely limited. Parent/Guardian notification may be required.
Repeated failure to complete assignments when due (zeros) may be cause for removal from the PreAP class.
Notebooks and Personal File: Students need a three ring binder to keep and organize vocabulary,
essays and related writing or reading materials, handouts and notes. When assignments are returned,
review for grades/corrections, questions, comments, or concerns. The assignments are to be placed in
the notebook correctly.
Reading Classes: Every week, class will be assigned a library day, unless otherwise instructed,
students will participate in Sustained Silent Reading or write using our on-line resource WRITE
SMART. Students will be required to read one book from the Pre-AP book list of their grade level each
six weeks period. Students may not retake tests previously taken (be sure to refer to Reading Log).
Students will be given a daily grade based on whether the students are prepared to read and write as
well as using their time effectively. If students come to class without a Pre-AP book to read, they will
receive a zero for that day. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she has a book to read
before Library Day. On the last Wednesday of each six-week period, students will be required to take
a book test over the book they have read during the six-week period.
Absences: It is the students’ responsibility to ask for and obtain make-up work. Grades for
unexcused absences will not exceed a 70 as per Student Code of Conduct.
SAT Word List: The Word List is a compilation of words that have appeared most often on past
SAT/PSAT tests. Every six weeks students will receive a packet containing 25 words. This packet
contains the words list, definitions, sentence completion worksheet, and a matching test. The complete
packet is due the last Wednesday of the six weeks period. This packet will be graded as a daily grade
and 10 words from the SAT list will be randomly chosen to appear on the Six Weeks Test.
Word Roots: Word Roots is designed to help students expand their spelling, vocabulary, and
comprehension skills, (Critical Thinking Co.). The roots, prefixes, and suffixes learned each week will
be cumulative. These roots, prefixes, and suffixes will be written on index cards and need to be
reviewed throughout the six weeks period. This information will be a part of the Six Weeks Exam.
Research Paper: Students will complete one research paper this year. Some class time will be
allowed to complete this assignment; however, the majority of the work will be completed outside of the
classroom.
Grading: Grades will be calculated according to board policy:
50% Daily Work
50% Tests/Quizzes
On occasion this calculation method may be slightly altered to accommodate a research
project or other long-term assignments.
I have read and understand the procedures for Pre-AP/AP English, and I promise to do my best
to complete every assignment with honesty and integrity; and to complete all the required
reading assignments. I understand that if I fail to do assignments or study adequately to learn
concepts presented in class, my success in this class will be doubtful.
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Student Signature
___________________
Date
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Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________
Date
English Language Arts and Reading
Peaster Middle School English Department