English Language Arts – Grade 8
Ms. Anderson
General Expectations
Students are expected to follow the policies set forth by the team:
➢ Respect the personal space of others
➢ Be prepared for class
➢ Help maintain a safe, productive learning environment
➢ Be actively involved in learning
➢ Dress appropriately for the school environment
Class Materials/Being Prepared
Students are expected to have the following materials:
➢ 1 package of 3”x5” index cards, lined on one side (for flashcards)
➢ 1 one-inch 3 ring binder, with dividers and loose leaf paper
➢ Pencils
➢ Blue/Black Pens
➢ 1 Editing pen (color other than blue or black)
To be prepared for class every day, students should have with them:
➢ Binder (set up as directed)
➢ Pencil(s) and Pen(s)
➢ Student Planner
➢ Completed Assignments (homework, etc.)
➢ Independent Reading (DEAR) book
Curriculum
Units are broken down into two components: DLA (Daily Language Activity)/Writing and Genre Study. Over the course of the year, students will strengthen their writing skills through frequent, focused lessons centered on Standard English grammar and usage. Students will also develop critical thinking skills through the study of various literary genres.
Each unit will begin with a set of student objectives, which will guide the assignments for the unit. It is expected that each student will meet each of the objectives for a given unit, and periodic assessments will be given to track student progress. All assessments will be directly connected to unit objectives, and each objective is directly connected to the Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks and the MESMS Standards-Based Reading and Writing Connections.
Policies and Procedures:
Absences
-Excused: Assignments, tests, or quizzes missed due to excused absences will be due/made up on the day the student returns to school.
-Unexcused: Any work missed due to an unexcused absence will result in a zero grade.
Assignments
Students are expected to complete and turn in homework and all other assignments on the date they are due. Homework assignments will be posted on the class website and in class. All assignments will be due at the beginning of class, unless otherwise specified, and should have student’s name, block, date, teacher’s name, and assignment in the top right hand corner of the first page. Additional pages should have the student’s name on them as well (top right). Assignments not turned in on time will receive a stamp in the student’s agenda book, which should be signed by the parent.
Extra Help
Any student who feels that they would benefit from extra help is strongly encouraged to stay after school. I will be available after school for additional instruction as needed (at least one afternoon per week). Students should let me know at least one day in advance if they will be staying after for extra help.
Score Sheets
Students will be provided with score sheets, where they will be expected to maintain a record of their grades for each assignment completed. The purpose of the score sheet is for both students and parents to have accurate, current data regarding the student’s academic progress in this class. Score sheets should be signed by parents at midterm, as well as at the end of each marking period (before report cards).
*Note: All files are pdf. You will need Adobe to download these files properly. If you do not already have it, you can download it (free) from the MES main page.
