User:Lbrown/ClassSyllabus

'''Courses '''

English SAI (Specialized Academic Instruction - 7th Grade

Learning Skills – 7th Grade

Social Thinking Skills

'''Instructional Philosophy'''

Common Core State Standard college readiness standards suggests that students develop and practice 21st century skills, which includes collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, communication and access to technology. Our Price Charter Middle School mantra additionally strives to ensure that students are respectful, responsible and resourceful.

Classroom Organization

Students will be assigned a seat and desk. Assigned student seating may fluctuate based on individualized learning needs. At minimum, two pre-designated areas will be reserved for students in need of one on one support and socio-emotional check ins with a classroom team member.

Learning Objectives Citizenship:
 * 4 C’s of Common Core: Collaboration; Communication; Creativity; Critical Thinking
 * Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words
 * Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar
 * Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
 * Produce clear and coherent writing that is on topic

As students develop mastery of being respectful, responsible and resourceful, they will be provided with feedback to address learning opportunities. Citizen grades will be used to evaluate student performance in being safe, respectful and resourceful. The citizenship grade is a letter grade according to their interactions with their peers, staff, and their environment. Students, who earn an “N” or “U”, will not be qualified for free dress on the monthly free dress day.

O –Outstanding = 4

S –Satisfactory = 3

N - Needs Improvement = 2

U –Unsatisfactory = 1

'''Student Expectations '''

Students are expected to arrive to class each day to address individualized goals in academics, socio-emotional, study skills. Also, students will receive guidance in how to effectively organize, plan and access the general education curriculum. Additionally, students learn how to be resourceful in navigating unpredictable settings such as: periodic seat change assignments; experimentation with financial responsibility; assigned classroom/campus jobs; preparation for emergency practice drills; independent problem solving. (Please refer to Ida Price Middle School Agenda page 7-20 for additional information).

'''Suggested Materials''':

Suggested student materials include a single subject notebook, binder with divider tabs, pencils, as well as access to computer with internet at home''. (Please notify Ms. Brown if you need assistance with securing these learning materials).''  Donation of learning material supplies and auction items are also welcome.

'''Course Descriptions'''

'''English SAI (Specialized Academic Instruction) - 7th Grade'''

English SEI 7th Grade integrates both GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) and Step Up To Writing Strategies, with emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, writing production, speaking and listening intervention skills.

LNSK (Learning Skills) – 7th Grade

Learning Skills provides intensive instructional support in various academic subjects. Students additionally receive guidance in how to effectively organize, plan and access the general education curriculum.

STK (Social Thinking Skills) 

Social Thinking Skills provides intensive instruction and support in developing and strengthening awareness of social cues, self-advocacy, while bridging gaps that may occur during social interactions.

Assignments

Assignments will be designed to enhance learning in the general education classroom. Grading
 * WOD (Writing On Demand) Quick Writes: involves students providing a written paragraph response to a daily prompt
 * BBW (Banish Boring Words): involves students writing sentences using synonyms
 * Developing essays that address the 5 essay types
 * Graphic Organizers (e.g. vocabulary squares)
 * Book Reports
 * Special projects

Grading is based upon citizenship, effort and subject mastery.

Grading scale

A                                                              90-100%

B                                                              80-89%

C                                                             70-79%

D                                                             60-69%

F                                                              below 59%

If a student is receiving a D or F in the class, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified. The teacher will additionally develop a plan for the student to be successful.

Late Work/Absences

Participation in class is required. If a student is absent for any reason, assignments, quizzes and tests must be made up within a pre-agreed upon time. Students must make appointments for these makeups to ensure that materials will be available. Independent Studies will require administrator approval and a IEP Amendment meeting to discuss service delivery.

Progress Reports

Progress reports will be sent home in mid-October, mid-January and at the end of April. Trimesters end in November, March, and June. If a parent or student has any questions about a student’s progress or grade, please feel free to contact me. You can make an appointment, or e-mail about anything, and I will get back to you within 24 hours. I am typically available 30 minutes before school and after school.

Behavior Expectations

Students are expected to be responsible, safe and resourceful. Students are also expected to cooperate, collaborate one another as a community of learners. District adoption of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), school and classroom rules will be enforced; this will include implementation of a Classroom Economy program.