Class Syllabus
Syllabus
Mrs. Mary Kay Moore
6th Grade Language Arts
Ridge Road Middle School Room #808
Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Course Purpose
Language Arts is a critical course for academic success. The components of reading, writing, speaking, and grammar span all academic subject areas. The purpose of this course is for all students to develop the language arts skills necessary to succeed this year as well as all academic courses in the future.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of this course is for all students to develop mastery of the 6th Grade Common Core Standards. To work toward this goal, students will write argumentative and informative responses, read a variety of texts and novels, use correct grammar and vocabulary on a daily basis, complete projects, and engage in public speaking.
Course Expectations
Homework
Students will be assigned homework approximately 3-4 nights a week. If there is no assigned writing, reading, or grammar for that evening, each student is still expected to do homework, reading at least 30 minutes per evening. Parents should read and sign students’ agendas each evening to discover what homework has been assigned for each day. If a situation arises, we will communicate student behaviors via the agenda.
Daily Writing Assignments and Grammar
Writing is a very important focus in language arts class. Students will write Journal entries to improve writing skills, argumentative pieces to develop higher level thinking skills, informative essays to practice formal writing styles, and poetry and prose to express creativity. Grammar lessons, tests, quizzes and activities will help to improve grammar skills.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary will be studied on a regular basis. It will represent concepts that the Common Core Standards require in Sixth Grade. The knowledge of classical word roots and stems will serve students throughout their academic career and beyond.
Reading, Novels, and Projects
Reading will be taught using the NC approved text, Literature 6. We will also read at least two novels in language arts this year. During the novel studies, the concepts required within the Common Core Standards are emphasized. A variety of units of study which include required concepts will be introduced throughout the school year.
Evaluation and Grading Procedures
Students are graded on a percentage basis as required by Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Daily class work assignments, homework, and quizzes make up 35% of the grade, projects/tests make up 65% of the grade. A score of zero will be assigned to an assignment or assessment on which a student made no attempt or which is missing. A copy of students' grades can be printed as needed from Power School, our grade recording system, and parents may also see their student’s grades by using Parent Assistant as explained in the Ridge Road Student Handbook.
Accepting Late Work
If the student was present in class on the due date, the work may be given less credit. There will be a 10 point deduction for each day an assignment is late. Any work submitted by a student after 5 days cannot receive a grade higher than a 50.
79% Mastery
Students who fail to score at least 79% on an assessment (major tests or formal assessments) will have an opportunity to retake the assessment once. Tutoring is a requirement before retesting. The retest score obtained may be higher than 79%, but the grade book grade will not reflect anything higher than 79% for a re-test score. For example: If the first score is 78 and the second score is 90 then the final grade book score is 79%.
EOG Review
Just before administration of North Carolina EOGs, students will be engaged in an intense review of concepts taught throughout the school year. Students will also learn effective test taking skills to help prepare them for EOGs.
Syllabus
Mrs. Mary Kay Moore
6th Grade Language Arts
Ridge Road Middle School Room #808
Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Course Purpose
Language Arts is a critical course for academic success. The components of reading, writing, speaking, and grammar span all academic subject areas. The purpose of this course is for all students to develop the language arts skills necessary to succeed this year as well as all academic courses in the future.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of this course is for all students to develop mastery of the 6th Grade Common Core Standards. To work toward this goal, students will write argumentative and informative responses, read a variety of texts and novels, use correct grammar and vocabulary on a daily basis, complete projects, and engage in public speaking.
Course Expectations
Homework
Students will be assigned homework approximately 3-4 nights a week. If there is no assigned writing, reading, or grammar for that evening, each student is still expected to do homework, reading at least 30 minutes per evening. Parents should read and sign students’ agendas each evening to discover what homework has been assigned for each day. If a situation arises, we will communicate student behaviors via the agenda.
Daily Writing Assignments and Grammar
Writing is a very important focus in language arts class. Students will write Journal entries to improve writing skills, argumentative pieces to develop higher level thinking skills, informative essays to practice formal writing styles, and poetry and prose to express creativity. Grammar lessons, tests, quizzes and activities will help to improve grammar skills.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary will be studied on a regular basis. It will represent concepts that the Common Core Standards require in Sixth Grade. The knowledge of classical word roots and stems will serve students throughout their academic career and beyond.
Reading, Novels, and Projects
Reading will be taught using the NC approved text, Literature 6. We will also read at least two novels in language arts this year. During the novel studies, the concepts required within the Common Core Standards are emphasized. A variety of units of study which include required concepts will be introduced throughout the school year.
Evaluation and Grading Procedures
Students are graded on a percentage basis as required by Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Daily class work assignments, homework, and quizzes make up 35% of the grade, projects/tests make up 65% of the grade. A score of zero will be assigned to an assignment or assessment on which a student made no attempt or which is missing. A copy of students' grades can be printed as needed from Power School, our grade recording system, and parents may also see their student’s grades by using Parent Assistant as explained in the Ridge Road Student Handbook.
Accepting Late Work
If the student was present in class on the due date, the work may be given less credit. There will be a 10 point deduction for each day an assignment is late. Any work submitted by a student after 5 days cannot receive a grade higher than a 50.
79% Mastery
Students who fail to score at least 79% on an assessment (major tests or formal assessments) will have an opportunity to retake the assessment once. Tutoring is a requirement before retesting. The retest score obtained may be higher than 79%, but the grade book grade will not reflect anything higher than 79% for a re-test score. For example: If the first score is 78 and the second score is 90 then the final grade book score is 79%.
EOG Review
Just before administration of North Carolina EOGs, students will be engaged in an intense review of concepts taught throughout the school year. Students will also learn effective test taking skills to help prepare them for EOGs.