Eighth Grade English-Language Arts Syllabus

Instructor: Kimberly Smith

Room Number: 4
Email: ksmith@jackson.k12.ms.us
Website: www.ksmithela.weebly.com Phone: 601.371.4309
Course Description: This course emphasizes critical reading of various literary selections and analysis
through discussion, compositions, projects, and speeches.
Course Outcomes:
In accordance with each individuals capabilities and state language arts standards, the student will:
1. Read a variety of self-selected and classroom texts.
2. Participate in novel studies to gain a better understanding of other perspectives and cultures.
3. Develop proofreading techniques dealing with grammar, punctuation, and content.
4. Expand vocabulary strategies and usage.
5. Use a variety of reading strategies to summarize and evaluate narrative and expository text.
6. Increase listening and speaking skills.
7. Respond to writing prompts and analyze literary and informational texts from various
perspectives.
Grading System Categories:
JPS Grading Scale: One numerical grade will be reported per course each term. The numerical
equivalent of the grade will consist of two major components: (1) the average of scores on tests, and (2)
the average of scores on assignments (homework, class work, quizzes and independent work). The
average of scores on tests will be given a weight of 30% and the average of scores on assignments will be
given a weight of 70% when determining the numerical grade.
Grading Scale
A 90-100
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-below
Procedures Used to Record Student Progress:
Students grades are recorded on the districts grading program ActiveParent. Progress reports are given
to all students every interim period.
Written Work Standards & Required Materials:
1. A binder with pockets to keep your papers organized.
2. Use neat, legible handwriting, complete sentences, and proper mechanics for all assignments.
3. Use MLA formatting on all assignments.
4. If in doubt, ASK for support. Its better than redoing it later!
5. Blue or black ink pens, wide-ruled paper and pencils
Assignment Policies:
Late Work: Classwork and homework turned in on time receive full credit and receive only partial credit
if turned in late. Ten percent (10 %) per day are deducted for all late assignments. Projects are assigned
well in advance and can only receive full credit if turned in on the assigned date.
Missed Work/Make up Work: Students have 5 days to make up work after an excused absence. Work
not made up in the allotted time receives a grade of zero. Students are responsible for getting missed
assignments by consulting the Info Center board in the classroom information center upon their return
to school. In case of an extended absence, work may be requested by contacting me directly.
Retest/Re-do: Retests are mandatory for any student scoring less than 60% on any teacher-created
assessments (especially those that mirror end-of-year testing). Re-dos on end-of-unit summative and
formative assessments will be at the teachers discretion.

Classroom Standards & Procedures:

1. Be on time to class by sitting in your assigned seat when the bell rings with materials ready.
2. Come ready and prepared to learn by bringing proper materials (pen, paper, binder, etc.).
3. Respect your rights and the rights of others to learn by following classroom procedures, being an
active participant and responsible for the success of everyone.
4. Work at learning by accepting challenges, learning from mistakes, and completing assignments
5. Ask for support if needed.
IN ORDER TO SUPPORT CLASSROOM STANDARDS
1. Student may be given a verbal warning or redirection to correct behavior.
2. Student may be directed to a new seat in the classroom to minimize distractions.
3. Parent may be contacted via phone or email.
4. The teacher will assign an after school detention for continued classroom disruptions.
TO SHOW ABSOLUTE RESPECT TO PEERS AND ADULTS, STUDENTS WILL:
1. Speak kindly to others and listen when others are talking.
2. Leave electronics, food, drinks in backpacks and bring only what is necessary for class.
3. Put items in their proper place after use. Make sure your area is neat and clean before you leave class.
4. Ask for permission to leave the classroom at appropriate times. Students must have a written pass and
sign out on the sign-out board. Return in a timely manner.
5. Check the Info Center for missed assignments after an absence, and ask for support with missed
assignments during homeroom, after class, or after school.
CONTACTING THE TEACHER:
1. Before contacting the teacher use your resources
a. Did you check the notes/examples that were provided in class?
b. Did you check my website?
c. Did you ask another student in the class for help/guidance?
2 The teacher will be happy to answer any parent questions, but they must be addressed to the
teacher by the student so that teacher can respond to the appropriately.
The student is in the 8th grade and needs to be an active participant in his/her own
learning.
3 Parents will be respectful of the teachers time outside of class and only expect the teacher to
respond during regular work day hours (7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) The teacher will not respond to emails after 8:00 p.m., on weekends, or while she is engaged with personal family activities.
4 The teacher reserves the right not to respond to any parent/student e-mails that are demanding,
rude, or disrespectful (These will be forwarded to administration). All student e-mails need to be
written in complete sentences and provide enough information to the teacher to provide a
response.

Student and Parent/Guardian Agreement

PLEASE READ, SIGN, AND

RETURN THIS SHEET ONLY TO MRS. SMITH BY

August 17,2016
We have read and understand the MYP Language and Literature course syllabus including the classroom
standards, classroom procedures, and assignment policies.
__________________________________
Student Name (please print)

_________________________________
Student Signature

Date______

__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (please print)

_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

Date______

Email: ____________________________

Phone: ___________________________

__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (please print)

_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

Email: _____________________________

Phone: ___________________________

Date______

Note to Parent/Guardian:
Email is the quickest and easiest way for me to communicate with you about your childs achievement in
my class. However, you may also call or meet with me as well. My contact information is located on the
front page of the course syllabus.
Please complete and only return this page to me. The other pages can be used for your
reference.
Is there anything else Mrs. Smith should know?
Parent note to teacher:

I look forward to working with you and your child this school year! I have high expectations
that all students can learn the material presented. I will challenge your child to reach their
highest potential. I encourage all respectful comments, suggestions, and communication.