English Language Development                                                                                Katia Sprauer

                                                                                                                                        503.399.3220 

                    sprauer_katia@salkeiz.k12.or.us

 

Course Description

This course will expand and develop language forms presented in each level’s corresponding ELD class while developing literacy skills.  This course will focus on reading texts in various genres, vocabulary development and teaching writing skills.  Students are grouped and taught at their assessed ELD proficiency level.  Students are grouped in up to two ELD levels.  1

 

Course Content – Standards

*Curriculum Standards 2

 

• Reading
• Decoding and word recognition
• Systematic vocabulary development
• Demonstrate general understanding of text
• Writing
• The writing process: pre-write, draft, revise, edit and publish
• Communicate supported ideas including relevant examples, facts and details
• Organize information in clear sequence
• Use precise words and fluent sentence structures that support meaning
• Demonstrate knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and penmanship
• Write narrative, expository, and persuasive texts, using a variety of written forms
• Speaking and Listening
• Listen to and read narrative and informational text
• Listen to text and read to make connections
• Communicate with peers throughout the writing process

 

State and District Assessments

 

• ELPA – English Language Proficiency Assessment taken in the spring
• State reading and writing assessment in the winter

 

Grading

            Points are given for graded assignments with some activities worth more than others. The school’s standard grading scale (see below) will be used, converting the points into a percentage, so the student can determine the letter grade, which is also used on the progress report (every six weeks) or report card at the semester in January and in June.

            Grading Scale:               A= 90-100%

                                                B= 80-89%

                                                C= 70-79%

                                                D= 60-69%

                                                F= Below 60%

It is important to remember that even a single zero on an assignment can drastically affect the grade.

 

 

Make-Up/Late Work

            Late work is accepted at a reduced rate of credit. If it is still turned in the week it is due, the grade generally drops 10%, but if it is turned in past the weekend and into the next week the credit generally drops to half of the original points.

Students who are absent will receive the time allotted according to school policy to make up work (one day for every day missed). It is the student’s responsibility to find out and complete work missed due to an absence. E-mail or call me, if needed. This is the number one reason why kids get behind. Please take responsibility for this to help prepare for eighth grade and beyond.

             

Modifications for TAG students

            Common modifications to help TAG students achieve high levels of learning include, but are not limited to, clustering TAG students for group work, providing challenge opportunities (any student may choose these higher-order thinking options), creative and open-ended responses to course content and projects, independent work time, and choices for reading and writing topics. Students will also have access to the Renzulli Learning website for a variety of learning opportunities.

 

 Behavior Expectations

• Be respectful in your words and actions.
• Do your personal best.
• Be prepared for class.
• Follow school/district rules, policies, and procedures.

Behavior consequences may include a warning, seating change, parent contact, citation, referral, or other appropriate consequence fitting to the individual situation.

 

Supplies

Student needs:  binder with dividers and notebook paper, pens, pencils, highlighter, writer’s notebook (most kids fill at least 2 spirals during the year). Also, many students will want a flashdrive so computer work can be transferred between school and home.

 

Homework

            The usual homework is nightly reading. The expectation is a minimum of 30 minutes of reading at least four nights per week. This time will be recorded in the reading log to be turned in each Friday or Monday (may also include writing and research time). At least one novel needs to be completed each six weeks. Parent signs reading log weekly.

            Parents, please check the planner weekly, as we fill out the calendar for the week every Monday. Tests, projects, speeches are written in the class planner 1-3 weeks before they are due.

 

I am looking forward to a great year of writing, reading, and thinking together! Let me know if you have questions or concerns. J _________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Please sign and return this bottom portion by ___________________________________.

 

I have read the syllabus for English Language Development.

 

 

______________________________      _______________                ___________________________________

Parent Signature                                             Date                      Student Signature

 

_____________________________________________                      ____________________________________

Parent E-mail                                                                              Student E-mail