7th Grade English/Social
Studies Block
Mrs. Katia Sprauer
Walker Middle School
1075 8th St. NW, Salem, OR 97304
503-399-3220
sprauer_katia@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Course Description
The districtÕs literacy
model will be implemented to help all students learn and achieve academic
goals. Class objectives and assignments will be geared toward the districtÕs Core Standards for literacy. We will
also integrate language arts and social studies whenever possible. A wide array
of strategies that encourage students to draw upon a variety of learning styles
will be incorporated. Common classroom learning activities will include
warm-ups, skill-related lessons, reading/writing workshop, word study,
independent work, small group and class discussion, projects, etc.
Course Content/Core Standards
English Social
Studies: Geography
Writing
(all modes) Geographic
Themes
Grammar U.S./Canada
Spelling Latin
America
Vocabulary Europe
Reading
skills for varied texts Asia
Literature
study/analysis Africa
Public
speaking Current
Events
Specific details of the Core Standards for 7th grade literacy, including
information related to reading, writing, and literature can be found on-line at
the following URL. Or, simply go to the district website and locate the web
page for the curriculum and instruction department.
http://is.salkeiz.k12.or.us/StaffResources/COREStndrdsLit./COREStndrdsLitPg.htm
State/District Assessments
Students will participate in statewide testing in
reading at various times throughout the year, with the goal being that each
student has multiple opportunities to pass or exceed state standards. Students
will also participate in the state writing assessment this winter. Scores are
reported to families after all testing windows are complete.
There
will also be a variety of in-class work samples given in writing, speaking, and
social studies. These work samples are scored using the statewide scoring
guides, and the results are reported to the district database.
Grading
Points are given for graded assignments with some
activities worth more than others. Usually a one day assignment is worth 50-100 points and a test or
project can be worth 200 points or more. Then the schoolÕs 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 studentÕs 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.
*Keep
your mind open to our two big projects this year. This winter will be the country
display projects for social studies and in the spring, writing projects for
English. More information to come later.
Behavior Expectations
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 w/dividers and
notebook paper, BLACK pens, pencils,
colored pencils, highlighter, writerÕs 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 7th grade English/Social Studies Block.
_________________________ __________ ______________________________
Parent Signature Date Student
Signature
_____________________________________________ ____________________________________
Parent E-mail Student
E-mail