Course Syllabus

 

If you've never seen a Course Syllabus before, it's basically a document that outlines how our class will look, and answers basic questions such as "What are we studying?" or "What happens if I miss X assignment?" Think of it like the introduction to a book, or a tutorial for a video game: basic information is presented so that you can understand how things work! One thing I did not include in this syllabus is a detailed, every-day breakdown of what we will cover. If we learned anything from 2020, it's that we need to be flexible, so make sure to check each week to see what the workload will be like. One week might have some basic reading assignments and a quiz; another week might have an important component of the paper you will write.

Please take the time to read through the syllabus and let me know if you have any questions about our assignments, how to get in touch with me, or some of the class rules. There might even be a Syllabus Quiz available you can take for some extra credit later in this module...

 

Course 

7^th Grade English Syllabus

Course Description: 7th Grade English Language Arts is designed to involve the student in applying reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing skills in an independent manner through meaningful interdisciplinary tasks. Students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature through the study of literary elements in classic and contemporary selections. Emphasis is placed on moving from the literal to the abstract in the students’ critical thinking skills and in the use of language.

 

Methods of Instruction: Students will be engaged in the learning process through:

• Individual exploration and research
• Group lectures and discussions
• Hands-on activities such as projects and portfolio work
• Oral presentations
• Written compositions

 

Course Competencies

• Use word recognition and vocabulary skills to communicate
• Apply strategies and skills to comprehend, respond to, interpret, or evaluate a variety of texts of increasing levels of difficulty
• Express thoughts and emotions, communicate, evaluate, or exchange ideas effectively

 

Course Theme: Exploration of the human experience .

 

Course Expectations: 

• Online attendance is necessary to keep up with the class.  I'm proud that you have chosen to attend classes virtually, since that might be the best way for you to learn, but that doesn't mean we get to fire up the PS5 (if you have one) and turn on Fortnite / Apex Legends / whatever other game you're into at the time, or turn on YouTube to watch makeup tutorials. You're better than that, and you're beautiful as is. It is an expectation that you are online in our Zoom meetings or Google Meet room during scheduled meeting times.
• That being said, sometimes life get's in the way and you have to take a day off. Maybe you have family obligations, or perhaps you're sick and can't get to the computer. That's alright! If you do miss a day, please email me (jevans@fesd.org) or text / call me (480-788-4696) so I can let you know what you missed. The modules are set up so that you can kind of keep up even if you're gone for a day, but it is a very good idea to double check on the stuff you missed just to be safe. I don't want you falling behind!
• Work assigned does have a due date. However, if you need additional time to work on an assignment due to something like a major life event (a birth of a sister/nephew/new puppy, for example) please email me (jevans@fesd.org) or text / call me (480-788-4696) so that I might be able to come up with an alternate turn-in date that works for both of us.
• Students are required to participate in class discussions, discussion posts, and group projects and be respectful to their peers, themselves, and their teacher. Just because we aren't in person does not mean you can swear or write nasty things about one another (or me, but let's face it, if I couldn't handle middle school banter, I wouldn't be a teacher). There's enough negativity in the world; be a positive influence to the people around you.
• Consequences for misconduct may include a verbal or written warning, removal from the online meeting platform, parental contact, and involvement of the administration for the Fowler Elementary Virtual Academy. Serious offenses may result in your removal from the Virtual Academy.
• Plagiarism and cheating have no place in a community of learners; you're so much better than that! Each student is required to put forth their personal best.  Everyone has something important and valuable to add to our learning experience.  If a student is suspected of plagiarism or cheating, the parents and the principal will be notified and consequences will be determined. If you are struggling with an assignment, an essay, or a test, let's talk about it!
• Since we don't have time to read every article, poem, or short story during our online meetings together, you will have to independently read material for our class outside of scheduled English class times. Sometimes that's all your homework might be, and other times you'll need to prepare for class the next day by finishing a text so we can talk about it an answer questions in class later in the week.

 

Major Works and Assignments:  I'd like to think the work we have is going to be exciting and engaging, not to mention it'll help you learn how to communicate in a modern world! While there's a chance we move assignments around, here's a general overview of some of the major projects and assignments we will be working on this year:

• Research Paper: Students will go through the process of researching a topic and create a 5-paragraph research essay. This activity will take place during Q3 and Q4 of the school year, and will be chunked into very manageable parts so that students are not overwhelmed with material. It is imperative that each student keep up with their work and the individual deadlines for the assignment components! 
• Tests and Quizzes: Throughout our units, there will be a small formative assessment that allows students to demonstrate what they've learned so far. These quizzes are designed to mimic the larger tests students will take during the year, including any district assessments mandated along with statewide standardized tests. When a unit is complete, students will take a larger, summative assessment that ties together all of the concepts and skills presented during the unit, asking students to synthesize the information and show to the best of their ability that they understand the material presented. 
• Class Novels and Plays: We will be reading a novel during Q3 and Q4 of the school year.  Various activities and projects will be tied to the novel.  We have some flexibility with the choice we want to make, but these are some of the novels and plays we might look at starting in January of 2022:
• The Hobbit
• The Outsiders
• The Giver
• Fences
• 12 Angry Men
• A Christmas Carol
• Enrichment: Throughout the year, the students may be presented with optional enriching experiences.  This might include collaborative exercises like a virtual escape room, or YouTube videos that enhance the understanding of material. Hopefully, we will have many opportunities for these types of experiences this year.

 

Grading: Students will be graded in a variety of ways including formal assessments such as tests; daily work assignments; and authentic assessments using rubrics for oral presentations, projects, and written assignments. Students will be encouraged to self evaluate their work and to evaluate their peers’ work.  The grading scale is as follows:

• 100 - 90 = A
• 89 – 80 = B
• 79 – 70 = C
• 69 – 60 = D
• 59 and below = F

I round up, so if you have an 88.9, that becomes an 89; a 74.5 becomes a 75. No, I can't round 89 up to 90; yes, that question has been asked before. No, I can't change this. Yes, I will do everything I can to get you the grade you earn. Sound fair?

 

Earning an A: Let's be real, you're here to get the best grade you can, earn credit for 7th grade English, and move on to 8th grade and beyond, right? I'm here to help you do exactly that. It's my hope that each student earns the grade they want (and I'm hoping every student wants an A!). Here's a few tips and tricks to getting you the best grade possible:

• Join our Zoom or Google Meet instruction periods on time every day. If you miss out on the introduction, you might miss out on something important you need to be successful that day.
• Turn in all assignments complete and on time. If you have any questions about an assignment, email me or collaborate with your peers! 
• Ask questions! I want to make sure you have all questions answered. If I don't know the answer, I'll find the answer for you or get you in touch with the right person.
• Participate in activities, discussion posts, FlipGrids, etc. The more people that positively participate, the better classes will be and the easier things will be to understand!