Eighth Grade Advanced Language Arts
      Course Syllabus


      1. Textbooks: Elements of Literature-Second Course (Grade 8), Holt Handbook-Second Course (Grade 8), The Holt Reader: Interactive WorkText-Second (Grade 8), and Spelling Lessons and Activities-Second Course (Grade 8).

                          

      2. Course Description: Eighth Grade Advanced Language Arts is an integrated approach to language built around a collection of classic and contemporary literature which includes a mix of genres with a variety of cultural perspectives. The course integrates composition, grammar concepts, reading, and vocabulary to ensure that students who have been achieving above grade level in language arts will continue to be challenged at an appropriate level.
         
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      3. Grading Scheme:
        A 90 - 100
        B 80 - 89
        C 70 - 79
        F 0 - 69 *Below 70 is failing

        Class work/Homework & Quizzes 20%
        Notebook 10%
        Journal 10%
        Tests 30%
        Essays/Projects 30%

      4. Special Projects: A Research Report will be assigned and will include prewriting, drafting, and editing.
        A visual project will be assigned during the study of the novel To Kill A Mockingbird.
         
      5. Homework: Homework is assigned when necessary and will occur approximately three times per week.
         
      6. Recovery is an opportunity for students to recover from a failing or low (73 or below) cumulative grade in a particular subject.  It is allowed for students who have completed all required work that is assigned.  It is allowed for students who have demonstrated effort and attended school, but have failed to achieve success.  A student may request recovery work only once per course during each semester (or nine week connections period).  Students should contact the teacher  concerning recovery opportunities.  Teachers will establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester.  All recovery work must be completed prior to the last ten school days (or five school days for a nine week course) of each semester.
      7. Help Sessions: Help sessions may be scheduled with the teacher by request and with 24 hours notice.
         
      8. Communication: Email is an excellent way to reach the teacher. The email address is mccrarym@fulton.k12.ga.us. The teacher is available for conferences/phone calls when needed.
         
      9. Make ups: FCBOE Policy JBD: "Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher to request make up work. Make up work must be completed by the student within the time specified by the teacher. At TRMS, the student will be given the same amount of time to make up work as the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. The student will receive the actual grade on the make up work if the absence was excused. Make up work for unexcused absences may be reduced by ten points. Make up work submitted late will receive a zero."
         
      10. Procedures: Students are expected to keep a notebook and a journal. Students should always have their notebook, textbook, pen, pencil, and paper in class.
         
      11. Discipline: After three tardies, the student will receive a detention. Students should be polite, quiet, and respectful.


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