ELA Syllabus - Mrs. Bronowich

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    SYLLABUS: Bronowich ELA 6th & 8th

    Long Branch Middle School, 2024 - 2025

    Instructor: Mrs. Bronowich

    Phone: 732-229-5533 ext. 42184

    Web: Teacher Page

    Email:  cbronowich@longbranch.k12.nj.us

    Course Overview

    English Language Arts is a yearlong required core subject that will enable students to become skilled readers of a wide range of literature; including fictional prose in the form of self selected reading, nonfiction, poetry, and short stories from various sources all while incorporating the New Jersey Standards for Learning. Students are expected to read and respond to a variety of literature, independently, in group discussions and in writing. All components of English Language Arts will be demonstrated; such as  listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The study of language in use – grammar, mechanics, sentence structure, and usage will be incorporated while engaging in the writing process. Additionally, the students will utilize technology in the form of Newsela, Commonlit, Membean, Flipgrid, Google classroom, and a host of other sources. 

    Goals and Objectives

    Students should leave this class with skills and understandings of the standards for 8th grade as outlined in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

     

    The student will demonstrate the ability to:

     

    • Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences and relevant connections from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

    • Determine the central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

    • Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

    • Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

    • Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.

    • Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

    • Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

    • Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. 

    • Analyze and reflect on how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

    • Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently with scaffolding as needed.

    • Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

    • Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. 

    • Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. 

    • Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

    • Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. 

    • Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others. 

    • Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects, utilizing an inquiry-based research process, based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

    • Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. 

    • Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 

    • Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

    Text

    1. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH). Into Literature: Grade 8. 2020.

    Course Requirements

    The course grade will be based on the following elements: 

     

    Task

    Weight

    • Level 1

    20% of marking period average

    • Level 2

    30% of marking period average

    • Level 3

    50% of marking period average

     

     


     

     

    Attendance: Students are expected to attend class regularly. If a student is absent, he is responsible for making up work missed. All work that is expected to be completed will be posted under the Google Classwork tab for his/her ELA Google Classroom. 


    I reserve the right to make any changes to accommodate class progress.

    Expectations from Student

    Academic Expectations

     

    • Attend class: attendance is not optional.

    • Participate in discussions.

    • Complete and turn in all assignments on time.

    • Work is to be completed individually, unless otherwise assigned.

    • Be familiar with Google Classroom and check it regularly for assignments and updates. 

    • Be thoughtful and civil to classmates and the instructor. 

    General Policies 

    Academic Misconduct 
    Please make a point to read the Student Handbook regulations on academic dishonesty. 

    Work Policy 

    You are expected to be on time for each scheduled class meeting. Assignments are always due on the day designated. Furthermore, you are responsible for any work that has not been submitted. Late work can be made up according to the late policy stated on the detailed grading expectations.

     

    Retake Policy
    The following outlines the Summative Assessment Retake Policy:  

    Every effort is made to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of concepts and skills to achieve mastery. In order for students to participate in the test retake all classwork and homework must be completed before they retake the assessment. Students will be permitted to redo/retake major grades where he or she failed to show mastery; however, the student must attend two tutorial sessions in order to qualify for a redo/retake. The first is for re-teaching, and the second is for the actual redo/retake. All major grades must be completed within 7 school days of the original due date. The deadline to complete a redo/retake is at least two days before report card grades are submitted.

    • The redo/retake will cover the same material, but it will have different questions and/or a different format. However, the content will be consistent with the redo/retake. 

    • A grade of 65 or higher indicates mastery of a concept; therefore, students may only redo/retake assignments for which mastery was not achieved. 

    • Students may earn up to a 65 on redo/retake assignments. 

    • Students will only have one opportunity to redo/retake any assessment.  When students complete the retake or do not take the opportunity to complete the retake, the teacher will make parent contact and will note it in Genesis.     

    • The student is responsible for arranging with the appropriate teacher to determine a date to redo/retake the assignment. Teachers will assist students through this process, helping them make a decision and prioritize redo/retake dates. 

    • It is important to note that the redo/retake policy is not intended to be used as a regular practice by a student. 

    • Alternate assignments may be required at the teacher’s discretion since some scenarios are impossible to replicate. For example: computer lab assignments, experiments, guest speakers, projects, formal essay, etc. 

    • Every effort will be made to include the redo/retake grade in the progress report average; however, assignments redone within the last week of grade submission will result in an incomplete.

    • Because the ultimate goal is for each student to master the material, teachers will consider extenuating circumstances. 

    • Students will not be permitted to redo an assignment or retake a test if they received a grade of zero or a reduced grade on the assignment or test because they violated Long Branch Middle School expectations for academic honesty or those who have chosen not to complete the exam in the given time period. 

    • Retakes will not be given during the regular class period, so students will need to make arrangements to stay for tutoring before/after school or during a lunch period.

    • Major grades completed during the last week of any grading period are not eligible for a redo/retake. 

    • Students who refuse to take the original test or who purposefully mark random answers are not eligible for a redo/retake. This will be determined by the teacher and overseen by the principal. 

     

     

    Class Procedures

     

    DURING CLASS

     

    • Arrive on time.

    • Try your best to raise your hand if you have a question.

    • Please do not use cell phones during class. 



    LEAVING THE CLASSROOM

     

    • Please ask the teacher if you need to leave class for any reason.  

    • Everyone needs a break every now and then, but do not make it a habit of leaving; you can’t learn if you’re not in the room.



    IF YOU ARE ABSENT

     

    • Work is to be made up before the end of the week in order for it to be considered “on time.” This includes if you are not able to log on due to issues with technology. Comment on Google Classroom or email the teacher if there are problems with your device/technology or if you are experiencing any other challenges that are preventing you from completing the assigned work.



    IN CASE OF TEACHER ABSENCE OR NO INTERNET IN THE DISTRICT

    • Check Google Classroom for instructions from your teacher. There, you will find an agenda for the day.

     

    COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS formerly known as RULES

     

    • Take care of yourself.

    • Take care of others.

    • Be responsible.

    • Always try your hardest and do your best.

     

    AT THE END OF THE DAY, ASK YOURSELF:

     

    • Did I complete all my work?

    • Did I treat others with respect?

    • Did I follow classroom/school rules and procedures?

    • Did I take responsibility for my actions?

    • Do I need to come during office hours for extra assistance/support?

     

    I look forward to being your teacher this year and learning alongside you!