Literature and Writing Course Overview

Study Notes

Course Concepts

Focus on key skills: Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text, Writing (Expository, Narrative, Argumentative), Speaking & Listening, Language, and Vocabulary.
Each unit covers diverse texts, writing tasks, and concludes with a benchmark test over a 7-week period.

Unit Breakdown

Unit 1: Generations
Unit 2: Starry Home
Unit 3: Turning Points
Unit 4: People and The Planet
Unit 5: Facing Adversity

Community Building Activities

Early activities to foster community include an About Me One-Pager, table partner interviews, and interactive games.
Designed to enhance collaboration and prepare students for the rigorous curriculum.

Resources

Textbook: MyPerspectives (Digital via SAVVAS EasyBridge).
Supplemental Novels: Include classics like The Giver, The Outsiders, and Hatchet, among others.
Movies: Potential viewings include The Giver, A Christmas Carol, and Big Hero 6, chosen for their relevance to the curriculum.

Grading Policy

Quarters 1-3:
- Summative Assessments: 80% (tests/quizzes assessing mastery, 90% of final grade).
- Formative Assessments: 20% (classwork/projects informing progress).
Quarter 4:
- Similar weightings with 10% allocated for TCAP.

Homework Policy

Currently no assigned homework; students complete any unfinished work at home.
Late work can be made up within three days of return to school.

Bathroom Policy

Students have unrestricted access to restroom facilities, but may not leave during direct instruction to minimize disruption.

General Expectations

Respect peers, teacher, and materials.
Active participation and preparedness are required.
Disruptive behavior is to be minimized.

Consequences for Behavioral Issues

Step 1: Verbal warning.
Step 2: Teacher/student meeting (documentation begins).
Step 3: Teacher/parent discussion (documentation continues).
Step 4: Office Discipline Referral (ODR), severity may alter step progression.

Plagiarism Policy

Defined as academic fraud; offenders may redo assignments with a grade penalty or opt for a zero.
Parental involvement required in decision-making for consequences.

Description

Explore the key concepts of literature and writing skills in this course overview quiz. Topics include reading literature, informational texts, and various writing styles such as expository, narrative, and argumentative. Additionally, enhance your speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills across diverse modules.