SYLLABUS

Writing

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This class covers the Writing TEKS set by the State of Texas.  The student will learn Grammar and Conventions and several different writing styles.

At the end of this course, you will

• be able to use proper grammar and conventions to create a publish worthy piece.

• understand the difference between Expository and Narrative styles of writing.

• Be able to create a piece that is appropriate for the intended audience and subject matter.

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Materials

To successfully complete this course, you will need [Insert bulleted list of required materials, including textbook name and author, technology availability, and so on as well as easily accessible source of those materials.

• 2 inch binder (will be kept in the classroom to be used for writing papers and notes)
• 1 pkg of dividers (10 count)
• Pencils
• Highlighter
• 2 jumbo erasers
• 2 pkgs of paper

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Rules:

1.  Follow all instructions immediately, properly, and quietly.                          

2.  Be respectful to people, places, and property.

3.  Be on time, in assigned seat, ready to work when the bell rings.

4.  The teacher dismisses class, not the bell.

5.  Do nothing to hinder the educational process.

Consequences are as follows:

1. Warning for first offense
2. 2^nd offense – Begin a discipline form / extra assignment / make up wasted time during study hall.
3. 3^rd offense – Referred to the office for disciplinary action.

Grading Policies:

All teachers follow a common grading policy:

1. A minimum of 3 categories will be used for grades
   1. No one category can count more than 50% of the student’s final nine-week grade.
2. 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade will have a minimum of 18 grades per nine week grading period
   1. grades should average 3 per week
   2. a minimum of 4 tests will be given per nine week period, preferably one test every two weeks during the nine week period.
   3. During shortened nine week grade cycles or period of state mandated testing, the required number of grades may very. 
3. Semester Exams will be given 6^th through 8^th with the exam grade counting as 14% of the student’s final semester grade.

Redo, Make-up work

1. If a student fails a test, the student will be able to retake the test with 3 days of receiving the grade.
2. Students receiving a “zero” on an assignment will be required to redo the assignment in Lunch Extend with the highest possible grade being a “70”.
3. Late or incomplete assignments will be completed in Lunch Extend and will have points deducted from the final grade for each day they are not completed.
   1. After 3 days, the student will receive a zero for the assignment.
4. The student will have the number of days he/she was absent to complete any assignments given while he/she was out.

Grading Scale:

Tests/ Projects 40%

Quizzes 30%

Daily 30%