Syllabus

Charter School of Excellence Mrs. Young
 * ESL Language Arts Course Syllabus **


 * Course Description **

This course will allow students the opportunity to improve their reading and writing skills primarily through the use of two reading programs from Scholastic: System 44 and READ 180. Each program is designed to help students build their skills in the following areas: reading; writing; listening; and speaking. Both programs create an individualized plan for each student and allows work to be completed at their own pace on their own level. Throughout the year, we will also focus on specific reading and writing techniques, as well as grammar and mechanics.

According to the programs:

"System 44 was designed for our most challenged readers, those reading at a basic or below-basic level. Intentionally metacognitive, System 44 helps students understand that the English language is a finite system of 44 sounds and 26 letters that can be mastered and provides educators with a comprehensive set of tools designed to meet this challenge."

"Read 180 is an intensive reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of students reading below grade level. The program directly addresses individual needs through adaptive instructional software, high-interest fiction and nonfiction, and direct instruction in reading and writing skills."


 * Course Outcomes **

In this course, successful students will improve— - basic vocabulary. - basic reading. - reading fluency. - reading comprehension skills. - the ability to make predictions and inferences with the text in which they are reading. - their SRI, SPI, and ACCESS test scores.


 * Class Expectations **

In this course successful students will— - Follow all rules set forth in the CSE student handbook. - Arrive on time and prepared for class with ALL daily materials, including, but not limited to the following: - Remain awake, alert, attentive, and engaged in class activities. - Follow course protocols and procedures. This includes both classroom and testing rules. - Be respectful to your classmates. - Refrain from bringing gum, candy, or individually packaged snack-like materials into the classroom. - Bring no liquids other than water in a clear bottle into the classroom. - Attend AM/PM Tutorial if you need extra help. - Pursue all individual questions, complaints, suggestions and requests at appropriate, non-class times.
 * o A writing utensil
 * o Notebook paper
 * o Any classroom handouts/materials given to students by the teacher.


 * Class Procedures **

In this course, successful students will— - Quietly enter the classroom and take their seats. - Read the daily agenda on the board. - Participate in classroom discussions. - Take notes on the material. - Ask questions when confused. - Participate fully in class. This includes, but is not limited to the following: - Return all materials to appropriate locations before dismissal.
 * o Following along during all in-class reading.
 * o Volunteering to read aloud and/or answer a question.
 * o Completing any participatory writing or group activities.


 * Class Assessments **

Each quarter, students will be grading using a variety of assessments, including but not limited to the following:
 * o In-class assessments required for Read 180/System 44
 * § SRI and/or SPI test.
 * § Any assessments required by your individual program (ex. Scholastic Reading Counts).
 * o District assessment
 * § NWEA test
 * o Vocabulary
 * § Vocabulary may be its own test or you may have vocabulary words on quizzes and tests with other information.
 * o Reading
 * § Quizzes and tests will be given at the teacher’s discretion.
 * o Writing
 * § This includes, but is not limited to, project and papers.
 * o Participation
 * § Students will be graded at random throughout the quarter on how well they are able to stay on task and participate without teacher prompting.
 * o Listening and Speaking
 * § Students will be graded at random throughout the quarter on how well they can follow directions and listen to the teacher.
 * § Students will also be graded at random throughout the quarter on how well they can use the English language in class.

Each year, students will complete the following state assessments:
 * o WIDA WAPT test (if the student meets specific requirements)
 * o WIDA ACCESS test
 * o WIDA MODEL test
 * o Keystone test (if the student meets specific requirements)


 * Grading **

Students will be graded on the following rubric—

**__ Charter School of Excellence Grading Rubric __** Scores Reflect an Individualized Grading Format, Relative to the Student’s Level of Academic Functioning. **__ ADVANCED – “A” __** There is an in-depth knowledge of the curriculum, and the academic performance is exemplary and of high quality.
 * __ Score = 4.0 __**

There is an in-depth knowledge base of the curriculum, and the academic performance is somewhat exemplary or of high quality.
 * __ Score = 3.5 __**

**__ PROFICIENT – “B” __** There is a solid understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is satisfactory.
 * __ Score = 3.0 __**

There is a solid understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is somewhat satisfactory.
 * __ Score = 2.5 __**

**__ BASIC HIGH – “C” __** There is a partial and limited understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is adequate.
 * __ Score = 2.0 __**

There is a partial and limited understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is mostly adequate. **__ BASIC LOW –“D” __** Student has shown growth. There is little understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is marginal.
 * __ Score = 1.5 __**
 * __ Score = 1.0 __**

Student has shown minimal growth. There is little understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is mostly marginal. **__ BELOW BASIC –“F” __**
 * __ Score =.5 __**

Student has shown no growth. There is little understanding of the curriculum, and the academic performance is inadequate.
 * __ Score = 0 __**

**This syllabus is by nature a fluid and dynamic document that will be subject to change and alteration throughout the course of the school year. Any and all changes will be made at the discretion of the instructor and will become an additional expectation of the student effective immediately.