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Mrs. Tweedy Writing
Zillah Middle School8th Grade Writing Course Syllabus
Mrs. Tweedy, Room #1112012-2013
____________________________________________________________
Contact Information:
School Phone: 509.829.5511School Email: [email protected]
Personal Email: [email protected]
Website: www.zmstweedy.blogspot.comFacebook: Search Mrs. Tweedys
Classroom
Please feel free to contact me at any point during the year if
you have any questions orconcerns. I make it a point to respond to
all emails or phone messages before leaving
work (usually by 4pm).
I use the class website and Facebook pages as a place to post
weekly assignments, testdates, updates, pictures, and other
information pertaining to my classes. Please check itfrequently as
it is updated several times a week.
If you provide me with a current email address, I will email you
weekly updates abouthomework and assignments.
This year I am piloting a new program,Remind101. This is a way
for me to send short,quick updates to your cell phone (via text
message) or to your email about assignmentschanges or due dates. It
is completely confidential my phone number will not beshared with
you and I will only see your name, not your phone number. Standard
textmessaging rates do apply, but there is no other fee to sign up.
I have attached a handout
explaining how to sign up on the last page of this document. I
encourage you to takeadvantage of this opportunity as last minute
assignment changes often happen and Iwould like to keep you as up
to date as possible. For more information, visitremind101.com
_____________________________________________________________Overview
of the Course:
This course is designed to help students become proficient in
key areas of writing,speaking, listening, and vocabulary as
determined by the Common Core State Standards(see below). Students
will write for a variety of purposes and in a variety of
formatsincluding expository, narrative, argumentative, and
research. This class will focus on the6+1 Traits of writing which
include ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentencefluency,
conventions and presentation.
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways including short
essays, extended writingprojects, research papers, grammar and
spelling, and writing response journals.
The standards on the following page define what students should
understand and beable to do by the end of 8th grade.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.zmstweedy.blogspot.com/http://www.zmstweedy.blogspot.com/http://www.zmstweedy.blogspot.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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Mrs. Tweedy Writing
Text Types and Purposes 1. Write arguments to support claims in
an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using
valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. 2. Write
informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas
and
information clearly and accurately through the effective
selection, organization, andanalysis of content.
3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effectivetechnique, well-chosen details, and
well-structured event sequences.
Production and Distribution of Writing 4. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the development, organization, and
style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 5. Develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or
trying a new approach. 6. Use technology, including the
Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact
and collaborate with others.Research to Build and Present
Knowledge 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research
projects based on focused questions,
demonstrating understanding of the subject under
investigation.
8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital
sources, assess thecredibility and accuracy of each source, and
integrate the information while avoidingplagiarism.
9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, andresearch.
Range of Writing 10. 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.
_____________________________________________________________Grading
and Assessment:
Students will be evaluated in many ways during this course. A
large majority of theirgraded work will be written but I may also
ask students to present their work in skits,PowerPoint
presentations, brief speeches, and poster presentations. If a
student missesan assignment, quiz, or project due to an excused
illness they will be able to make up the
work upon their return for full credit. Late work will only be
accepted per thehandbook policy.
90-100 A80-89 B70-79 C65-69 DBelow 65 F
Assignment Category % of FinalGrade
Assessments 50%Daily Work 40%Participation 10%
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Mrs. Tweedy Writing
Participation:Students will start each week with 7 (a C)
participation points. Studentscan earn an additional 3 points (for
an A) for participation - beingprepared for class, regular
attendance, and being on task. Points may belost during the week
for unexcused absences or tardies, not having needed
materials, not following class rules, or other disciplinary
issues.
Extra Credit:There will be limited extra credit opportunities
during the school
year. These assignments are intended to be in addition to
thestudents normal work load; therefore, only students who
haveturned in all required work will be eligible for extra credit
projects.
_____________________________________________________________Mrs.
Tweedys Class Expectations:
1. Have all materials and be in your seat before the bell
rings.2. Use respectful verbal language and body language.3. Keep
your hands to yourselfdont touch other people or their materials.4.
Mrs. Tweedys desk and all items on and behind it are off limits.5.
NO hats, electronics, food, or drinks allowed in classroom.
_____________________________________________________________Plagiarism
and Cheating:
Plagiarism is the unauthorized use of or close imitation of the
language and thoughts ofanother author and the representation of
them as ones own original work. Plagiarism isunacceptable and will
be treated no differently than cheating. Proven cases ofplagiarism
and/or cheating will result in a 0 grade for the project andstudent
will not be able to make up the missed points. This class will
cover theappropriate way to use another authors work without
plagiarizing and all students will
be responsible for citing their sources in each written
work._____________________________________________________________Classroom
Library Policy:
Books are available for checkout in Mrs. Tweedys room as a
convenience to students.These may be used for book reports,
assignments, or pleasure. Most books, but not all, have
been read or skimmed for content. This form is to inform the
parent/guardian that not everybook has been personally reviewed by
the teacher. Parents/guardians are the final monitor oftheir son or
daughters book choice. Books for assignments may always be brought
from homeor borrowed from a library as long as they meet the
requirements of the task assigned.
Students are expected to return the books within 6 weeks and in
good condition. Lost ordamaged books will be added to the students
fine list at the end of the year. The cost of areplacement book
will determine the fine.
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Mrs. Tweedy Writing
Parents and Student:
Please sign below that you have read this information. Please
return only this page. Keep therest for your reference.
- Mrs. Tweedy, Language Arts Teacher
_______ Please feel free to use my students photo in school
related blogs.
_______ I would prefer my students photo not be used.
By signing this syllabus, I acknowledge that I understand the
courseexpectations, discipline procedures, grading, and library
policy of this class.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
_______________________________________________________
Student Signature:
_______________________________________________________
Grade and Class Period:
_______________________________________________________
Parent Email Address:
_______________________________________________________
Parent Home Phone:
_______________________________________________________
Date: __________________ Please return by Friday, August 24,
2012.
