2014 - 2015

SANDTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL

5400 CAMPBELLTON ROAD
ATLANTA, GA 30331

Instructor: Mrs. Alvis W. Edwards
Phone: (404) 346-6500 EXT: 245
E-mail: edwardsad@fultonschools.org
Help Session: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Websites: http://edwardsad.weebly.com
www.edmodo.com
Edmodo Group Codes: 4
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The seventh grade reading curriculum continues to emphasize the development of fluency,
vocabulary, and comprehension through a thematic approach. There will be an emphasis on
informational text with a focus on science and history, genres through novel studies, and more
exposure to classic literature. Strategies in reading and vocabulary will be implemented with a focus
on self-direction. Instruction will be integrated with writing, projects, reading brief and extended
texts, and research skills. Our goal is to increase student reading ability while developing life long
readers and learners.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

READING COMMON CORE STANDARDS
Draw inferences based on textual evidence
Determine theme or central idea and analyze its development
Analyze elements of drama and how they interact
Determine meanings of words or phrases, including figurative and connotative
Analyze forms and structures in drama and poetry
Authors character development, and authors point of view
Compare and contrast written drama to its audio, filmed, or staged version
Compare and contrast historical fiction to actual events
The student listens to and views various forms of text and media in order to gather and
share information, persuade others, express and understand ideas. The student will select
and critically analyze messages using rubrics as assessment tools.

READING STANDARDS FOR LITERACY IN HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES:
The student cites specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
The student determines the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
The student identifies key steps in a texts description of a process related to history/social
studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).
The student determines the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
The student describes how a text presents information (sequentially, comparatively, and
causally).
The student identifies aspects of a text that reveal an authors point of view or purpose (e.g.,
loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
The student integrates visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or
maps) with other information in print and digital texts.


READING STANDARDS FOR LITERACY IN SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS
The student cites specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
The student determines the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provides an accurate
summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
The student follows precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking
measurements, or performing technical tasks.
The student determines the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific
words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to
seventh grade texts and topics.
The student analyzes the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the
major sections contribute to the whole and to an understanding of the topic.
The student analyzes the authors purpose in providing an explanation, describing a
procedure, or discussing an experiment in a text.
The student integrates quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with
a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph,
or table).
The student distinguishes among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.
The student analyzes the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same
topic.


TEXTBOOK:
Inside Language, Literacy, and Content (Hampton-Brown)


Students should bring the following items to class daily: textbook (unless told
otherwise), 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper and dividers, black/blue ink pens
or pencils, highlighters. Students will also need a dictionary to use at home for
homework. It would also be greatly appreciated if each student brings one pack
of printer paper (white or colorful).


COURSE OUTLINE:
FIRST and Second Semesters:
Reading standards are addressed every nine weeks, allowing students to experience
mastery on a deeper level in keeping with the goals of college and career readiness.



SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS AND DUE DATES:
A project will be assigned each nine weeks and due dates will be given.
Project assignment sheets must be signed by parent.
Homework will be handed out Monday of each week, unless there is a three day
weekend. In that case, homework will be given out the last school day before the
weekend. Homework will be due on Friday of each week, unless otherwise stated.

Late Assignments: Late assignments are only accepted with an approved absence;
otherwise no late work will be accepted.


ABSENCE / MAKE UP PROCEDURES: Upon returning to school following an absence, it
is the students responsibility to contact the teacher(s) to request make-up work. The
student must complete make-up work within the time specified by the teacher. At Sandtown
Middle School, the amount of time given to make up work will be the same as the amount
of time the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon.
Make-up work for unexcused absences may be reduced by 10 points. Make-up work
submitted late will receive a zero. The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up
work if the absence was excused. (FCBOE Policy JBD)


RECOVERY PROCESS / Provision of Improving Grades:
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative
grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the
student had demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements
including attendance.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may
improve their grades.


ENRICHMENT LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
Field trips, audio-visual presentations, guest speakers, use of library, supplemental materials


GRADING SCHEME: This class will adhere to the Fulton County Grading Policy:
A 90 and above
B 80-89
C 70-79
F Below 70
W (1-100) Withdrew/ Pass or Fail
NG No Grade
INC Incomplete
By county rule, any grade below 70 is failing.
The final grade in this class will be determined using the following formula /
criteria:

Tests 15%
Projects 20%
Quizzes 20%
Homework 10%
Class work /Participation 25%
Notebooks/Journals 10%



HOMEWORK: It is the policy of Sandtown Middle School to assign homework on a regular
basis; however, it is up to the discretion of the individual teacher as to whether it is
assigned over the weekend. Evaluation of homework may consist of detailed grading,
generalized checking, or a combination of both techniques.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students in this class are expected to adhere to the rules and
policies of Sandtown Middle School and Fulton County as stated in the SMS Student
Handbook / Agenda and the FC Guidelines for Student Behavior.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Cheating and plagiarism are inexcusable forms of conduct and will be dealt with strictly.
Sandtown Middle School defines plagiarism as a student taking credit for work that is not
his/ her own work. A zero will be given for the assignment, the teacher will contact the
parent(s), and a record of the incident will be placed in the students disciplinary file.
Repeated offenses will be referred to the administration for disciplinary action.

TEACHER/ PARENT COMMUNICATION: An open line of communication is encouraged
between teachers and parents. Parental visits are encouraged; however, it is the policy of
Sandtown Middle School that all visitors must report to the office before going to other parts
of the building. A Visitors Pass will be issued in the front office.
An appointment must be made in order for a conference to be held.

This syllabus is a general outline of the course and is subject to modification. Each student
has been provided with a copy of this syllabus. The syllabus should be signed by a parent /
guardian, shown to the teacher for verification, and retained in the students notebook.




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Signing below indicates that you have read the syllabus and understand the
expectations for Mrs. Edwardss 7
th
grade Reading class.

______________________________________ __________________
Parent / Guardian Signature Date

______________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date