John Leichty Middle School

650 S. Union Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Mr. Vega, Principal

School Phone Number

213-989-1200
2016 2017
Course Syllabus
Teacher: Ms. M. Murillo Room 207 Email: mxm6833@lausd.net
Conference Period, 5
Course Description: Eighth Grade Language Arts is designed to involve the
student in applying reading, writing, listening, speaking, and career and
college readiness skills in a diverse and meaningful interdisciplinary manner.
Students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature through the
study of literary elements in classic and contemporary selections; however,
there will be an emphasis placed on moving from the literal to the abstract in
the students critical thinking skills and in the use of language.
Methods of Instruction: Students will be engaged in the learning process
by:

Individual exploration and research

Class discussions
Small group team oriented activities
Hands-on activities such as projects.
Oral presentations
Written compositions

Course Competencies
1. Use word recognition and vocabulary skills to communicate.
2. Apply strategies and skills to comprehend, respond to, interpret, or evaluate a variety
of texts of increasing levels of difficulty.
3. Express, communicate, evaluate, or exchange ideas effectively.
4. Apply Standard English to communicate
5. Begin to Integrate the Common Core Standards for College and Career Readiness
Classroom Expectations:
Come to class on time, every day, prepared to learn. However, if a
student must miss class, for an excused absence, they are required to
make up missed work in a timely manner. This should be within two
class days of the missed assignment. Deductions will be made for work
turned in after the 2nd class meeting.

Students are required to participate in class and be respectful to their

peers, themselves, and their teacher. Always following the Golden
Rule. Consequences for misconduct may include detention, written
assignments, parent notification, parent conference, and/or office
referral.
Plagiarism and cheating have no place in a community of learners.
Each student is required to put forth their personal best. If a student is
suspected of plagiarism or cheating, the parents and the principal will
be notified and consequences will be determined.
Students are required to keep up with their assigned reading and turn
in assignments on time.
Students will lose valuable learning
experiences if they come to class unprepared.

Major Works and Assignments:

We have many exciting and enriching
activities to look forward to this year. Some of these will require outside
preparation and the aid of a parent to be successful. Here is a list of
tentative projects that each student will be responsible for.

Research Paper and PowerPoint: Each student will go through the

process of researching a person (TBD) and creating a 2 page research
report and PowerPoint presentation. It is imperative that your child
keep up with their work and deadlines.
Independent book Studies: Each semester, English students will be
responsible for an independent study of a serious piece of literature,
fiction or non-fiction that must be approved by the teacher.
They
will write a book report that focuses on a particular literary element,
term or device used by the author. That book report will be due one
week before final exams.
Class Novels: We will read and study several novels as a class.
Various activities and projects will be tied to the novels. These
readings may include, but are not restricted to:
o The Diary of Anne Frank
o House on Mango Street
o Divergent
Enrichment: Throughout the year, the students may be presented
with optional enriching experiences; such as weekend field trips with
parents.
Grading: Students will be graded in a variety of ways including formal
assessments such as tests; participations grades for daily work; and
authentic assessments using rubrics for oral presentations, projects,
and written assignments.
Students will be encouraged to self
-evaluate their work and to evaluate their peers work. The grading
scale is as follows:
100 - 90 = A, Rubric = 4
89 80 = B, Rubric = 3
79 70 = C, Rubric =2
69 60 = D, Rubric = 1

59 and below = F , Rubric = Do Over