ESL

(ELL) Language Arts I

Ms. Colerain Mack
colerain.mack@gmail.com
Twitter @ colerain_mack

Grade Level or Course Description

This course is for students who have been in the U.S.A. for less than one year or have had limited formal
educational opportunities in their home country. Students in this class focus on developing basic English
Language skills in reading, writing and oral development as outlined by WIDA. This class follows the
English standards for the state core curriculum with special emphasis on critical thinking, analysis,
summarizing, English grammar, vocabulary and Standard English reading and writing conventions.

Course Goals and Objectives

By the end of this course students will be able to write cohesive paragraphs in English that contain accurate
English conventions. This will be achieved through a strong focus on English grammatical structures and
common conventional usage. Additionally, students will move up one standard reading grade level by
continually building on their English vocabulary and application of academic reading strategies. Finally, the
course focuses on developing critical thinking and analysis of the world through class conversation,
community activities, and reading of various traditional and digital texts.

Course Materials
Bi-lingual dictionary (English and Home Language)
Index Cards

Format and Procedures

Students should be prepared to work with peers in the class on group projects, as partners and during oral
language labs.
Students will be using their writing journal and dictionary daily. Prepare to have these supplies in class.
Students are expected to turn in typed papers. Papers should be double spaced using a 12-point font
(Times New Roman or Arial).
Note: If students do not have access to computers at home, they have access to computers Monday through
Thursday after school in the school library. They have access to computers in Ms. Colerain Macks
classroom Thursday after school.

Course Requirements (Assignments, Attendance, Tardies, Discipline, etc.)

Students are expected to attend and be on time to class every day.
If a student is absent it may be excused by a parent/guardian. Please see the student handbook for the
types of absences that will be excuse.
If a student misses a class s/he is required to obtain the information and the assignment on the day s/he
returns to school. The assignment must be turned in the following week of the students return.
Students are required to read at least 20 minutes a night. Students will give oral and written reports in
class based on the reading they have completed at home. Students should also expect to complete writing
assignments at home.
Unexcused late work will be accepted at my discretion. All late work will automatically be reduced by
20% and work will be graded if I have time.
The hall pass cannot be used the first 10 minutes or the late 10 minutes of the class.
Backpacks and personal items will be allowed in the class unless they become a distraction or students are
not functioning as a successful learning community. Students will be given notice if they are not allowed to
bring bags and backpacks to class. It is their responsibility to find a place for it (i.e. their locker).
All cell phones, M-P3 players, or other personal items that are a distraction to learning will be taken. A
parent/guardian must contact me and pick them up. I WILL NOT give it back to the student. If there

The Salt Lake City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age,
color, disability, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, or sex.
 is a family emergency and a phone is needed during class time, please talk to me BEFORE the class
starts.
Students are expected to be a participating member of our learning community. Those who disrupt the
class, do not complete the passport work or refuse to work in groups will be held after class. If they are
tardy to the next class, I will not excuse their tardy. In addition, they may be asked to stay during lunch or
after school. I warn students prior to implementing this consequence. Please contact me if you have
concerns or questions about this classroom procedure.
Students are expected to do their OWN work. This means that they are not allowed to COPY from
assignments from their peers. This is cheating. Cheating will not be tolerated. Both the student who
provided the answers and took the answers will get a zero on their assignment. Learning happens when the
student makes an effort using their own mind, writing and reading skills.

Grading Procedures
Computations will be based on a point system. The following grading scale will be used:
A: 94 100% C+: 77 79% D+: 67 69%
A-: 90 93% C: 73 76% D: 63 67%
B+: 87 89% C-: 70 72% D-: 60 62%
B: 83 86% F: 0 60%
B-: 80 82%

Students are allowed by district Policy S-4 to make-up work with excused absences (illness, extracurricular
activities, religious observance, family activities,). This work must be made up one week after the excused
absence.
IMPORTANT: It is the students responsibility to check PowerSchool for the missing work or come in after
school or during lunch to get missed information. (I will not discuss missed work during class or in
between classes. There is simply not enough time.) .
Extra credit is not a part of my teaching practice. Students earn points based on the work they do in class.
Note: I encourage students to re-do assignments with low grades or re-take exams with low scores.
Reflection during this process is a strong learning tool.
Please check PowerSchool for details and descriptions concerning course work. It is updated
approximately every two weeks.
Feel free to e-mail me or call me with student concerns.

Tutoring: East High offers tutoring through GEAR UP and AVID. I encourage your student to talk with either
organization to get support. Ms. Colerain Mack provides additional help during second lunch after school every
Thursday. Students are required to let her know when they are coming, so she can be in her room.

Here are some hints to help you do well in this class:
1) Come to class every day.
2) Do your assignment the night it is assigned.
3) Seek extra help as soon as you get behind or have questions. DO NOT PUT IT OFF!

The Salt Lake City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age,
color, disability, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, or sex.
Disclosure Signatures

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Please, return to Ms. Colerain Mack by Friday, September 9th, 2016.

I have read and I understand the disclosure document for Ms. Macks class:


Print Parent/Guardian Name Print Student Name


Parent/Guardian Signature / Date Student Signature / Date


Home Telephone Number: ______


Work Telephone Number:


Best time to call: _ ____ ______


Email address: __________ ___ ______


Note: What are areas of focus you would like to see take place in the Language Arts class this school year?














Note: What are areas of concern you have for your student in my Language Arts class this school year?











The Salt Lake City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age,
color, disability, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, or sex.