Jr. High Literature
Junior High Literature Syllabus
Literature Objective
The goal of the literature program is to develop life long readers who read for pleasure as well as comprehension. The literature program strives to enable students to experience success in reading through high-interest literature including fiction, nonfiction, short stories, classics, historical fiction, autobiographies, biographies, poetry, fantasy, and mystery.
Grading Scale
A = 100%-93%
B = 92% - 86%
C = 85% - 76%
D = 75% - 70%
F = 69% - 0%
Class Materials
Literature students need their own copy of each of the assigned novels. Books can be purchased, checked out of the public library, or borrowed from a personal source. Students may need additional materials for various book report projects throughout the year.
Participation / Classroom Activities
Participation is expected. Each short story or novel will require reading of the story, vocabulary work, participation in class discussions, group work, worksheets, quizzes, projects, and tests.
Students are expected to:
1. be prepared for class with books, assignments, paper, and pens, (A Parent Notice may be issued for being unprepared for class)
2. volunteer in discussions with content appropriate comments,
3. answer questions,
4. play an active role in small group work,
5. display appropriate classroom behavior.
Homework Expectations
1. Homework will be assigned on a day-to-day basis. Most homework assignments will be due the beginning of class the following day.
2. Unless otherwise stated, homework will need to:
*be on loose-leaf paper (not notebook paper),
*have a complete heading,
*be written in pen (except crossword puzzles),
*be written in complete sentences,
*use proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
3. I expect homework to be turned in on time. Students will receive a Parent Notice for each assignment not turned in on the due date. The first late assignment will result in a 10% reduction per day until the assignment is turned in. Any late assignment after the first one, will receive a maximum grade of 50%. Students will receive a parent notice until the homework is turned in.
4. The policy for student illness is stated in the school handbook, please refer to the handbook if you have questions. The general guideline is one day of make-up time for each missed school day. This make-up policy does not apply to Independent work/projects. See the section on Independent Projects for more details.
Homework and Independent Projects
Students are expected to do their own homework. Guidance from parents is acceptable, however, the work should be that of the student.
Students are expected to complete book reports and projects, accelerated reader tests, and other assignments throughout the year. Each grade level will receive specific guidelines and due dates.
Due dates are posted for the entire year. Students are expected to have projects completed and turned in on or before the due date. If the student is absent the day before or the day the assignment is due, the assignment is due on the student’s first day back in class.
Junior High Parent Notices
Parent Notices are a means of communication between the parent and the teacher. If your child receives a Parent Notice, please sign and have your child return the notice the following day. Students will receive a demerit for all unsigned Parent Notices and will continue to receive Parent Notices until one is returned signed by the parent. After three demerits and unreturned notices, the parent will be notified by e-mail or phone.
Grade Calculations
20% = Tests
30% = Quizzes
20% = Homework
30% = Accelerated Reader, book reports,
group work, daily work
Page last updated on August 18, 2009
