2016-2017 School Year 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Holly Stipe Welcome Back to School 2016-2017 School Year 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Holly Stipe

The Dream Keeper Bring me all of your dreams, You dreamers, Heart melodies That I may wrap them In a blue cloud-cloth Away from the too rough fingers of the world. - Langston Hughes -

Stay Connected Holly Stipe, Room 3209 Emails: stipeh@issaquah.wednet.edu Website: http://www.swiftclassroom.com/ims/stipeh http://connect.issaquah.wednet.edu/middle/ims/staff/raffj/default.aspx IMS Phone Number: Holly’s 425-837-6844

Educational Philosophy Knowledge is socially constructed – colored by past experiences, cultural traditions, authorities’ words Students come with varied learning styles and abilities Knowledge has several dimensions and can be demonstrated in different ways Students learn better when information is directly relevant to their lives Critical that teacher understands students’ levels of understanding

Evaluation of Student Progress Achievement 75% 25% Performance: Written Assessments, Essays, Independent Reading & Oral Presentations Assignments: quizzes, worksheets, Non-Achievement Indicators: Work Habits, Collaboration, Initiative & Citizenship

What makes advanced different? Advanced Language Arts purpose is to provide a rigorous environment where topics covered may be the same or similar to regular LA, but each topic will be covered with greater depth, a faster pace, and often with more challenging literature. Additionally, independence and initiative is fostered through student choice and project-based learning.

Homework Planners: Students record homework daily; every effort made to keep website updated Basic Homework Schedule: 30 minutes of daily independent reading (2 hours weekly) and written responses; occasional written practice and longer term projects Homework Not Turned in Policy: Absent – one day given to make up work for each day absent See syllabus for more details

Reading Materials: Novels Upfront Magazine Independent Reading Reading Journals Learning Strategies: Whole class discussions Literature circles Guided Reading Groups Individual Written Responses Genre Studies Integrated Vocabulary Development

Writing Strategies: Materials: Writing Program: Writing Fundamentals, a Workshop Curriculum Student Portfolios Strategies: Genre Studies: Narrative, Expository & Argumentative Writer’s Workshop Analyze Student and Teacher Models Integrated Grammar Instruction Written Reflections

Grouping for Instruction Whole Class Direct Skill Instruction Interest Groups Paired Learning Cooperative Learning Ability Groups Whole Class

Thank YOU! These organizations generously help bridge the gap between the dollars the state provides and the funding we need.