Welcome to Mr.Pilch’s 9 th grade English Class -Syllabus (see handout) & Class Overview Newman Smith High School Carrollton, Texas

2 Course Overview I. Why is Critical Reading Important ? Crucial/SSR/Reading Notes II. Read 180 – See improvement before your very eyes ! SRI ~ Lexile Assessment III. Writing with Structure Essays & Daily Writing Prompts IV. Class Rules V. Tutoring Days Measurable Results Success ! Writing w/proficiency Critical Reading

3 Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills are important. If you don’t believe me, lets just looks at the facts. Why Is Reading Why Is Reading (Comprehension) (Comprehension) Important ? Important ?

4 Sometimes it is about sheer survival ! Reading is fundamental to function in today's society. There are many adults who cannot read well enough to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle. That is a scary thought - especially for their children. Filling out applications becomes impossible without help. Reading road or warning signs is difficult. Even following a map becomes a chore. Day-to- day activities that many people take for granted become a source of frustration, anger and fear. Reading is fundamental to function in today's society. There are many adults who cannot read well enough to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle. That is a scary thought - especially for their children. Filling out applications becomes impossible without help. Reading road or warning signs is difficult. Even following a map becomes a chore. Day-to- day activities that many people take for granted become a source of frustration, anger and fear.

5 It boils down to dollars & cents ! Reading is a vital skill in finding a good job. Many well-paying jobs require reading as a part of job performance. There are reports and memos which must be read and responded to. Poor reading skills increases the amount of time it takes to absorb and react in the workplace. A person is limited in what they can accomplish without good reading and comprehension skills.

6 Don’t you want to be an interesting person who leads interesting life ? After all, an interesting life means a fruitful life! Reading is important because it develops the mind. The mind is a muscle. It needs exercise. Understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability. Teaching young children to read helps them develop their language skills. It also helps them learn to listen. Everybody wants to talk, but few can really listen. Lack of listening skills can result in major misunderstandings which can lead to job loss, marriage breakup, and other disasters - small and great. Reading helps children [and adults] focus on what someone else is communicating.

7 Discovery is what makes life fun! Reading is a great way to discover new things. Books, magazines and even the Internet are great learning tools which require the ability to read and understand what is read. A person who knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in. We live in an age where we overflow with information, but reading is the main way to take advantage of it. Reading is a great way to discover new things. Books, magazines and even the Internet are great learning tools which require the ability to read and understand what is read. A person who knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in. We live in an age where we overflow with information, but reading is the main way to take advantage of it.

8 Reading as a Pathway to Self Esteem & Confidence Reading is fundamental in developing a good self image. Nonreaders or poor readers often have low opinions of themselves and their abilities. Many times they feel as if the world is against them. They feel isolated [everybody else can read - which isn't true] and behavior problems can surface. They can perform poorly in other subjects because they cannot read and understand the material and so tend to "give up." Reading is fundamental in developing a good self image. Nonreaders or poor readers often have low opinions of themselves and their abilities. Many times they feel as if the world is against them. They feel isolated [everybody else can read - which isn't true] and behavior problems can surface. They can perform poorly in other subjects because they cannot read and understand the material and so tend to "give up."

9 Pen is Mightier than the Sword ! There is an old saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword." Ideas written down have changed the destiny of men and nations for better or worse. The flow of ideas cannot be stopped. We need to read and research to build on the good ideas and expose the bad ideas before they bring destruction. Only by reading can we be armed in this never-ending, life-and-death struggle.

10 Writing with Structure Simplifies the Process 5 steps of the writing process PrewritingWritingRevisingEditingPublishing

11 What is Read 180 ? READ 180 targets skill development in the following areas: READ 180 targets skill development in the following areas: Phonemic Awareness : Phonemic awareness is developed both in the context of decoding (word identification) and encoding (spelling) Phonics : Instruction is provided through decoding tips with modeled practice in segmentation, blending, structural analysis, and correct pronunciation Fluency: READ 180 develops fluency through repeated reading in the Software, modeled reading in the Audiobooks and eReads, structured engagement techniques conducted by the teacher, and independent reading Text Comprehension : Students read text in their proximal zone of development using the Lexile Framework for Reading®. Texts are carefully measured for text qualities such as levels of meaning, structure, knowledge demands, and language clarity. The Software and the rBook instruction use motivating videos to help students build mental models that promote text comprehension Academic Vocabulary: Vocabulary development is supported through explicit instruction in the rBooks as well as the systematic introduction of content-relevant vocabulary in the Software Spelling: Software presents spelling instruction and practice that is assessment-based and individualized for each student. Spelling errors are addressed with immediate, corrective feedback Writing: The rBook presents carefully scaffolded instruction on the key types of writing: Argument Essay, Informational/Explanatory, and Narrative. Whole- and Small-Group differentiated writing instruction moves students from teacher- led paragraph and multi-paragraph rBook writing to independent practice in the Writing Zone within the Instructional Software Global Perspectives : 50% of READ 180 readings focus on diverse people and cultures both within and outside of the United States College and Career Readiness Skills : Each rBook Workshop focuses on Higher Order Thinking skills that help them

12 Class Rules  Class Rules Set #1  Arrive on time.  Raise your hand before speaking.  Listen to others and participate in class discussions.  Use the pencil sharpener during noninstructional time.  Stay on task.  Do your assignments.  Bring materials and have them ready.  Listen to directions.  Cooperate with your group.  Pick up after yourself.  Leave other people's materials alone.  Do not interrupt other students' learning.  Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.  Keep your hands clean and take care of personal hygiene in the rest room during breaks.  No vandalism. Don't write or carve on your desk or school property.  Treat computers with care.

13 Tutoring – 2 times per week (days of week after school TBA)