1. 2016-2017 School Year 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Holly Stipe
Welcome Back to School
School Year
8th Grade Advanced Language Arts
Holly Stipe

2. 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 -

3. Stay Connected Holly Stipe, Room 3209s:
Website:
IMS Phone Number: Holly’s

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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