1. CLASS Expectations MATERIALS
Reading Strategies Workshop
Mr. Adam Howells
LET’S TALK
COMMUNICATION
Course Description
Reading Strategies Workshop is a small class focusing on targeting the unique reading needs of every student. It is not a class where all students are completing the same assignments; rather, students focus on fostering better reading skills based on their current instructional level. All students will participate in Word Study, as well as Silent Sustained Reading. Some students might participate in Leveled Literacy Intervention.
Conferences available upon request
Departments‣ Language Arts/English‣ Teachers‣ Adam Howells [Links for Google Classroom May Be Found Here]
Leveled Literacy Intervention (L.L.I.)
L. L. I is designed for groups of 2-6 students, and its purpose is to raise a student’s instructional level as quickly as possible. Lessons range from 30 to 45 minutes, during which students read a short book and focus on skills which need to be honed. Better reading skills equate to an easier middle school, high school, and career experience, and this program helps keep students on the right track. Students will receive individualized attention from the teacher.
CLASS
Expectations
Follow Directions
Adjust and/or Communicate
Respect
Others
The Room
Yourself
While all students will receive personalized instruction from the teacher, they will also be expected to adhere to routines and work independently. I will contact parents if these expectations are consistently ignored.
Note: Because all students have Chromebooks, cell phones are not allowed in class, unless specifically required for a text and requested by the teacher. Please call the office if you need to quickly reach your son/daughter.
Reader’s Workshop
Students participating in Reader’s Workshop will receive quick mini-lessons from the teacher. These are designed to highlight a particular skill, which students then apply to various texts. Students have the opportunity to work together to improve how they tackle increasingly complex texts.
Word Study
Word Study is a learner-centered, conceptual approach to instruction in phonics, spelling, word recognition, and vocabulary, based on a developmental model. One of the major components is the Word Sort. This is a routine in which students group words into categories. Word sorting involves comparing and contrasting within and across these categories. Rather than memorizing the spelling of words and their rules, students gain a greater understanding of the foundation of language. Students will be grouped according to their particular spelling stage.
Word Study does include a homework component, and you will receive more information as your child progresses through the program. This homework is designed to provide reinforcement of the skills learned in class.
CLASS
MATERIALS
Composition Notebook
Spiral Notebook
Pencil
Independent Reading Book*
* Your child’s English teacher will require 20 minutes or more of independent reading/week. We will conduct independent reading in our classroom, so students should come prepared with this book. The single most important activity to foster better reading comprehension is still a regular reading habit.
Silent Sustained Reading (S.S.R.)
The best way to become a better reader is to read. However, students are often assigned texts which are too difficult for them, leading to frustration. Throughout this course (and in English), students will learn how to better select an independent reading book based on their independent reading level, which is the reading level in which a student does not require instructional support. Students will read these books regularly in class.
“Reading does not teach you how to read. It teaches you how to read better”
- Anonymous

2. ATTENDANCE HOME PRACTICE COMMUNICATING GRADE RETAKE POLICY Grading
GOODNESS CONTINUED...
Grading
Because this is a class designed to foster better reading skills, the students will be tested regularly to ensure they are on track. These are not traditional tests which will require outside studying of individual topics. Grades will be selected according to completion of comprehension activities in Reader’s Workshop, Leveled Literacy Intervention conversations, Word Study completion (including homework), and participation in Silent Sustained Reading/Reading Conferences.
Because of this it is imperative that students remain focused in the classroom and willing to work within their groups. These groups will change frequently based on activity and/or skill level. Breaking expectations listed on front of the syllabus could lead to an impact on the grade, as students will not be able to complete the assignments to the best of their abilities.
ATTENDANCE
HOME PRACTICE
Home practice will be assigned to support the Word Study program, and parents are encouraged to help their children complete this. Additionally, students are expected to keep up with their independent reading assigned in their English class.
Students will have one class period to complete missed work for each excused absence. Students should be proactive when obtaining and completing missing work on the day of his/her return. Some activities cannot be completed outside of class, so regular attendance is imperative.
Note: If a student will be absent for an extended period of time, please contact me to make arrangements. I will remain as flexible as possible.
COMMUNICATING
GRADE
DESCRIPTION
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADES
Students and parents are encouraged to check both ParentVUE and StudentVUE for updates on grades. Through the school website and Google Classroom, I will provide support materials. Moreover, scheduled parent conferences allow for open-dialogue about student areas of opportunity. These conversations can be scheduled directly through me. A+
100-98
4.3 A
97-93 4 A-
92-90
3.7 B+
89-87
3.3 B
86-83
3.0 B-
82-80
2.7 C+
79-77
2.3 C
76-73
2.0 C-
72-70
1.7 D+
69-67
1.3 D
66-63
1.0 D-
62-60
0.7 F
59-BELOW
0.0
RETAKE POLICY
Retake opportunities are available; however, you are required to consult with me. Any missing assignments, which connect to the topic, must be completed before a retake will be given, as this will help to provide evidence of practice and study. In addition, requests are student-driven in an effort to foster student growth and development. Retakes must be completed within one week of receiving feedback.
I have read and understand the rules and expectations for Reading Strategies Workshop. I know it is my responsibility to contact my Mr. Howells if I have questions or concerns. I know that this syllabus, assignments, and resources are available on our class website and Google Classroom.
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