1. Advanced Language Arts Betty Lauder

2. Expectations/ Requirements Placed if gifted verbal- 97% or higher Placed on reading and writing scores from 5 th grade- CASS, AIMS, teacher recommendation for testing Must maintain a B or better average to stay in class.

3. Advanced Language Arts Spelling/vocabulary practice- weekly Wednesday to Wednesday, quiz each week over the material Reading Skills- read it and understand it, read between the lines Writing Skills- sentence structure, paragraphing Students are expected to hand write drafts AND edit/revise their own work. Adult help will come after the student process. Assessment writing to be in cursive.

4. ALA Consistent curriculum-Common Core Standards Move at an accelerated pace Vocabulary program- Classical Latin & Greek roots Exposed to more novel studies- The Martian Chronicles and Shakespeare (required reading) Independent learning opportunities Projects that require “out of the box” thinking –Fewer direct guidelines –Working contracts –Quality and depth of work

5. Reading Skills Lexiles -Difficulty of reading, not by grade level -www.lexiles.com Reading Process –Vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, application Informational Text –Expository, functional, persuasive Literary Text –Genres, structure of stories, author techniques

6. Writing Skills Writing Process –Pre-write, draft, revise, edit, publish Writing Elements –Six Traits (word choice, conventions, fluency) Writing Applications –Expressive, Expository, Functional, Persuasive, Literary Response, Research AIMS component -Grammar, structure, editing, revising

7. Research Projects Research will be done at school, but you can always do more at home. Note cards, organizers, rubrics/checklists Rough drafts, editing/revising, final copy Final copy- hand written in blue or black ink OR typed Grading rubrics, directions, and handouts will be on my website.

8. Typical Homework- YES, expect it. Read each night (30+ minutes) Reading assignments to prepare for class Spelling/vocabulary practice -due each Wednesday Grammar practice assigned early in the week- due later in the week Unfinished class work Occasional time for research if doing a project Book reports

9. Reader’s Response Books must be grade level or above. Each book must be 200+ pages. (quarterly goal 1000+ pages) Response requirements and grading rubric are on my web site. High level responses with details to support answers. Defend their answer(s). Be sure to check that all directions have been followed. A portion of the grade reflects understanding and following the directions.

10. Grading Please use the Parent Portal to check grade and work completion status. Student receive grades for class work and homework. This includes “walk-ins”. Larger assignments such as projects, reader’s response, research, creative work will receive more points than daily work.

11. Other fun stuff Skits and plays (Shakespeare) Greek mythology Commercials/Advertising Poetry Spelling Bee Game directions Word games/Brainteasers

12. Thank you Class website www.kyrene.org/staff/blauder www.kyrene.org/staff/blauder The best way to contact me is through email blauder@kyrene.orgblauder@kyrene.org 480-541-5912 Thanks for coming!