Welcome to SIXTH Grade!
ELA Syllabus
Click here for a printable copy
Welcome back to Koontz! This is going to be a great year filled with fun and learning all at the same time! Here is an overview of what you can expect to see from English Language Arts (ELA) this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
ELA Curriculum: EL Education
The EL Curriculum combines rigorous, standards-aligned content with effective instructional practice, bringing together the “what” and “how” of Common Core Success. It integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills applicable to 6th Grade Common Core Standards.
- ●Standards-Based Reading Instruction - This portion of the day is where students read and analyze grade-level text using a variety of skills to meet our grade-level standards.We will be utilizing the EL Education curriculum.
- ●Standards-Based Writing Instruction - This portion of the week is where students will write about their reading using a variety of skills to meet our grade-level standards.
Individual Explorations
This time will be spent focusing on a variety of Language Arts skills, including but not limited to:
- ●Independent Reading
- ●Vocabulary
- ●Creative Writing
- ●Grammar and Mechanics
- ●Research/Project-Based Learning
Assessments
Throughout the year, we will use a variety of assessments, including but not limited to:
- ●iReady Diagnostics
- ●NC Check-Ins (3 times a year)
- ●Mid-Unit and End-of-Unit Assessments
- ●Daily/Weekly Formative Assessments (Exit Tickets)
- ●Writing and Open-Ended Assessments
Classroom Expectations
- ●Come prepared for class
- ○Current class novel
- ○Pencils
- ○Independent reading text
- ○Paper
- ○Any assignments that are due
- ○Charged laptop
- ○Positive and ready-to-learn attitude
- ●Please do not bring
- ○Cell phones and personal electronic devices (powered off in locker)
- ○Fidget spinners, slime, focus cubes, and any other “focus toys”
- ○Soda, flavored water, juice, milk-based products, sports drinks (anything but water)
- ○Candy or chips as snacks (Takis, Doritos, etc) or full-sized bags of snacks
- ●Optional on a team-to-team basis
- ○Water bottle with only water in it
- ○Healthy, individual-sized snacks (packet of crackers, granola bars, fruit, etc)
- ●School-Provided Electronic Device Expectations
- ○Devices are a privilege, not a right, and can be taken away
- ○Devices should be used appropriately during class (i.e. not working on another subject when in Language Arts)
- ○Devices should only be out at teacher-approved times
- ○Students should stay on task while on the device (no music, YouTube, games, messaging, personal email, camera, etc.)
- ○Students are expected to follow all expectations outlined in the Buncombe County Device Agreement
* Anything that becomes a distraction to the learning environment can and
will be taken and given back at the discretion of the teacher.
Homework: Homework is assigned on a weekly basis and is collected on Fridays.
Grading Policy
Late Work
- ●Work missed due to absences is NOT considered late work. Students will have one day to make up assignments for each day missed.
- ●Work that is not turned in on time will accrue a 10 points deduction per day. After the assignment is ten days late, the student will receive a 0%.
- ●Extenuating circumstances will be discussed on an individual basis.
Grades by Category/Powerschool
Your student’s grades can always be viewed on Powerschool. Please contact the office if you do not have access to Powerschool.
Student grades are weighted as follows:
Assessments – 40%
Quizzes and Projects- 30%
Classwork – 20%
Homework and Participation- 10%