The Eagle on Reading

Sarasota Military Academy

Syllabus

Intensive Reading 9-12

Teacher:              Major Pamela Donehew

E-mail:                  pameladonehew@yahoo.com

Web Site:            http://pameladonehew.edublogs.com

Phone:                 (941) 286-1700

Course Description:        This course will consist of sunshine state standards-based instruction which focuses on reading, however since writing and reading are critically related skills, writing development will also be integrated into the course.   Students will explore text from multiple genres and learn strategies to aid in reading comprehension and enhance writing and communication skills.  Word study consisting of vocabulary, spelling and grammar will be an integral part of the course.

Course Objective:           The primary goal of this class is to improve reading and comprehension skills, as well as fluency, vocabulary and writing abilities.  The course work is aligned with Florida Sunshine State Standards.

Sunshine State Framework Content and Performance Standards:

                The student uses the reading process effectively.  (LA.A.1.4)

                The student constructs meaning from a wide range of texts. (LA.A.2.4)

                The student uses writing process effectively. (LA.B.1.4)

                The student writes to communicate ideas and information effectively. (LA.B.2.4)

                The student uses listening strategies effectively. (LA.C.1.4)

                The student uses viewing strategies effectively.  (LA.C.2.4)

                The student uses speaking strategies effectively. (LA.C.3.4)

                The student understands the nature of language. (LA.D.1.4)

                The student understands the power of language. (LA.D.2.4)

                The student understands the common features of a variety of literary forms. (LA.E.1.4)

                The student responds critically to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. (LA.E.2.4)

Independent Reading:  Students are expected to read a variety of literature genres, following the Sarasota Military Academy Reading requirements; minimum of 15 pages per day.  In addition, independent reading will be part of each class day.

Classwork/Homework/Tests:    All assignments (classwork/homework/tests) are mandatory.  No assignments (classwork/homework/tests) are optional.  If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to ask for the assignment (classwork/homework/tests) and hand them in the day after returning to class.  (Late work will be accepted and ten points per late day will be deducted)

Work Ethics:      All students are expected to adhere to SMA Classroom Procedures.  All students are expected to respect the rights and property of others to learn.  Being in school and on time in class, along with mature, responsible behavior, determines the work ethics grade.

Journal:                Students are expected to have a daily “Thought for the Day” entry in their journal.  If he/she is absent, it is his/her responsibility to borrow a journal from a classmate and copy the missed daily entry(ies).              

Evaluation:         Grades are determined by student work and class participation.  Grades are cumulative and based on the following percentages:

                                Classwork/Homework                  30%

                                Tests                                                     30%

                                Work Ethics                                        20%

                                Journal                                                 20%

Materials Required:       Students are required to have a hard-back composition book for their Journal.  Each student should also bring a pencil, black or blue ink, and hole punched wide-ruled notebook paper to class daily.

Honesty:             All students are expected to do their own work on all materials (homework/classwork/tests) both in and out of class.  Anything less than total originality will not be tolerated.  If caught plagiarizing or cheating the student will receive an F for the course grade and will be brought up for appropriate disciplinary action.

Classroom Materials:  Jamestown Reading Navigator (computer-based reading program), Bluford Reading Series and other literature, Townsend Press Vocabulary Skills, and other various materials.

Student signature                            __________________________________  Date___________________

Parent signature                              ___________________________________Date____________________