Name:

Class:

Date:

English Language Arts 7 & 8 Course Outline 2012- 2013

Teacher: Ms. Davidge

Contact Info: www.frhaythorne.ca
Once at school website, go to the “eTeachers” section and select Ms. Davidge for information to
call or email me at the school. Click on “homework” to find out a summary of what we
completed in class and upload important handouts. Work is expected to be completed before
the next class.

English Language Arts (ELA) is a required course for all students. This program is designed to enable
students to understand and appreciate the English language and to use it confidently and competently.
It encompasses six strands of language arts: reading, writing, listening, speaking, representing, and
viewing. Resources such as the Alberta approved Sightlines series, novels, selections from texts used
in past years, current newspapers and appropriate current culture may also be used. This course
stresses narrative and functional writing techniques, in addition to formal essay writing.

Course Outcomes
The Alberta Program of Studies outlines the following outcomes:
 Students will explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences.
 Students will comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print, and other media
texts.
 Students will manage ideas and information.
 Students will enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
 Students will respect, support, and collaborate with others.
Evaluation
Rational: The Elk Island School Board outlines that report card marks are determined by evaluating what a
student has learned, also known as summative assessment. Students’ achievement is determined across a
range of learning outcomes and is determined independently of the achievement of other students.
Summative learning assessments will be used to determine student achievement in relation to curricular
outcomes. These assessments will be reported in percentages and will comprise the student’s report card
mark. In a case where a student has not completed an assessment of learning, a student’s grade is initially
reported as not handed in/incomplete. This assessment must be completed as soon as possible for a mark to
be assigned. Class deadlines for submission of work will be communicated to students with each
assignment. Students will be given ample opportunity to hand in assignments and all students will be
expected to complete every assignment whether formative or summative. Completion of formative
assignments allows for the opportunity to receive feedback for improvement for future assignments. It is
expected that students may be expected to give up lunch hour(s) or other time to complete an assignment if
necessary.
Cumulative Grading:

Summative Assessments in Term

Category Weighting
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Interpret Texts 50% Two summatives Three summatives-one Two summatives-one

summative will be a summative will be a
scored /100 each common grade level final common grade
assessment level assessment.

scored /100 each scored /100 each

Create Texts 50% Two summatives Two summatives Three summatives-one

summative will be a
scored/100 each scored/100 each final common grade
level assessment.

scored/100 each

Days of Grace (DOG): DOGs may be granted to students who come speak with me before the due date.
Should no DOG be requested, the student will be scheduled for detention and if the problem is ongoing
parents will be contacted. After three school days, students will receive an incomplete. To replace an
incomplete, the student must make arrangements with the teacher.

Classroom Expectations
The intent of classroom expectations is that students are able to work in an environment designed for
academic success. Respect for ourselves, and our colleagues, is necessary in a school environment.
Students are expected to:
 Follow directions of all staff, including substitute teachers.
 Come to class on time, with all necessary materials and be prepared to work.
 Stay on task and complete all assigned work.
 Keep track of assignments and tests using agenda and checking the eTeachers website.
 Be prepared for exams and be in class on exam days.
 Use appropriate language and show respect in how we interact with others.
 Dress appropriately.
 Hats, backpacks, cell phones and other electronic devices must remain in lockers.
 Food is to be eaten at lunch and during breaks, not during class time.
 Washroom breaks are to be taken at lunch and during breaks, not during class time.
  Desks are to be kept clean and free of graffiti.
 Garbage and recyclable items should be properly disposed of at appropriate times.

Students who have been absent when an assignment has been given, or have missed class time while others
were working on an assignment are expected to contact me immediately upon their return. This includes
absences for field trips, school sporting events and vacations.

Choosing a homework partner at the beginning of the year and exchanging phone numbers with that
person is a helpful way to ensure a student remains caught up if (s)he is away. Make sure you choose
someone who is dependable.

Homework Partner #1 ______________________________ Phone: ____________________________

Homework Partner #2 ______________________________ Phone: _____________________________

Course Materials
Students should have a binder specifically for ELA. Students are encouraged to get a ‘zip-up’ binder or a
pencil case which attaches to the binders rings, where they can keep the pens and pencils necessary to ELA
class. As there are several handouts in ELA, notebooks are not acceptable. Binder should be filled with
lined, looseleaf paper. A memory stick may be a useful purchase for all subject areas but is also available
for sign-out in the library. As well, students should bring to each class:
 A binder or a large section thereof
 Blue or Black Pen
 Correction fluid or tape
 Marking Pen (red, green, purple…)
 Pencil and eraser (for scantron exams only)
 Pocket Dictionary and Thesaurus (allowable for all in-class writing assignments)
 Any textbooks or novels that are being used during a given time
 Free Reading Book
 Dividers for the following sections:
a) Short Stories, Plays or Articles
b) Poetry
c) Novels
d) Grammar and Conventions
e) Writing Practise
f) Vocabulary/ Terminology
Students are expected to take great care of their assigned resources and return them in excellent condition.
There will be damage or replacement fess assessed to students who deface and damage these resources.

Extracurricular Reading
It has long been accepted that students who make free reading part of their regular activity, improve their
comprehension and vocabulary, thus doing better in all subject areas. Reading more is a very simple and
very powerful tool for success. At minimum, students should complete half an hour of reading five days per
week. Students should choose material that interests and challenges them and share what they are reading
with their parents or guardians.
Please review this outline carefully with your parents/guardians to indicate that you have understood our
department expectations and sign below. If you have any questions you can contact me through the school
via voicemail or visit the school’s website to contact me via email.

Student name and signature:

Parent/Guardian name and signature:

Comments or Questions:

Thank you for supporting your child.

Ms. Davidge