Mrs. Nall’s Classes

Mrs. Nall’s Language Arts Expectations and Requirements

Please remember that language arts involves reading, grammar, writing, listening, speaking, and spelling.

Label sections of the three ring binder:
1.    Homework
2.    GUM (Grammar, Usage & Mechanics).
3.    Reading Notes
4.    Grammar Notes
5.    Vocabulary
6.    Returned Papers

Write only in blue or black ink in cursive, as far as you are able.  (You learned cursive in third grade; why are you still writing like a second grader? PRACTICE if you have forgotten!) If you are unable to write in cursive, please talk to me privately.

Discipline Guidelines
•    Be prepared with all required materials.
•    Be respectful; keep hands, feet, objects, and derisive comments to yourself.
•    Follow directions the first time they are given.
•    Promote a positive learning environment.

Homework
Homework is assigned regularly and is usually checked for completion.  Homework reward coupons are earned.  Reward coupons may be turned in for one overnight homework assignment and must be turned in when the homework is checked.  They are non-transferable.  If a student does not have the assigned work, he must write a note of explanation.  Late homework is not accepted.

Grades
Eighth Grade Language Arts for the first three quarters:
50% tests, book reports, Accelerated Reader tests, and projects
10% homework
15% classwork
25% quizzes

Enriched Language Arts for the first three quarters:
40% tests, book reports, Accelerated Reader tests, and projects
10% homework
30% classwork and quizzes
20% foreign language

Fourth Quarter Grades
Eighth Grade Language Arts:
40% tests, book reports, Accelerated Reader tests, and projects
10% homework
35% classwork and quizzes
15% TCAP Writing Assessment

Enriched Language Arts:
30% tests, book reports, Accelerated Reader tests, and projects
10% homework
25% classwork and quizzes
20% foreign language
15% TCAP Writing Assessment

Cheating is more than giving or getting answers on quizzes and tests.  Copying someone else’s homework or classwork is also cheating.  Plagiarism is also a form of cheating.  All cheating results in an automatic zero and N (needs improvement) in conduct.  If you participate in a club or activity that requires only E’s or S’s in conduct, you need to make sure you are not involved in any cheating.  If you want to be on the honor roll, you cannot have an N or U in conduct.

Late work
After the first quarter late homework is not accepted except for excused absences.  Students are encouraged to make up any other missing assignments, but they do not receive full credit.

Accelerated Reader
Each quarter students must read and take an AR test on one fiction and one nonfiction AR book.  Students must show me the book and sign up for it.  Approval is based on this discussion.  I want the students to enjoy reading, and their interests and abilities are the determining factors as to whether I will approve a title.  There is not a required number of points.  The enriched class must read a total of three books; at least one must be fiction.
Students may earn extra credit by reading more books.  The amount of extra credit awarded is very subjective and is based on an individual basis.  We will also read class novels and the students will take the AR test in addition to the other activities.

Journal (Must bring it to class on Aug. 18)
Each student must have a bound composition notebook for a journal.  Journal writing will be done in class and out of class.  Students are encouraged to use the journals as free-writing that they may develop into a story, but there are also assigned topics.

TCAP Writing Assessment
The TCAP Writing Assessment will be given the first Tuesday in February.  It counts 15% of the fourth quarter grades.  The scores are usually returned in late May.  The students will be practicing for this throughout the year.

Curriculum
We will use both the grammar book and the literature book, in addition to classroom sets of novels.  Students will study much of the grammar textbook, while simultaneously developing their writing skills.  Different selections in the literature book and the class novels will cover the reading curriculum requirements, while also developing writing skills.