FAQ's
When can my child get extra help in Language Arts work?
In addition to class time, before school, during ELA W.I.N. class, and after school by appointment; I tutor every Tuesday afternoon. Not only is this a great way to get extra small group or one-on-one support in Language Arts skills and assignments, but activities like drafting and editing can happen at this time, too. This is an ideal time to get extra computer work time, make up work following an absence, and/or receive small group review or extra help tutorials on specific skill gaps.
In addition to class time, before school, during ELA W.I.N. class, and after school by appointment; I tutor every Tuesday afternoon. Not only is this a great way to get extra small group or one-on-one support in Language Arts skills and assignments, but activities like drafting and editing can happen at this time, too. This is an ideal time to get extra computer work time, make up work following an absence, and/or receive small group review or extra help tutorials on specific skill gaps.
How do I stay up-to-date on my child's progress in Language Arts class?
The first step is to talk with your child. I conduct frequent grade checks during the term, so each student should be aware of his or her progress in class.
To stay up to date on your own, Harmony is a wonderful tool! This allows you access to the "real time" grade books for all of your child's classes and is a valuable tool to stay informed about how your child is doing in classes (and even on individual assignments) between official progress reports. Looking for something you can't find or want to see a daily timeline of assignments with materials, notes, and helpers? Remember, our GOOGLE CLASSROOM has links to all class materials! Just click on the "Classwork" tab at the top.
How much homework can I expect to see from Language Arts class?
Generally, I assign homework 2 nights a week on average, but there may be more or less depending on our unit and your child's use of in-class work time. Homework is a valuable opportunity to practice skills we are developing in class, read, review, and work on long-term projects. Accelerated Reading is assigned each nine weeks and is an ongoing homework assignment. If your child comes home without something he or she needs, you may access all class materials, even those completed or distributed on paper originally, through our GOOGLE CLASSROOM. I am a parent of a 8th grader myself, and I respect that students and their families have busy lives. I assign homework with this in mind.
What is your make up work policy?
When a student has an excused absence, he or she may make up all missed work for full credit in the number of days that he or she was absent from class. For example, if your child misses two days of class, he or she has two days to make up the work when he or she returns to school. This is in accordance with the make up work policy of EJHS and is outlined in the student handbook. If your child has an extended absence or is struggling with make-up work, he or she should come see me before or after school and we can work together to get back on track.
Can students receive credit for late work?
Yes. Students who do not complete assignments on time may certainly make up their missing work, but it will only be accepted for two weeks following the original assignment (or until the test/quiz over the material), and it will be for reduced credit. All core 8th grade classes follow this policy. If your child needs extra help completing missing work, he or she will need arrange to come in at lunch or stay for after-school tutoring on Tuesday with me. Tutoring meets in my classroom, Room 102, and transportation home is provided.
Are there extra credit opportunities available to students?
Grades are determined by a student's consistent ability to demonstrate mastery of skills outlined in the Indiana Academic Standards. I always encourage revision of work that can be improved through critique and reflection, offer tutoring and rework opportunities when students need review and reassessment, and allow students to exceed their quarterly AR goals for "Star Reader" bonus points. Revising work that needs improvement and completing late and missing work are really the best options to improve a grade. Generally there will be one or two meaningful opportunities for students to extend their learning and receive extra credit during the term, but these are not a replacement for consistent high-quality work. There will NOT be any last minute extra credit offered in order to pass an athletic grade check or to quickly pull up a grade at the end of a term. If your child needs help getting back on track, please contact me or have your child stop in individually so we can discuss the best way to help him or her be successful.
What's the deal with ELA W.I.N.? What is it, why is my child here, and how is this class graded?
ELA W.I.N. is a class designed to work along with your child's regular ELA class to support his or her growth in English/Language Arts skills. Students assigned to this class have demonstrated challenges in the area of ELA, and this class is all about helping them become the best ELA students they can possibly be through a variety of customized instructional strategies, lessons, and remediation as needed. Students are graded on participation and personal growth throughout the year.