Writing Syllabus/Requirements 2010-2011
by Jonathan Field
July 10, 2010
Writing Syllabus 2010-2011
Riverton Middle School
Mr. Field
Description
Throughout the course of the year, students will be required to complete a course of study including grammar, outlining, essays using formats related to persuasive, narrative and expository purposes and a portfolio that showcases student accomplishments and highlights their work from not only this year, but also the previous years of their school experience.
Objective
Seventh graders will gain a better understanding of the basic components of the English language as well as more advanced concepts related to outlining and writing essays. The portfolio project will allow students the opportunity to work on organizational skills while also displaying their talents and interests. Students will be given the knowledge to succeed in the completion of the above-mentioned tasks as well as the assistance they will need in order to attain that success. Students will be held completely accountable and responsible for the completion of their assignments.
Assignments & Grading Criteria
Mind Sprints and Free-writes are journal entries completed on a daily basis and are a great opportunity for students to practice writing about a random topic in order to warm up their brains before starting class. There will be a 15 point grade taken on student journals every three weeks during the quarter.
Essays: Students will be required to complete a total of 2 essays per quarter minimum. Essays will cover Persuasive, Narrative and Expository forms of writing. Students will complete an outline and rough draft first totaling 50 points and then complete a final organized draft that will total 50 points. Complete grade = 100 points.
Portfolio: Students will be required to complete a “Personal Portfolio” project over the course of the year. They will complete one section of the portfolio per quarter for a grade of 100 points. Individual components of the portfolio will also be graded as they are completed for grades separate from the final project. The sections will then be combined for a final complete project to be showcased during the “Community Festival” at the end of the year.
Daily Grades and Other assignments: Other smaller assignments will be presented to students especially when working with grammar such as worksheets and tests/quizzes. These assignments will be presented to students with a grade explanation at the time of their presentation. Students will often times be given grades based on participation and effort when working in class on group work and independent practice exercises.
