Course Syllabus

Oak Grove Elementary School
Sixth Grade

2016-2017
Mr. Lander

I. Course Description for

English Language Arts

A great deal of time will be spent on literacy development. In alignment with the Common Core State Standards (www.engageny.org/ccss-library), there is a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Therefore, students are required to use language in more than just writing stories and reports. In addition, they will be asked to express ideas in writing across all subject areas, including math, science and social studies.

READERS WORKSHOP
A block of time during the day will involve activities where students will be reading and taking part in lessons that will increase their ability to obtain meaning from what they read. Reading instruction will take place in a Readers Workshop model through:
•	Whole-group mini lessons
•	Small guided reading groups
•	Individual conferences
•	Read Aloud
•	Shared Reading
•	Independent Reading
•	Reading homework

Resources for instruction include:

•	Fiction stories
•	Non-fiction text
•	Short stories
•	Poems
•	Magazines
•	Reference books
•	Internet sources

Independent Reading

•	Student-selected texts can be from home, the classroom library, the school library or the public library.
•	Viewing reading as a pleasurable experience is a key goal in sixth grade. All literacy skills will improve when independent reading increases. After several lessons on how to choose appropriate books, students will be expected to read silently while small group instruction and one-on-one conferences are taking place. Conferences and small group instruction allows teachers to assess strengths and weaknesses of each individual student. Flexible groups will be made based on the needs of the class.

Students will be assessed in reading through:

•	Reader response questions
•	Comprehension assessments
•	Benchmark assessments
•	Running Records
•	Individual/group conferences
•	Observations
•	Special projects
•	Class participation and effort
•	Reading Logs
•	Other activities as assigned

WRITERS WORKSHOP
Writing is a skill that will be integrated throughout the day across all disciplines. Students will learn skills that will help them learn how to use language to successfully express themselves through narrative, information and argument/opinion writing.

Writing instruction will take place through a Writers Workshop model through:

•	Whole-group mini lessons
•	Small groups
•	Individual conferences
•	Shared writing
•	Understanding of the Six Traits of Writing – ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency and conventions
•	Writing homework
•	Word Study – spelling patterns and vocabulary

Students will be assessed in writing through:

•	Final copies of different genres of writing
•	Individual/group conferences
•	District benchmarks
•	Assessments based on the Six Traits of Writing
•	Class participation and effort
•	Other activities as assigned

Students will be scored on writing through:
A four-point rubric based on the New York State rubric used to score the state assessments

•	Writing in the 4 range – student is performing on a level that exceeds assignment expectations.
•	Writing in the 3 range – student writing meets the expectations for the assignment.
•	Writing in the 2 range – student missed a key element of the assignment and performed below grade-level expectations.
•	Writing in the 1 range – student missed most of the key elements of the assignment and performed below grade-level expectations.

NEW YORK STATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS ASSESSMENT
2016-2017 NYS Assessment: March 28-30, 2017
* Practice exams may be sent home; parents are encouraged to help.

Interdisciplinary Projects

Independent and cooperative learning activities across content areas involve students in reading, writing, speaking, research, problem solving, analysis, technology and reflection. Projects may include:

•	Book reports
•	Research projects
•	Informational posters
•	Oral presentations

Students will use the Chrome Books, Mac Airs, iPads, and Netbooks to access technology such as:

•	Google Classroom
•	Word Perfect
•	Apps
•	iMovie
•	iPhoto
•	Content-specific Web sites

II. Assessments: Grading Procedures

Student performance will be measured using a variety of traditional and authentic assessment types:

•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Reading assessment rubrics
•	Running Records
•	Writing assessment rubrics
•	Special projects
•	District benchmarks
•	Homework
•	Participation and effort

•	Classroom observations
* Any paper with a grade below 70% must be signed and brought back to school. Once returned, it will be checked, and then sent back home.

Report Cards: The WCSD’s grading policy is aligned with the NYS Education Department rubric used to assess performance:
•	Level 4 = Exceeds proficiency level (90 → up)
•	Level 3 = Meets proficiency level (80 → 89)
•	Level 2 = Meets basic standard (70 → 79)
•	Level 1 = Below standard (69 and below)

III. Textbook, handbook(s) and other resources
Lucy Calkins Units of Study for reading and writing; “Write Source Skills Book” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt); and supplemental texts.

IV. Classroom Expectations and Procedures
A. Expectations: As per 2016-2017 Student Code of Conduct handbook. The following is a list of our classroom rules:

1.	Follow directions, the first time.
2.	Raise your hand when you have something to say or wait for your turn to speak.
3.	Pay attention to the speaker and make eye contact.
4.	Always speak and act politely.
5.	Any behavior that interrupts the learning of others or yourself is unacceptable.
6.	Keep your desk and the classroom neat and organized.

There are several reinforcements to encourage students to follow the rules and demonstrate good behavior:

1.	Positive phone calls home
2.	“Caught Being Good” slips.
3.	Praise.
4.	Award certificates.
5.	Small prizes.
6.	Stickers, book marks.
7.	Special free time.
8.	Special activities.

However, if a student chooses to break a rule, there is a progression of consequences:

First time: Warning is given.

Second time: Teacher-student meeting.

Third time:	Parent/guardian is contacted.

Fourth time: Principal and parent/guardian are contacted.

In the case of a severe disruption or serious misbehavior, the principal and parent/guardian will be contacted immediately and appropriate action will be taken.

Sixth-Grade Warning System
Warnings are given when a student is:
•	Unprepared for class (homework, supplies, etc.)
•	Not following directions
•	Disrespectful

If a student has less than 5 warning slips in a week, he/she can participate in Day 1 activity (i.e., go outside, play a game, watch a movie). If a student has no warning slips, he/she will receive 3 “I Noticed” slips that can be exchanged for a “Day Late Pass” (7 slips needed) or a “Homework Pass” (10 slips needed).

B. Homework policy
Homework is used to extend learning beyond the classroom. It provides further practice of and reinforcement of skills learned in class. Homework accounts for 10 percent of the final grade.
•	Students are expected to complete all homework. If students do not complete their homework, they will be expected to complete the assignment during school time, including part of their recess time if needed.
•	A check sheet is used to track completed homework. Homework completed and handed in on time receives a 2; homework handed in one day late receives a 1; incomplete homework handed in on time receives a 1; homework handed in two days late or not at all receives a 0.
•	Homework assignments will be graded on occasions.
•	Some weekend work, especially during short weeks and during New York State Assessment prep work, will be assigned.
•	Please check your child’s planner and homework daily. Planner sheets must be signed by parents each night.
•	Students are expected to read for at least 20 minutes each night and maintain a Reading Log. The Reading Log is considered homework and will be checked routinely.

C. Absentee procedure for missed work

•	Homework Helper: Provide the name of another child in the school who can bring homework home.
•	Phone: If work is to be picked up, contact the main office before 11 a.m. Work will be sent to the office by 3 p.m.

* District policy doesn’t allow teachers to give students homework in advance so they can complete it on vacation while school is in session. Please keep a journal of trips; students will receive their work when they return.

D. Parties

•	If you’d like to send in a snack (i.e., cupcakes) to celebrate your child’s birthday, please send me a note one week in advance. We will mark the occasion during our lunch time. If sending in bottled juice, please provide paper cups. There are currently 21 students in class.
•	Please do not send in edible items containing peanuts. Be considerate of those with peanut allergies.
•	We’ll plan for seasonal and end-of-year activities.

V. Schedule
9:00-10:15 a.m. – ELA (Mr. Lander)
10:17-11:32 a.m. – Math (Mrs. Dambra)
11:35-11:55 a.m. – Recess
11:55 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch
12:35-1:50 p.m. – Social Studies/Science (Ms. McCabe)
2:00-2:40 p.m. – Word Study (* Band, Orchestra, Chorus)
2:45-3:25 p.m. – Special (Art – Days 1, 4; Music – Day 2; PE – Days 3, 6; Library – Day 5)
* Band – Days 2, 5; Orchestra – Days 3, 6; Chorus – Day 4.

VI. Recommended/Required Materials for Class

A. Supplies – Students should have all supplies listed on the supply list distributed at the end of fifth grade. Please be sure to replenish supplies such as pencils and erasers, as they are needed throughout the year.

B. Daily – Each day, students must have their take-home folder with their homework and signed planners. Students should have a grade-level book for independent reading. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack and a bottle of water.

VII. Teacher Contact Information – Mr. Paul Lander

A. Phone: (845) 298-5280. Leave a message with a phone number and good time to call you back.

B. Note: Send in a note with your child.

C. Planner: I check student planners every morning, so you can write me a note here.

D. Online: Information is available on the school Web site at www.wappingersschools.org/oakgrove/site/default.asp