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Course: 8
th
Grade English-Language Arts (Honors)
Teacher: Andrew Hudson
Room: E-7
Email: ahudson@uusd.net

Course Description:
Based on the Common Core Standards, honors students will participate
in activities designed to hone skills and experience in reading, writing,
speaking, and listening. Honors differs from the core curriculum by
providing greater novelty, depth, complexity, and acceleration than in
the regular language arts class.

Reading:
Students will learn strategies to better comprehend, analyze, and
respond to many different kinds of texts including fiction, drama,
poetry, and a wide variety of informational texts, both in print and online. Vocabulary development
will also be based on the Common Core Standards. Students will use Accelerated Reader tests to
demonstrate comprehension of books they read independently.

Writing:
Students will learn to write focused and organized multiple-paragraph compositions for a variety of
purposes, such as narrative writing, argumentation, writing to inform or explain, responding to
literature, and research. In addition, students will regularly use writing as a form of inquiry and
exploration of ideas, and will learn to better use correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling and
grammar.

Speaking and Listening:
Students will have many opportunities to speak and listen to each other in pairs, small groups, and
whole-class discussions. Socratic seminars will also be a part of the honors class.

Homework:
Various kinds of homework will be assigned related to the activities listed above. Students should
expect to have homework daily. In general, honors students should expect work to be faster-paced
than in the regular class, and to require greater depth and complexity. Students should be reading
for at least 30 minutes at home every night.

Grading:
Grades will be regularly posted on edline.net, and will be based on a point system for all
assignments. This includes all class work, homework, tests, and projects. Point values will vary
according to the amount of time, effort, and skill required for each assignment. Also, students will
receive a notebook grade and an independent reading grade each quarter. Late work will be graded
down 10% for each day it is late. Percentages are as follows:

A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 0-59%
Minds are like parachutes.
They operate best when open.
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Required Materials: Bring these to class daily!

One composition notebook with ruled paper (100 sheets). This will be used for class notes,
quick-writes, and drafting.
One double-pocket folder or pocketed binder insert to hold handouts, student work, etc.
A supply of blue or black pens. All writing assignments handed in for a grade must be written in
blue or black ink or typed, double-spaced in 12-point font.
A set of highlighters (different colors).
A supply of binder paper.
Daily Planner (provided on the first day of school).
A set of 100 index cards (for vocabulary flash cards) and an index card ring or organizer.

Behavior:
In order to have a safe and productive environment, students will be expected to follow all school
rules and practice the following habits of good citizenship:
Come prepared for class each day with all required materials and homework done.
Be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.
Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself, and don't touch it if it isn't yours.
Leave food and drinks outside or in your backpack (including gum).
Treat yourself, your classmates, and your teacher with respect.

Consequences:
1
st
: warning
2
nd
: behavior reflection
3
rd
: referral and call home
4
th
and up: referral and parent-teacher conference

Parents/Guardians:
Students should keep this course description in their class folder or at the front of the English
Language Arts section of their binders. Please check your childs planner, folder, and/or binder
regularly for daily assignments, handouts, and class notes. This is the best way to stay on top of
whats going on in class. Again, grades will be posted regularly on edline.net.

If you ever have any questions about the class or your child's progress, please email me at
ahudson@uusd.net. You can also call the school at the above number and leave me a voicemail.

Please sign below to let me know that you have reviewed this course outline with your child. It
would also be a good idea to photocopy this document for your records. If not, feel free to ask
for an additional copy at Back to School Night.



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Student Name (Print) / Parent or Guardian Signature / Date / Daytime Phone #