Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School

Curriculum Paper

Course Title: English Language Arts – Sixth Grade

Teachers: Mrs. Julie Miller

Mission Statement: Our Mission at the Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School is to create
college bound students with a deep commitment to public service and a true understanding of their leadership skills within the
global community.

Course Overview: Students will read and analyze different literary genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama.
Students will read, analyze, and write expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive essays, as well as learn to develop ideas
fully, organize them effectively, and express them clearly. Students will use speaking strategies effectively, and understand the
nature and power of language. Critical thinking is integrated into all components of the course therefore, students will engage in
the learning process as critical and creative thinkers.

Tentative Course Outline: First Quarter (Literary Elements, Short Story/Fiction, Author Study, Socratic Seminar, Literature
Circles, FCAT prep) Second Quarter (Nonfiction with a Purpose, FCAT prep) Third Quarter (Language and Culture, Poetry)
Fourth Quarter (Reference & Research Skills, Drama and the Oral Tradition.)

Student Evaluation: Students will be assessed formally (quizzes and tests) and informally within the classroom setting. Students
will document their growth through the use of technology, reading logs, writer’s portfolio, journals and personal academic goal
setting.

Educational Materials: McDougal Littell Literature, Grade 6, Holt Elements of Language, various novels

Conduct: (Minor Offenses) Students will receive verbal warnings. After sufficient warnings, repeated occurrences of this nature
will result in contacting the parent, a time-out in another teacher’s room, and/or a student-teacher-parent conference. (Major
Offenses) A discipline referral will be written, and previously mentioned consequences may occur. Any and all offenses will be
documented. Please note that we want all of our students to enjoy their 6th grade experience and everything we have to offer. The
overall safety and welfare of the students takes top priority. Good conduct must be maintained by all.

Homework/Late Work Policy: This is work that is meant to help students preview new material or review material that was
covered during that day’s session. As such, it is to the student’s benefit that all homework assignments be completed. Students
have one (1) day to make up missed in-class assignments and homework. After that time, makeup assignments and/or homework
may incur a late penalty at the discretion of the teacher.

Make-up Work Policy: It is the student’s responsibility to ask for missed work. Students who have an excused absence have one
(1) day per excused absence to make up assignments and homework. After that time, makeup assignments will incur a daily late
penalty up to a drop in letter grade. Students with an unexcused absence will incur an immediate penalty up to a drop in letter
grade. Students who anticipate being absent on the due date of an assignment should turn it in early or arrange for another student
to bring it to school. Assignments may also be faxed (904) 346-5657 or e-mailed to mccoyj@duvalschools.org.

Learning Recovery Policy: Students will be offered learning recovery as outlined in the Duval County Pupil Progression Plan
found on the Duval County Public Schools web page.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Arrangements for conferences must be made in advance by calling Judye Cameron at 904-346-
5650 extension 114.

Tutoring Schedule: Arrangements for tutoring sessions must be made in advance (at least 1 week prior) and are strictly by
appointment.

Grading Scale: Students will be evaluated in accordance with the standard Duval County Public Schools’ grading scale found at
www.duvalschools.org.

Progress Reports: In addition to report cards issued at the end of each quarter, students will receive progress reports. Students
earning a grade of “D” or “F” on a progress report will be required to return the progress report signed by the parent/guardian
within two days.

Other Information: If parents or legal guardians do not have access to the Internet, please make sure I am aware so that I may
make other arrangements to provide you pertinent information that relates to your child.