8th Grade Language Arts

Course Syllabus
SY 19-20
Teacher: Ms. Celia Chavez
Team: LEOPARDS Room #: C108
School Phone Number: 300-2727/26 Website: www.gdoe.net/ums/

DOE Vision: Every student: Responsible, respectful, and ready for life.

UMS Mission Statement: The Luis P. Untalan Middle School community empowers students with the knowledge that
will enable them to be competent, productive, and responsible citizens.

Course Description:
Students will enhance and strengthen their English writing skills; establish a foundation for developing essays and
research papers; build on their individual vocabulary; learn various writing styles; develop presentations; and establish a
firm foundation for entry into 9th grade English. English curriculum is based on and aligned with Common Core State
Standards and Guam Department of Education Standards.

Course Objectives:
The objective of the course is to prepare every student for entry into the next grade level by establishing a firm foundation
of basic grammar, vocabulary, and composition skills.

Instructional Strategies
The course will incorporate the use of several instructional strategies. The Socratic methodology is used which allows
students to explore content using questioning and researching for solutions. Cooperative learning is also used along with
independent thinking. Students will be expected to be responsible for their learning as this course is also designed to
prepare them for entry into the high school.
Course Outline_____________ _______________

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter

4 Square and Expository Writing Narrative Writing and Persuasive Writing
• Parts of Speech • Narrative Writing to Entertain
• Introduction to 4 Square Method via Expository • Using Quotation marks
Writing (Outlining) • Persuasive Writing (Advertisements)
• Topic Sentences/Thesis Statements • Incorporation Claims and Supports (Opinions
• Capitalization and Facts)
• Commas • Oral Presentations and Group Projects
• Subject Verb Agreement • Spelling and Vocabulary
• Spelling and Vocabulary • Journals and Reaction Papers
• Editing
• Writing Conclusions
• Journals and Reactions Papers
3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
Research Writing Review
• Research Writing (Computer access is required) • Review of Skills for Final District Testing
• Writing Process i.e.CCSS Testing
• Peer Editing and Revising • Descriptive Writing via Creating Brochures for
• Citing Sources Hotels/Resorts/Products
• Summarizing and Paraphrasing • Dictionary Self-entry project
• Bibliographies (MLA Format) • Journal Writing and Reaction Papers.
• Oral Presentations
Note: The Course Outline is subject to changes made by teacher and class pace.

GRADING

Student achievement will be assessed and reported using a four-point proficiency scale instead of the
current percentage grade on specific standard, skills or topics. The simplified scale gives students, teachers,
and parents a quicker and clearer reference to easily determine which standards have been mastered and which
need further study. These levels of proficiency will then be translated or converted to an easily recognizable
letter grade.

How will Standards-Based Grading improve student learning?

The foundation of Standards-Based Grading is in the practice of Formative Assessment, namely the process of
regularly assessing and monitoring student achievement and modifying instructional strategies and approaches
to support student learning. SBG encourages a shift in focus away from the accumulation of points needed to
earn a certain grade to instead an awareness of what students know and are able to do in reference to each
specific Standard, Skill or Topic. Couse expectations are more specific and clear, assessed and monitored
closely, and will now be directly reflected in the grades students earn.
Proficiency Average Letter Description
Level Scale Score Grade/Percentage
4 4.00 A+(100) Advanced understanding and application of the
standard(s). Exceed standard(s) expectations.
3 3.00-3.99 A(90-99) Proficient understanding of the standard(s) and
progressing toward level 4.
2 2.50-2.99 B (80-89) Meets partial understanding of the standard(s)
and is progressing to level 3.
1 2.00-2.49 C(79-70) Meets less than partial understanding of the
standard(s). Continued supports are in place.
0 0-1.99 D/F(69-0) Shows no foundational knowledge, skill or
prerequisite of the standard(s). Student is in
need of continued support and monitoring.

Required Texts:
Prentice Hall English 8 (red book) CLASS SET
Houghton Mifflin English Grade 8 (aqua book) CLASS SET
Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary Level 8 (Class Set)
Note: Students may check out a book if they need it for finishing up any make up work or homework. Books may only be
checked out at the end of the school day and must be returned prior to the first class of the next day.

Class Supplies:
• Black or blue pens and 1 red pen
• Filler paper and 1 - inch binder
• Divider Tabs

Classroom Rules
1. No hats or shades are to be worn in the classroom.
2. Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent mode. (Board Policy 408) Cell phones, tablets, laptops may be
used during class when the teacher allows for certain assignments. Students must complete the
Computer/Network Use form.
3. The teacher and school are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
4. No foul/obscene language or gestures.
5. Uniform must be properly worn at all times. Undershirts must be tucked in and cannot exceed the sleeves of the
uniform. (Board Policy 401)
6. Students must ask for permission before leaving the room. A pass will be issued to all students leaving the room.
All students are asked to use the bathroom before class begins especially classes after lunch. No pass will be
issued in the first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes of a class period.
7. Show respect towards the teacher, other students, and visitors.
8. Come to class on time and prepared. Bring all your materials daily.
9. Keep our classroom clean. Throw your trash in the trash can.
10. Follow all school rules and team rules.

Consequences:
1st Offense – Verbal Warning.
2nd Offense – Parent notification via written note or phone call.
3rd Offense – Student will be counseled by the entire team and outside authority (i.e. school counselor.) A student who has
reached this level will receive a Needs Improvement.
4th Offense – Referral to Student Support Office.

Parental Communication
Parent communication with the teacher is vital to the success of your child. You are highly encouraged to be involved in
your children.
1. Look at his/her binder for notes, homework, events, etc.
2. Attend parent 1st and 3rd Quarter Parent-Teacher Conferences.
3. Feel free to request to meet with your child’s team and attend all meetings scheduled by the teacher or team.
4. Attend and play an active role in monthly PTA meetings.

PLEASE REVIEW THE LAST PAGE. SIGN AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION.

THANK YOU 

Ms. Celia Chavez

Approved:______