BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE

**This syllabus is subject to change**

Course Name:

Title I Reading

Grade:

8

1.)

Course Description:

This class is a supplemental reading class for Title I reading students.  Students will be seen both

in and out of their reading class.  These students will receive additional assistance with their reading

materials during this class time.  They have direct instruction in content reading, specific reading skills,

study skills, and test preparation.

2.)

Learning Standards:

1.1

Learning to Read Independently

1.2

Learning to Read Critically in all Content Areas

1.3

Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature

1.4

Types of Writing

1.5

Quality of Writing

1.6

Speaking and Listening

1.7

Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

1.8

Research

3.)

Student Objectives:

1.1.8     Learning to Read Independently

v

[Before Reading] [l] Locate appropriate texts (literature, information, documents) for an

assigned purpose before reading.

v

Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to comprehend

information.

v

[During Reading] [u] Use knowledge of root words as well as context clues and glossaries

to understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading.  Use these

words accurately in speaking and writing.

v

Identify basic facts and ideas in text using specific strategies [such as] (e.g., recall genre

characteristics, set a purpose for reading, generate essential questions as aids to

comprehension and clarify understanding through rereading and discussion).

v

Expand a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using idioms and words with

literal and figurative meanings.  Use a dictionary or related reference.

v

Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the various subject areas.

v

[After Reading] [d] Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both

fiction and nonfiction text, including public documents.

v

Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading.

1.2.8     Reading Critically in All Content Areas

v

Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all

academic areas.

v

Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced.

v

Produce work in at least one literary genre that follow the conventions of the genre.

1.3.8     Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature

v

Read and understand works of literature.

v

Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization, setting, plot,

theme, point of view, tone[,] and style.

v

Analyze the effect of various literary devices.

v

Identify poetic forms (e.g., ballad, sonnet, couplet).

v

Analyze drama to determine the reasons for a character's actions[,] taking into account

the situation and basic motivation of the character.

v

Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction[,] including poetry and drama.

1.4.8     Types of Writing

v

Write short stories, poems, and plays.

v

Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions,

essays, articles, [and] interviews).

v

Write persuasive pieces.

v

Maintain a written record of activities, course work, experience, honors[,] and interests.

1.5.8     Quality of Writing

v

Write with sharp, distinct focus.

v

Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.

v

Write with controlled and/or subtle organization.

v

Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition.

v

Revise writing after rethinking logic [or] of organization and rechecking central idea, content,

paragraph development, level of detail, style, tone, and word choice.

v

Edit writing using the conventions of language.

v

Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate.

1.6.8     Speaking and Listening

v

Listen to others.

v

Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).

v

Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.

v

Contribute to discussions.

v

Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.

v

Use media for learning purposes.

1.7.8     Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

v

Describe the origins and meanings of common, learned foreign words used frequently in

English language (e.g., carte blanche, faux pas).

v

Analyze the role and place of standard American English in speech, writing and literature.

v

Identify new words that have been added to the English language over time.

1.8.8     Research

v

Select and refine a topic for research.

v

Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies.

v

Organize, summarize, and present the main ideas from [the] research.

4.)

Course Text:

The following materials are used as needed:

v  Scott Foresman Literature and Integrated Studies

v  Better Test Scores 5-6

v  Better Test Scores 7-8

v  Lightspan Adventure/Playstations

v  PSSA related materials

v  etc. etc. etc…

5.)

Major Units or Themes:  (Include the following)

v     Align with classroom themes and/or units

6.)

Teaching Methods:

v     Direct Instruction

v     Learning Stations

v     Computer Aided Instruction

v     Collaborative Learning

v     Teacher Modeling

v     Cooperative Learning

v     Learning Games

v     Small Group Instruction

7.)

Assessment:

v     Pretest (September)

1.  Vocabulary

2.  Comprehension

3.  Writing

v     Benchmark (January)

1.  Vocabulary

2.  Comprehension

3.  Writing

v      Posttest (May)

1.  Vocabulary

2.  Comprehension

3.  Writing

v     Classroom Teacher/Student Survey

v     Gates MacGinitie Standardized Test