Grade 8 English Literature and Language
Celeste M. Scholz
2003-2004

• Class Meetings
• Literature Texts
• Course Description
• Assessment
• Tardiness and Retrieving Material from Lockers
• Computer Printouts and Typing

• Celeste M. Scholz, Professional Background

Class Meetings: 4 times each week at 45 minutes, 1 time each week at 35 minutes

Literature Texts:
Short stories, poetry, plays and essays: Elements of Literature, Second Course, 1997
Novels:  The Outsiders, Johnny Tremain, Across Five Aprils, Witch of Blackbird Pond, 
To Kill a Mockingbird

Welcome to English 8, an important year in preparing students for high school English classes! 

We will study a variety of literary genre and thematic units that will foster the development of the following communication skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. Students will participate in a variety of activities that will encourage confidence and success in communication skills. By using an integrated approach, students will gain in skills development throughout the year. 

Writing will be strengthened through the writing process that includes the steps of revising and editing. At the editing step in the writing process we will work on grammar and spelling skills. The students will develop vocabulary through the study of word formation (root, prefix, suffix), contextual clues and words encountered in reading. By participating in the Book of the Month program, students are encouraged to read and respond to a variety of literature independently.  Students will work individually and cooperatively in groups during class time.

The English grade is composed of:

-Writing process: personal narrative, essay, research paper, other creative writing  25%
-Literature activities: Book of the Month program, homework   25%
-Language activities: quizzes on vocabulary, spelling and grammar   25%
-End of unit assessment: projects, presentations, tests and speeches   25%

The student will be scored on a grading rubric for written assignments, projects, presentations and Book of the Month work.  The student will receive this rubric before the work is graded. 
There are no extra credit assignments.

In English 8, students will be marked tardy if they arrive in class after the bell rings, or have to leave the classroom to retrieve required materials from their lockers.  After three tardies, they will spend part of their lunchtime supervised in the English classroom. If this pattern continues, administration and parents will be notified to set out an alternative plan to encourage more responsible behavior.

Computer Printouts and Typing:

We encourage you to use a computer to write your assignments 
because doing so will improve your skills. Follow these guidelines below.

    - If your printing paper has holes on the side, trim off the edges before submitting your work.
    - Follow the same basic format described for handwritten assignments.
    - Double-space or space and a half between lines.
    - Font size: 12 - point.
    - You may use 14 - point and bold for your title.
    - Font style: Use Palatino or Times New Roman. (These will also be compatible with the school computers.)

Celeste M. Scholz, Professional Background

Experience:
· American Int’l School of Jo’burg, Middle and High School, So Africa, 2000-Present
· International School of Kuala Lumpur, Middle School, Malaysia, 1996-2000
· Jakarta International School, Middle and High School, Indonesia, 1992-1996
· Fairfax County Public Schools, Cooper Intermediate School, McLean VA 1991-1992

US State of Virginia Teaching Certification

Online Portfolio: http://home.att.net/~cscholz

e-mail:  cscholz@aisj-jhb.com or cm_scholz@yahoo.com