Eighth Grade Reading

Mr. David W. MasenhimerSchool Phone: (503)554-4500

E-Mail: masenhimerd@newberg.k12.or.us

Blog: http://masenhimer.blogspot.com/

Curriculum_____________________________________________This class is specifically for students at or above the eighth grade reading level. Overall, the goal of this course is to encourage young readers to develop and strengthen a lifelong appreciation for reading through learning and recreation. It is my belief that reading reflects seasons in life, records, communicates both to and from life, and impacts the way we as humans live. The curriculum will concentrate on skill development in the area of comprehension (literal, inferential, and evaluative using fiction and non-fiction material), vocabulary, fluency, literary elements, and literary devices (author’s craft).

Emphasis based on Oaks testing______________________Students will be using six strands and prior scores to determine individual strengths and weaknesses in the discipline of reading. From these attributes, goals will be set and monitored throughout the course of the year together. The strands are: (1)Vocabulary Development; (2)Read to Perform a Task; (3)Demonstrate General Understanding; (4)Develop an Interpretation; (5)Examine Content and Structure: Informational Text; (6)Examine Content and Structure: Literary Text. Basically, these are technical terms for becoming a better reader.

Expectations____________________________________________It is my firm belief that learning cannot happen unless the classroom provides the necessary environment; therefore, students are expected to follow Mountain View’s specific behavioral expectations: Be Responsible; Be Respectful; Give your Best Effort and; Show Integrity. Along with the above expectations, students will be expected to follow my classroom guidelines: Come to class prepared with the right material Be in your seats ready to listen when the bells rings Give me your entire attention while I am teaching Always raise your hand to speak Refrain from interrupting me or a peer; everyone has an equal chance to speak Stay seated unless instructed differently DON’T LAUGH AT, MOCK, OR BELITTLE A CLASS MEMBER!

Procedures_______________________________________________Starting Class Always come to class with: a sharpened pencil with an eraser, a pin, paper, a planner, homework assignments (if due), and a reading book. Be in your seat before the bell rings. If you are out of your seat when the bell rings, YOU ARE TARDY!Signaling Attention When I need your attention, I will say, “Okay ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention!” In my opinion, this is a respectable way to ask for attention and in return I mandate respect by ceasing all conversation and being attentive. Ending Class● It is important to know that the sounding of the bell does not mean class is dismissed. Students will be excused when I have given the okay after supplies are packed, and the room is properly cleaned and chairs are tucked in.

Miscellaneous___________________________________________Getting HelpI am available to help most days after class. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; rather it is the true sign of a good student. If help is needed, please ask! Don’t hesitate to ask before a test or the due date of an assignment.HomeworkThe homework for the week will be explained at the onset of each week. If an assignment is not turned in at its due date, the student has the option of using a Homework Coupon (Please see Student-Parent Handbook), or fill out a Missing Deadline Form (MDF). Something must always be turned in to me regardless if it is the assignment or the MDF. Learning At HomeParents/Guardians, the best students are the ones that have support at home. Together we can team together in helping your student be successful, independent, and motivated. In order to do this, you can: Provide reading materials within the home. For example: newspapers, magazines, entertainment guides, driver manuals, books, how-to-manuals, etc. Demonstrate the need to read! Model reading for pleasure . Involve your student in your reading. This can be done through discussion, read aloud, or simply how you would go about reading different materials. Thank You!

Absence If and when you are absent, it is the responsibility of the student to practice being responsible and independent. A few steps need to be taken: Check the weekly calendar and website online for the assignments (http://masenhimer.blogspot.com/) Upon returning, get copies of the assignments in the five-day files in class Check with a peer in class I will be available to talk about missed assignments during passing period or after class, not during class.

ContactE-mail is the most efficient way to reach me. I am able to respond the quickest through e-mail, and helps to avoid phone-tag. However, communicating by telephone works, but I will not be able to return a call during the school day. The best time to meet one-on-one is during conference times, and after school. I am available for appointments if an issue requires a meeting.

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Pleas sign and detach this portion of the syllabus and return it to Mr. Masenhimer by Friday, September 10, 2010

I have read the above syllabus and understand the expectations/procedures for Mr. Masenhimer’s Reading class.

___________________________________ _____________________________________________Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature