Course Syllabus
Intensive Reading
Ms. Buchanan
Competence in Reading is an essential requirement for all academic
disciplines. It is important for students to become effective and flexible
readers. Based on the premise that reading is an on-going, life-long
process, this Intensive Reading course will increase students’ abilities to
read, think, comprehend, and respond to the English Language. Critical
thinking skills will be emphasized throughout the course that may include,
vocabulary, word recognition, structural analysis, phonetic analysis,
perceptual accuracy, visual efficiency, and reading rates. In addition,
technology will be incorporated.
Students will achieve the following objectives based on the Sunshine State
Standards:
1. Determine the main idea from a reading selection
2. Make and maintain inferences from what is read, including
interpreting diagrams and graphs.
3. Recognize the use of comprehension and contrast in a text.
4. Synthesizes and separates collected information into useful
components using a variety of techniques, such as source cards,
note cards, spreadsheets, and outlines.
5. Uses a variety of reading materials to develop personal preferences
6. Recognizes cause and effect relationships.
7. Determines author’s purpose and point of view.
8. Respond in sentence and paragraph form to reading selections.
9. Read independently at home and school.
10. Develop techniques to read for a variety of purposes.
11. Score 300 or higher on the FCAT Reading Test.
12. Demonstrates consistent and effective use of interpersonal and
academic vocabularies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
60 and Below F
*Student Final grade is based on Class Participation, Class Attendance,
Daily class assignments, Research Projects, Test Grades, and Home Learning.
It is also the student’s responsibility to take notes given in class.
Alloted time is given on each assignment, therefore incomplete assignments
is an automatic D
****Make-Up work is only given to students with a permissible excused
absence. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to ask the
teacher for missing assignments. If there is a concern about any grade
received, that concern must be brought to my attention immediately.
Literacy Reading (Bell Ringer):
The first ten minutes of each period will be devoted to independent reading
and or journal entries which also accounts for the academic grade.
Materials:
Composition book, paper, pen (blue/black) pencil, Class
folder/binder, dictionary, highlighter, index cards, flash drive (as needed)
Homework Policy:
Homework will be given from all or part of the following options and is due
on the assigned date…. NO EXCEPTIONS!
· Reading logs
· Sustained silent reading for 30 minutes each night
· Finish assignments begun in class
· Assignments from reading books/Worksheets
. Vocabulary Words
· Checking the class website for any additional updates
Class Rules:
1. Be present and on time
2. Stay in assigned seat
3. Obtain permission before speaking or leaving your seat.
4. Profanity and loud talking is disrespectful and not permitted
5. This is a food and beverage-free class
6. Electronic devices are prohibited. Cellular phones on vibrate/or off
7. Bring all materials to class
8. Follow directions the first time given
This class is an open forum for your ideas and those of your classmates.
Language or behavior that degrades or discriminates against any group or
person will not be tolerated. Treat everyone and their property respectfully.
Consequences of breaking rules:
1. Warning
2. Conduct grade lowered
3. Parent contact
4. Referral to administrator
Attendance and Tardy Policy:
1. A zero will be recorded for each unexcused tardy
2. Students will not be able to make up work from unexcused absences
3. For the third unexcused tardy and/or absence, parents will be
notified.
4. If the tardiness and/or absences continue, an administrator will be
notified.
I have read and reviewed this course syllabus.
___________________________________________ Student’s Signature
___________________________________________ Parent’s Signature
___________________________________________ Date
You may contact Ms. Buchanan at (305) 621-5681. If you have any comments or
questions. Conference time is available upon appointment. Please visit the
following website for additional updates/notes concerning the course:
Http://TeacherWeb.com/FL/Miami-DadeCountyPublicSchools/MsBuchanan/
