18% Read two books and demonstrate understanding each quarter.

XX In each quarter, students will be able to select these books from the list of books for 8th grade.

XXX Demonstration of understanding for the six books will typically be through an Accelerated
XXX Reader quiz.  At other times, it may be through a speech, a PowerPoint presentation, or
XXX other means.

XXX I can modify this state requirement for students who wish to choose longer or more advanced
XXX books.  (See the page on book requirements.) 

2 Write short papers weekly that are scored with a rubric.
XXX This will be worth 21% of the grade for first, second, and fourth quarter. 
XXX We will use a simple rubric for these sorts of essays.  (The rubric is a Microsoft Word document). 

XXX Early in the year, we will focus on developing a main idea and offering support through examples. 
XXX Also, after reading short stories or novel chapters, we will often write short essays in response to
XXX a specific question or theme.  These essays will also require the use of examples. 
XXX
3 Write four formal essays per quarter.
XXX This will be worth 25% of the grade for first, second, and fourth quarter. 
XXX We will use a six-traits rubric.  (The rubric is a Microsoft Word document). 
XXX
5 Speak or present each quarter.
XXX This will be worth 8% of each quarter's grade.  This will include presentations on poetry or
XXX novels, reading drama parts, as well as the presentation of the research in the third quarter. 
XXX
6 Discuss or debate topics monthly. 
XXX This will be worth 8% of each quarter's grade. 
XXX
7 Take and organize notes weekly.
XXX This will be worth 8% of each quarter's grade.  Each student will be required to keep a notebook
XXX  for these; this will be helpful when it comes to studying for the proficiency exams. 
XXX
8 Maintain a portfolio of personal reading. 
XXX This will be worth 8% of each quarter's grade.  Hanging folders are stationed in the back
XXX of the English room; students are required to use these to hold the portfolio.   

XXX The following items should be kept in it, and in this order: 

XXX 1 Reading Record: Keep an up-to-date list of the books you have read.  If you don't already
XXX have one, print off a reading record. 

XXX 2 Mini-Reviews: Print off a copy of your mini-reviews.  Keep them together in one
XXX Microsoft Word file and print them off together. 

XXX 3 Writing Samples: This includes the short weekly essays, the quarterly essays, and
XXX your research paper. 

XXX 4 Short Story Quizzes: Keep all the quizzes from our anthology that you have taken.