February 2012:

    The eighth graders will focus their writing skills on a persuasive essay (topic to be determined). We will be using the Step Up to Writing program.

    At mid-quarter, we begin working on our History/English research project. Using our literature books (McDougal Littell, 2009) and the Step Up to Writing Program, we will learn how to proceed in gathering information from a variety of sources to guide us through the research process. The information will be processed into an expository essay with charts, tables, pictures, etc., and will include a bibliography. We will study plagiarism and learn how to avoid its use, including how to paraphrase and properly cite sources of information.

Grades are based on the accumulation of points. Points are based on class participation (effort), completion of daily assignments and projects, exams, and self-reflection. Weighting of grades: exams-50%, classwork-15%, homework-20%, and participation-15%. Please see the school’s parent/student handbook for grading scale.