The prompt will be expository. We are currently discussing writing thesis statements. The essay should begin with a thesis statement.
Students and parents:
- DTW's have a significant impact on the 9-week grade, (I did not use DTW #1 in calculating the 1st 9-week grade, but the plan, or lack thereof, DID count),
- a plan MUST be created BEFORE writing,
- a minimum of a 5 paragraph essay is expected,
- grammar and punctuation count,
- the writing must focus on the prompt, be organized (into paragraphs), provide support (FRIESS-include appropriate facts, reasons, incidents, examples, sensory details and statistics) and follow standard writing conventions (indent paragraphs, use correct capitalization, punctuation, and grammar (including verb tense) and,
- writing will be graded using the 8th grade FCAT Writes rubric.
Also, the amount of homework will be increasing. Most homework will be done in a workbook. It is imperative that the workbook comes to class each day. Unfortunately, the workbook work cannot go into the Basket of Eternal Forgiveness, so expect pop-quiz questions each day to verify that you have done your due diligence. Students may leave their heavy textbook at school! But.....don't underestimate me. I am serious about these assignments and I will be very tough on any students not prepared. I have mapped out the assignments through January. One hour of Compass Language Arts per week is also required. I have added extra assignments for students needing intervention on certain skills. The Compass lab is available before school if you are having problems at home. Compass should be working now. If you are having problems, try another computer. Also try deleting cookies. 95% of my students are successfully getting their Compass assignments done.
