Instructor: Mr. Richard Taylor
Room: A4 [Pride House]
Voice Mail Box: [609] 631-4199 x5342
E-mail: rtaylor@hamilton.k12.nj.us
Websites:
www.taylorsclass.com [Personal]
www.hamilton.k12.nj.us [District]
www.gricems.net [School]

Hours of availability: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 8:15 A.M. and 3:00 - 3:15 P.M when school is in session. ***Other times by appointment by calling the GMS Guidance Dept.

Course Description: This class is a Board approved course of study for 7th grade language arts. Topics include spelling, grammar usage and writing strategies. Topics are correlated with the New Jersey Core Curriculum standards for Language Arts Literacy which standards are intended to promote students' capacities to construct meaning in any arena.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to attain the following goals:

1. Master the basic principals of English grammar.
2. Increase writing and speaking vocabulary along with spelling skills through spelling lessons with themes.
3. Become proficient in writing effective paragraphs and essays including a strong introduction, a body that supports the writer's position, and a strong conclusion.
4. Display knowledge of proofreading symbols and editing skills.

Meeting Times: Monday - Friday for a 40-minute period. [180 days]

Text Book: Language Network [Red Level]

Course Grade: The grade policy for the Hamilton Township School District is strictly adhered to for this course The following letter grades will be placed on all graded assignments and tests: A, B, C, D, and F whereas A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and F=0. Test grades will be determined by percentage whereas A = 100-90%, B = 89-80%, C = 79-70%, D = 69-60, F = 59-0%. Students who have attained a letter grade of C-, D or F at mid-marking period will be issued a warning via the school progress report. It is desired that all student succeed in this course. Any student experiencing difficulty in this class is encouraged to arrange for a conference with the instructor, guidance counselor, or both. Marking Period Grades will be determined by the Hamilton Township School District scale:
[A = 3.51-4.0 Outstanding Scholarship and Performance]
[B = 2.51-3.5 Above Average Scholarship and Performance]
[C = 1.51-2.5 Satisfactory Scholarship and Performance]
[D = 0.51-1.50 Below Average Scholarship and Performance]
[F = 0.00- 0.50 Minimum Course Requirements Not Met]

Each student is responsible for keeping his or her own "Grade Sheet" which is a listing of all test, writing, and assignment grades. Each student is provided with a 'Grade Calculation Sheet' [at each mid-marking period and end-of-marking period] which explains how to calculate his/her average for the class. Each student is responsible for knowing his/her grade during the marking period so there are no surprises when the time comes for progress reports and/or report card grading.

The grades that are received for work depend only in part on getting the right answer. Often times there may be more than one reasonable interpretation, so it is very important that students communicate what they know clearly and effectively. Grades are dependent on the content of your work as well as the answers. To that extent, please heed The following, simple advice: "Do high-quality work!"

The breakdown of the marking period grade is as follows:
50% Tests [In-class, Timed Tests]
35% Writing Assignments & Quizzes [In-class Timed Writings]
15% Project/Quiz Assignments [In-class & At-home]

Course Policy: All class work and/or homework should be completed by the due dates. All directions must be followed for full credit, including important concept skills highlighted as well as self-correction marks. Work is accepted after the due, but only partial credit is given. Students absent due to illness, excused absences or disciplinary action are required to complete all work missed. Any student who is absent on the due date[s] should submit his/her work immediately upon return to school. Absences of 11 days or more per marking period will result in an "X" grade and students will have the opportunity to make up work missed. Extra credit work is available by completing the assigned "M.U.G Writing" work as part of this class.

* Any student who is unprepared with assignments a total of five [5] times or more over the course of a marking period will have his/her marking period grade lowered by one letter grade.

All students are encouraged to keep a neat, well-organized notebook. In addition, students are to bring all necessary materials to class in order to succeed. It is the responsibility of the student to bring supplies such as textbooks, loose-leaf paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, and rulers. These items will not be supplied by the instructor.

Time will be set aside in class for the student to make significant progress toward completing assignments. However, significant independent work [reading assignments, reviewing notes, completing written assignments] is expected of all students on a daily basis. Individual study is the most important part in preparing for the successful completion of this course. Any student is welcome to confer with the teacher regarding the refining of his/her study habits.

Remember: There is no substitute for hard work, preparedness, and a genuine concern for education.