1. 2016-2017 School Year 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Autumn Ottenad
Welcome Back to School
School Year
8th Grade Advanced Language Arts
Autumn Ottenad

2. Who is Mrs. Ottenad? Autumn Ottenad Born & Raised in Renton, WA
Went to Cascade, Nelsen, & Lindbergh.
BA English Lit & History from Gonzaga U
MAT from Seattle Pacific University
Taught high school ELA in Renton
Taught middle school ELA in LWSD
Working on my doctorate at SPU
Me at 5th grade graduation

3. How to contact me? Email Phone In Person
Phone
In Person
Meet in room 3210
Please check out my website:

4. In my class it is a place where students should:
Acquire writing skills to gain independence
Develop a feel for the purpose and power of writing
Immerse themselves in the craft of writing by “Reading Like Writers”
Make decisions about what and how they write
Use Mentor Texts as coaches
Is part of a supportive writing community!

5. Educational Philosophy
Knowledge is socially constructed – colored by past experiences, cultural traditions, authorities’ words
Students come with varied learning styles and abilities
Knowledge has several dimensions and can be demonstrated in different ways
Students learn better when information is directly relevant to their lives
Critical that teacher understands students’ levels of understanding

6. Evaluation of Student Progress
Achievement
Performance: Written Assessments, Essays, Independent Reading & Oral Presentations
Assignments: quizzes, worksheets,
75%
25%
Non-Achievement Indicators: Work Habits, Collaboration, Initiative & Citizenship

7. What makes advanced different?
Advanced Language Arts purpose is to provide a rigorous environment where topics covered may be the same or similar to regular LA, but each topic will be covered with greater depth, a faster pace, and often with more challenging literature. Additionally, independence and initiative is fostered through student choice and project-based learning.

8. Homework
Planners: Students record homework daily; every effort made to keep website updated
Basic Homework Schedule: 30 minutes of daily independent reading (2 hours weekly) and written responses; occasional written practice and longer term projects
Homework Not Turned in Policy:
Absent – one day given to make up work for each day absent
See syllabus for more details

9. Reading Materials: Novels Upfront Magazine Independent Reading
Reading Journals
Learning Strategies:
Whole class discussions
Literature circles
Guided Reading Groups
Individual Written Responses
Genre Studies
Integrated Vocabulary Development

10. Writing Materials: Strategies:
Writing Program: Writing Fundamentals, a Workshop Curriculum
Student Portfolios
Strategies:
Genre Studies: Narrative, Expository & Argumentative
Writer’s Workshop
Analyze Student and Teacher Models
Integrated Grammar Instruction
Written Reflections

11. Grouping for Instruction
Whole Class
Direct Skill
Instruction
Interest
Groups
Paired
Learning
Cooperative
Learning
Ability
Groups
Whole Class

12. Thank YOU!
These organizations generously help bridge the gap the dollars the state provides and the funding we need.