1. Ms. Walivaara 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Curriculum Night
Welcome!
Ms. Walivaara
8th Grade Advanced Language Arts
Curriculum Night

2. About Me B.A. in English from MSU
Pursuing Master’s degree in Secondary Education at Oakland University
Getting married in 3 weeks…soon to be Mrs. Facca!

3. Curriculum and Class Activities
This class is based on the Common Core State Standards for 8th Grade English Language Arts.
Literary Genres Featured:
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Non-Fiction
Writing Process
Prewriting, Editing/Revising Strategies
Replicate author’s styles
Composition
Writing leads, conclusions
Elaborating
Improving fluency and word choice
MLA formatting, mechanics, and rhetorical skills

4. What Makes this Class Advanced?
Higher level reading materials
Higher expectations for writing assignments
Higher level questions & in-depth answers
Special emphasis on the reading/writing connection
More independent work
Projects, presentations

5. Grading and Homework
Grades will be based on a total point system. Points for individual assignments will be based on time commitment and level of difficulty.
Written tasks on which students have not shown mastery may be redone and returned.
The original and new grade will be averaged.
NHI= Present, but did not turn in work
I= Incomplete (in progress) EX= Excused

6. Late Work
Late work is not encouraged, but I will accept assignments up to one week after the due date.
After the 1st Quarter, late work will be marked down 10% for each day after the due date.
If there is a true emergency that prevents a student from completing an assignment on time, please contact me! We can work together to find a solution.

7. Policies and Rules
Students should demonstrate Viking POWER at all times.
Honesty and effort will always be rewarded! Cheating is not tolerated and will result in an automatic zero for the assignment and parent contact.
Be prepared to participate and learn each day! Bring all materials and homework with to class (passes to lockers for materials may result in a tardy).

8. Communication
Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns! Together we can ensure that each student is successful.
Check the class site for a current class schedule and links to notes/assignments.
Reach me through…
My classroom phone: (248) , ext. 4954
I am happy to meet before or after school at your convenience!