7th Grade Language Arts
Ms. Callahan
Schooling/Certifications
Bachelor of Science (Interdisciplinary Studies), University of Texas at Tyler
Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction), Texas A&M Commerce
Certifications:
All subject areas grades 4-8
Communication
Google calendar (updated daily): http://goo.gl/zjWyav
**All resources, assignments, and attachments are posted in Google Classroom**
Remind 101:
Text the number 81010 and text the class code. By doing this, your student will receive reminder messages about homework, pop-quizzes, etc. Two-way communication is disabled on this, so students will only receive messages from my postings.
Remind 101 Class Codes:
2nd Period: @callahta2
4th Period: @callahta4
5th Period: @callahta5
6th Period: @callahta6
8th Period: @callahta8
Social Media
School Instagram:mscallahanela
(Note: this account is private, so if I do not recognize the username of the person requesting to follow me, I decline the request. If your name is not part of your username, send me an email to let me know you're requesting to follow me. Then, I won't turn down your request!)
2018-2019 Novels
Novels:
Please use the ISBNs for the correct version (printed copy ONLY)
- First grading period: Greek Myths by Olivia E. Coolidge ISBN-13: 978-0618154265
- Second grading period:The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton ISBN-13: 978-0140385724
- Third grading period: The Giver by Lois Lowry ISBN-13: 978-0544336261
- Fourth grading period: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ISBN-13: 978-0439023481
Grading Practices
Students receive scoring expectations prior to assessments. We use proficiency scales to track student learning, which better helps students to recognize where they are and what they need to do to get to the next step of the learning.
Skyward Breakdown
Minor Grades – 40% of the 9-weeks’ average (quizzes will count twice)Major Grades (tests, targeted writing assignments, major projects) – 60% of the 9-weeks’ average
Work Habits Grades (participation, preparation, behavior) - are displayed in Skyward but do not count toward the class average. Work habits grades will be posted every Friday.
Practice Grades - are displayed in Skyward but do not count toward the class average; initial assessments are changed to practice grades once in-class reassessments occur
Incomplete or missing assignments will receive a zero in the gradebook and be marked as missing until completed. When the assignment is submitted, the grade will be updated in Skyward. Students may not have any missing or incomplete assignments in order to pass the course.
Reassessments
Reassessments are built into the curriculum, and initial assessments are replaced with the most recent grade. This is to track student learning and assessment preparation.
Reassessments for larger assignments are done outside of class during office hours. Students must complete the reassessment form provided in class and attend a mandatory reteaching session in order to be eligible to reassess. Dates and times for reteaching and reassessments are provided on the form.
Absences
Google Calendar is updated daily with an agenda of what was missed (including notes and assignments). It will be noted if the student needs to print off or complete something on Google Classroom.
If the student knows of an absence prior to the day, please get all resources and assignments BEFORE the absence. This will help tremendously so that students don't fall behind.
For each day absent, the student will have one day to complete the assignment. This does not include long-term assignments with due dates provided well in advance.
How to Help your Student Find Success in Middle School!
2. Check for email responses!
3. Be a problem solver! If your printer doesn't work, or you lose internet connection, etc., find a solution instead of giving up!
4. Write in your agenda, bring it home, and use it as a checklist when completing homework.
5. Visit teacher websites, Google Classroom, and teacher calendars on a DAILY basis.
6. Office hours are the first answer when needing extra help!
7. Use advisory time wisely! Get your work/studying done during this time!