Cassingham Elementary GATEMs. Chris Amspaugh, Gifted Intervention Specialist |
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Gate LA Information and Policies
Homework Policy
- Students are expected to read for a minimum of 3 hours each week. I strongly recommend that they get into a regular habit, such as by reading 30 minutes each day.
- Typical homework assignments may include (but are not limited to) reading logs, Reading Detective exercises, Editor-in-Chief assignments, book club jobs, or writing assignments.
- Whenever possible, assignments are provided at least 2 days in advance so that students can plan ahead and budget their time. While I typically provide students with a monthly calendar of assignments that is also posted on the class webpage, the students themselves are ultimately responsible for keeping track of assignments and due dates.
- Homework is intended to provide a low-risk opportunity to practice essential skills and to provide evidence of learning that helps guide instruction. It is vital that homework be completed and turned in on time. Homework generally makes up a very small portion of the overall content grade, though I do include a rating on the gradecard to indicate how many assignments were completed and turned in on time. Students who complete all of their assigned homework generally earn very good grades, since homework completion contributes to mastery of selected learning targets.
- Unless otherwise specified, students should always complete their homework independently. While they may use resources and tools (dictionaries, textbooks, parents/siblings, etc.) for support, students' work should be their own.
- Students who will miss class for trips/vacations should let me know several days in advance. They will still be responsible for any concepts or assignments covered during their absence.
- Upon returning from absence, students are expected to obtain and complete any assignments missed. Make-up assignments should be submitted within a reasonable amount of time after returning to class.
- Students are welcome to submit homework to me electronically, through email or through our online classroom within Sakai.
Grading
An important part of my educational philosophy is that content grades should represent only the student's mastery of that content. Furthermore, I believe that students should have low-risk opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge throughout the learning process, receiving feedback to guide their effort towards mastery. As a result, many homework assignments and small quizzes make up a minimal part of the overall grade, but are an essential element that helps to inform the instructional process. Feedback on these formative tasks typically includes specific comments, which may be accompanied by the letters B, D, or M (which reflect that the work illustrates Beginning understanding, Developing understanding, or Mastery).
Content grades are based on evidence that the student has achieved mastery. A variety of summative assessments are used to measure student learning at the "end" of lessons and units. Summative assessments may include writing pieces, presentations, tests, reflection journals, or other products. Because learning is a process that continues over time, students who do not show mastery on summative assessments often have additional opportunites to demonstrate their mastery after further study. This encourages students to continue striving for mastery, while also providing an opportunity to raise grades as a result.
Classroom Expectations
- Be kind and respectful.
- Always give your best effort.
- Be responsible for your own words and actions.
Class Materials
- 3-ring binder (at least 1.5-2 inches thick)
- Set of 8-10 tabbed dividers
- Filler paper or notebook
- Pencil pouch for inside binder
- 2 dozen #2 wooden pencils
- 6 red ink pens
- One package of 3 x 5 inch notecards
- One package of 8-10 washable markers
- 1 box of tissues to share with the GATE classroom
- Students should always bring their book club novels with them to class. It is also a good idea to bring their independent reading books as well.
- Students are NOT required to purchase the Reader's Notebook listed on the homeroom supply list.
Curriculum Links
Common Core Standards for English Language Arts (new)
Ohio English Language Arts Content Standards (old)