ESL Syllabus
Instructor Mrs. Wendy Halter E-mail whalter@springisd.org
Phone 832-764-7950 Conference Time 1:09-1:57
Room 2030
Text:
Students have been issued a black-binder that is to stay in the classroom throughout the
year, along with several pre-printed dividers to keep organized areas we will cover in
class.
Students have been issued a student rBook to work with in whole and small group
instruction.
Students will utilize software purchased to improve spelling and reading skills on the
computers in class.
Students will use Lexile level books from Blue Bookshelf to read and work on various
activities at his/her level throughout the year.
Description:
The Read 180 program integrates a variety of activities that are research based to
maximize learning and help struggling readers gain the skills they need to be successful
in school, state assessments (tests), and in life. The read 180 Instructional Model is a
proven, daily, 90 minute plan that allows students to benefit from 3 main research-based
instructional practices:
Teacher-directed instruction in whole and small groups
Technology-based instruction on the READ 180 Topic Software on the computer
Modeled and independent reading with the Audio book and Paperback libraries
Each day, the class begins with whole group, teacher-directed instruction for 20 minutes.
Rotations/ Routines are established along with classroom expectations and each student is
responsible for making sure he/she is maximizing their learning opportunity and working
on what they have been assigned. Students begin each workshop by exploring the topic
and building academic vocabulary that they will encounter across all content areas. All
students have taken a SRI test earlier in the past few weeks that informs each student and
the teacher of his/ her reading level. This Lexile level is used to group students in
rotational groups so that he/she may work with other students on skills at a similar level.
Every student has been issued a letter informing parents/ guardians of his/ her level and
what can be done to help improve skills at home, as well as school.
Following whole-group instruction each day, students are expected to break-up into
smaller groups and work on their individual assignments. Students may come together
with the teacher for small group instruction, where the teacher works on individually
targeted skills the students need help with, such as grammar, rBook lessons, Reading, and
Writing.
Goals:
• Improve student reading skills (examples: inferences, sequencing,
comprehension, and application).
• Improve writing skills (examples: organization, conventions, spelling, and
voice)
• Work on organization and study skills
• Work on verbal communication skills and comprehension of spoken language
Tutorials:
I will hold scheduled tutorials after school from 4-5:30 on Tuesdays. Tutoring times will
increase the six weeks before the TAKS test is administered. Also, several Taks
Saturdays will be provided.
Resources:
ESL Chairperson of Claughton: Cheryl Edwards
Spring ISD: www.springisd.org
Claughton Middle School: http://www.springisd.org/claughton/index.htm
Online dictionaries/thesaurus: http://www.wordsmyth.net
http://www.m-w.com/
6 Traits of writing: http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/department.asp?d=1
Texas Education Agency (TAKS information): http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.html
Grading procedure:
50% daily work
Students will receive grades for using planners, participation, homework, and work that is
completed in class.
50% tests or major assignments
Students will be tested on spelling words, vocabulary, reading skills, reading pages,
software applications, small-group lessons, reading activities, quick-writes, black-binders
Late Work:
Work that is submitted late will be graded as follows:
1-2 Days late = 10-20 points off
3 or more days late = 30-50 pts. off
Ways to succeed/study skills/tips
• Keep up with reading pages and other school assigned work
• Make flash cards
• Keep a reading/writing journal at home
• Practice using the English language often and listen to radio and TV programs at
home in English language.
Classroom Rules and Regulations:
1. All students will be in their assigned seats before the tardy bell sounds.
2. No student will communicate without the teacher’s permission
3. No student will leave his/her assigned seat without the teacher’s permission
4. All students will have all books and materials in class each day.
5. All students will be dismissed by the teacher, not the bell, at the end of the
period or class activity.
Students who are in violation of the rules will receive consequences including phone calls
home and detentions. Students who repetitively violate the rules will be referred to the
assistant principal to receive further consequences.