6^th Grade Honors ELA I
 

Dear Parents and Students,

            The students who have been identified as gifted in the area of reading will be placed in the honors section of the ELA 1 (Literature.)  We will use the Prentice Hall Literature series as well as selected poems, letters, editorials, and independent reading books. Pre-AP strategies will be introduced and reinforces throughout the year.

 “Pre-AP is the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible….students acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in the a higher level of learning.”  (The AP Vertical Teams Guide for English Development Committee, The College Board)

            I will offer challenging research projects for each unit of study.  The students will participate in literature circles, vocabulary studies, and investigate a variety of genres.  In addition, each student will be required to independently read challenging fiction and nonfiction selections.  This will require that the students read outside of the classroom. The student’s grade will be determined by an average of homework, test, project grades, and class participation.  Make-up work must be completed as soon as possible.  Students need to talk to me about setting up a reasonable schedule for completing makeup work.  I realize that it might be difficult to return to a full academic schedule after an illness.

            I look forward to meeting with all of you at the fall Open House.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.                                                                               

Sincerely,

                                                Cara Gutzmer, M. Ed

                                                Teacher of the Gifted and Reading Support

                                                Jefferson Middle School

                                                                        351-3790

"We can tell a little more of the truth.  In doing so, it turns out that we can avoid pretending that a student's whole performance or intelligence can be summed up in one number"  -Peter Elbow