Last week, students watched "Fahrenheit 451" to compare the movie to the novel. There were many differences and most students agree that the novel is much better than the movie. Students also wrote their first literary analysis essay for this novel. Please click here to see some of the "A" essays. This essay was a test to measure students understanding of the novel, ability to understand and dissect a prompt, and ability to write a grade level literary analysis essay. Students had three class periods, the option to work with a partner of their choice, and their notes/novel at their disposal for this 5-paragraph literary analysis essay. Some students did not use their class time wisely and went home having to work on the essay, which was not the intent at all (this was a CHOICE made by them). Even with that said, a 5-paragraph essay where the topic has already been discussed, even when done alone, should take less than three class periods (the amount of class time given). If the trend of students not using their class time wisely (thus creating homework for themselves) continues, I will make all essays in-class only and students will not have the option to work on it at home.
This week, students will be taking an SBAC style district-wide writing assessment using the Illuminate program. The task will include reading three grade-level articles on a district determined topic, taking notes, determining and outlining an argument, writing a 6-paragraph argumentative essay, and editing/revising their essay upon completion. Students will have 5-class periods to complete this assessment (the district suggests two to three class periods, which means this will almost be double the time the district suggests for this assessment). This assessment serves two purposes: to track student writing and to determine what students still need to learn prior to the actual SBAC in order to be successful. It will be graded using the 4-point SBAC rubric by English teachers across the district. Scores will be in Parent Portal as soon as they have been assessed.
District Writing Test
Tuesday
District Writing Test
Wednesday
District Writing Test
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
*Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level of 3.5+ for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (3/10 and 6/2). Please see the AR Log for more information. GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
District Writing Test
Friday
District Writing Test
