By the end of the 12 weeks, students will be able to identify various forms of informative texts. Students will also be able to read and understand grade-level informative text and identify the key ideas while supporting their response with strong evidence from the text. Students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of analyzing informative text through a real-life project. 

Ms. McDonald has been in the field of education for over 20 years. She has been teaching K-8th grade for over 8 years.

Homework Offered
The homework for this class will consist of the following:

Reading assignments: Students will be assigned to read one or more nonfiction texts each week, either from the class materials or from their own choice. They will be expected to complete a reading log or a graphic organizer to record their main ideas, questions, and connections. They will also be asked to share their reading with the class or a partner during the reflection time.

Writing assignments: Students will be assigned to write one or more descriptive paragraphs each week, based on the topics and skills covered in the class. They will be expected to follow the writing process of brainstorming, drafting, editing, and revising. They will also be asked to publish and present their writing using various formats and media.

Optional assignments: Students will be given the option to complete additional activities and projects to extend their learning and creativity. These may include creating crossword puzzles, acrostic poems, FAQs, etc. based on their reading and writing.

The homework will be assigned at the end of each session and will be due at the beginning of the next session. The homework will be checked for completeness and correctness by the teacher and/or the peers. The homework will also be graded using a rubric or a checklist that reflects the learning objectives and expectations of the class.

All assignments will be required for all students, unless they have a valid reason or a special need. The teacher will provide differentiation and scaffolding as needed to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of the students. The teacher will also provide feedback and support to help the students improve their nonfiction reading and writing skills.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessments are an important part of this class, as they help the teacher, and the students monitor their progress and learning. There are two types of assessments offered in this class: formative and summative.

Formative assessments are ongoing and informal assessments that provide feedback and guidance to the students and the teacher throughout the class. They include activities such as quizzes, self-checks, peer reviews, reflections, etc. They are done in class or as homework assignments, depending on the topic and the skill. They are required for all students, as they help them improve their nonfiction reading and writing skills and prepare them for the summative assessments.

Summative assessments are final and formal assessments that measure the students' achievement and mastery of the learning objectives and expectations of the class. They include projects such as portfolios, presentations, podcasts, etc. They are done as take-home assignments, as they require more time and effort from the students. They are also required for all students, as they demonstrate their understanding and creativity of nonfiction reading and writing.
Grades Offered
The class uses a points-based grading system, where each assignment and assessment has a certain number of points assigned to it. The total points earned by the student are divided by the total points possible to calculate the percentage grade. The percentage grade is then converted to a letter grade using a standard scale (A, B, C, D, F).

Grades will be provided by default for all learners, unless they opt for the pass/fail option. Grades will be updated and posted on the class website or platform after each session. Students can also request their grades from the teacher at any time.

The class offers a pass/fail grading option for students who prefer not to receive a letter grade. To pass the class, students need to complete at least 80% of the assignments and assessments and achieve at least 60% of the total points. Students who choose this option need to inform the teacher before the end of the first week of the class.

Grades will play an important role in this class, as they reflect the students’ progress and learning. Grades will also help the teacher and the students identify their strengths and weaknesses and adjust their instruction and practice accordingly. Grades will also motivate the students to work hard and improve their nonfiction reading and writing skills.

We will be using reading material from a variety of online websites, including but not limited to Ready Reading, Readworks, CommonLit, NewsELA. We will also use a variety of interactive websites to supplement learning, including but not limited to Nearpod, Quizizz, and Kahoot.