Academic A Reading: Winter 2018

Instructor Information

Instructor Email Office Location & Hours

Mr. Escalante juanbyuh@gmail.com UPC 358 by appointment only

General Information

Description

This course helps students improve their reading ability by focusing on the following: thorough comprehension of the
text, implementation of reading strategies, acquiring academic vocabulary, extensive reading, and fluency. The texts
used in this course tend to be non-fiction and contain some academic vocabulary.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Understands level-appropriate texts

1. Understands clearly stated main ideas.
2. Understands major details.
3. Identifies author’s purpose.
4. Identifies author’s point of view.
2. Effectively implements appropriate reading strategies.
1. Previews texts for main idea.
2. Scans texts for major and minor details.
3. Recognizes basic organization patterns.
4. Connects content to background knowledge.
5. Makes inferences about concrete ideas.
6. Skims texts when appropriate.
3. Acquires new vocabulary words.
1. Infers meaning of unfamiliar words by using personal and textual context.
2. Uses both derivational and inflectional morphemes to infer meaning of unfamiliar words.
3. Demonstrates understanding of high frequency general vocabulary.
4. Reads aloud with comprehensible pronunciation.
1. Uses correct stress in words and sentences.
2. Pauses when appropriate.
3. Uses correct intonation.
4. Correctly pronounces high frequency general vocabulary words.

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Course Materials

Required Materials

 Ten Steps to Improving College Reading Skills 6th Edition.

 Martin Luther King (Oxford), 978-0194233934
 Nelson Mandela (Oxford), 978-0194233965
 If you lived at the time of the American Revolution (Scholastic), 978-0590674447
 Vocabulary packet
 Folder to keep reading handouts organized

Grades

The ELC gives two grades, a proficiency grade and a citizenship grade. The ELC uses a grade point average (GPA) system.
For example, 4.0 is a perfect grade, 3.0 is good, 2.0 is low, 1.0 is failing. Grades are something you earn, not something I
give you! That said, you get two separate grades in the class:

Citizenship (Effort)- Am I a good student?

A citizenship grade at the ELC is representative of your effort. A citizenship grade less than 3.0 or 84% will disqualify you
from attending the ELC next semester. Your citizenship grade will be determined by the following:

1. 50% Homework—
a. Reading Log: You are assigned to read for 30 minutes a day on Mon-Wed and 30 minutes total on
the weekend (Thu-Sun). You are not responsible to read on holidays. Sometimes the teacher will
assign specific things to read. If nothing specific is assigned, read something that is interesting, easy,
and enjoyable. You will receive 1 point for every ten minutes you read. However, this is a daily
assignment. That means if you read extra on one day it does NOT transfer to other days (except on
weekends). Late assignments will lose points. Finally, if the log is incomplete, it will receive a 0. Due:
Monday
b. Reading Groups: As a supplement to the Reading Log, Reading Groups will be assigned. Reading
Groups will take place on Mondays. The purpose of this is to give you an opportunity to share what
you are reading with people in your group. This activity will take between 10-15 minutes.
c. Weekly Reflection: You will answer certain questions. This assignment is meant to take 5-10
minutes. This assignment is worth 3 points. It must be filled out completely. Incomplete assignments
will not receive points. Also, late assignments will not be accepted. Due: Monday
d. Both assignments can be found under the section entitled “Files” in the “Homework” file on Canvas.
Both assignments must be submitted on Canvas

2. 50% Participation—
a. 5 participation points are available for each class day. If you are absent from class and your absence
is not excused, you will lose all 5 participation points for that day. Full participation points cannot be
restored even if your absence is excused, since you cannot participate if you are not present. If you
miss more than 10 minutes of class any time during the class you will be considered absent for that
class period. You can lose participation points for being late to class, for not trying to speak English
in class, for being disruptive, for using your cell phone inappropriately, for taking long breaks during

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 class, for not being prepared (for example, not having your book with you in class), and for not
participating actively in a class activity. You will not always know immediately when you lose
participation points.
i. 5 = On time, fully engaged, no cell phone usage, no internet surfing on laptop, no talking on
the side, no homework for other classes, no extended breaks from class, no intentional
sleeping.

ii. 4 = If one of the following occurred one time: late, not fully engaged, cell phone usage,
surfed the internet on laptop, talked on the side, did homework for another class, took an
extended break from class, intentional sleeping, not having all your materials.

iii. 3 = If one or more of the following occurred more than once: late, excessively late, not fully
engaged, cell phone usage, surfed the internet on laptop, talked on the side, did homework
for another class, took an extended break from class, intentional sleeping, not having all
your materials.

iv. 2 = If multiple of the following occurred multiple times: late, excessively late, not fully
engaged, cell phone usage, surfed the internet on laptop, talked on the side, did homework
for another class, took an extended break from class, intentional sleeping, not having all
your materials.

v. 1 = No real effort was made today in class and was disruptive in class.

vi. 0 = Absent and did not do assignments or contact teacher. (If you have an excused absence
and contact the teacher and submit any assignments due, you can earn 2.5 points).

Proficiency (Ability)-Am I good at English?

A proficiency grade at the ELC is representative of your language ability. In order to get a passing grade, you
must have 74% or higher. Be sure not to miss a test or quiz because you cannot make up a missed quiz or test
without a doctor’s note excusing you from classes the day of the test. If you know you will be absent, speak to
the teacher in advance so that arrangements can be made for you to take quizzes or tests at another time.

 40% Tests
 30% Reading quizzes
 20% Vocabulary quizzes
 10% Book report

Assigments and Assessments

The following is a list of assignments and tests for the class. The dates of these activities can all be seen on the calendar
at the end of this syllabus and on Canvas.
1. Reading Logs
a. Read for 30 minutes a day during the school week (Mon-Wed) (1.5 hours total)
b. Read for 30 minutes total on the weekend (Thu-Sun) (30 minutes total)
2. Reading Tests
a. There will be a few* reading tests during the semester. These tests will be available on Canvas from 2:35
PM on Thursday through Saturday at 11:59 PM.
3. Reading Quizzes

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 a. There will be a few* reading quizzes during the semester. These quizzes will be available on Canvas from
2:35 PM on Thursday through Saturday at 11:59 PM.
b. If you miss a quiz, you cannot make it up because we will review it in class. Therefore, you will receive a
0 for proficiency.
4. Vocabulary Quizzes
a. There will be vocabulary quizzes during the semester. These quizzes will be available on Canvas from
2:35 PM on Thursday through Saturday at 11:59 PM.
5. Book Report
a. During the last week of the semester, each student will give a book report presentation. More details
will be given in class.

YOUR ROLE IF YOU MISS CLASS

If you miss a class, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and come prepared to the following class with
any assigned work completed. You may contact a classmate to find out what you missed (or see the modules on Canvas).
Write down the contact information of 2 of your classmates. (Right now – choose someone you know or who is sitting
close to you. You may change this later as you make new friends in class.)

Classmate # 1: Name _________________________ Phone __________________ Email

Classmate # 2: Name _________________________ Phone __________________ Email

Late Assignments

Late work such as homework, quizzes tests or any other work assigned in class will not be accepted. Assignments are
due on date specified by the teacher. However, there is a mercy rule. If circumstances beyond your control prevent
you from submitting your assignments on time, you will be given extra time to submit your assignment (20% will be
deducted for every day that it is late). Circumstances beyond your control include: hospitalization, Emergency Room
visit, technology related issues, an ill family member and a few other. If you find yourself in one of these situations
you must contact the teacher as soon as you can and request extra time. ATTENTION! Simply “forgetting” to do your
assignments is not considered an emergency
Class Rules
Not following class rules will result in the loss of participation points. A total of five participation points are given each
day.
1. Be honorable. Maintain a high-quality relationship of trust with your teacher, ELC staff, and other students.
2. Be excellent. Speak English in the classroom (before, during, and after class). English is the language that you have
come to learn, so try your hardest to communicate in English. It will help you progress in your language abilities and
show respect for those around you.
3. Be positive. Maintain a positive and grateful attitude and give your best effort in class.
4. Be on time. Come to class on time. If you are not in the classroom at the time class starts, you are late. If you miss
more than 10 minutes of class at the beginning, middle or end of class, you are considered absent.
5. Be responsible. Bring the required books every day to class and participate in class. Turn in your homework on time.
When you are absent, contact a classmate to find out what you missed and what the homework is. Check your email
and grades regularly. Read the student handbook (at elc.byu.edu under students/student handbook/English) and
follow the guidelines there, especially the Honor Code.

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6. Be respectful. Show respect for class time. Your teachers come prepared, and so should you. Go to the bathroom
before class; don’t work on other things during class time. If you absolutely must leave, ask the teacher first. Do not
use electronic devices unless given permission to do so. Do not bring food into the classroom (water in a water
bottle is ok). If you know you’re going to be absent ahead of time, talk with the teacher and make arrangements for
your homework. Do not sleep in class.
7. Be honest. “Your integrity is more important than a grade” (ELC Policy). Maintain a high-quality relationship of trust
with your teacher, classmates, and the ELC staff. Do not cheat or plagiarize in any way for any assignment, quiz, or
test.

Level Achievement Tests (LATs)

Level Achievement Tests (LATs) are given at the end of each semester. They are used to test your progress in English in
each skill area. If you plan to continue studying at the ELC, you must take the LATs. (from The Student Handbook)

Attendance Policy (from Student Handbook)

You are expected to attend class every day. Excessive absences decrease your chances of passing this class, and could
lead to your dismissal from the ELC.

Consistently attending class is a central part of learning and improving your English. When you are absent from class,
you miss important information and practice opportunities that you need to improve your English.

The US Government allows each English program to establish its own attendance policy. The following requirements
reflect the ELC’s commitment to create the right environment to help you improve your English.

ELC students must maintain 80% attendance in each and every class at all times. As soon as your attendance drops
below 80% in any one of your four classes, you will receive a warning letter. If you have any unexcused absences before
raising your attendance back to 80%, you will be dismissed.
If your attendance drops below 80% a second time in any one of your four classes, you will be dismissed from the ELC.
Once you receive your attendance dismissal letter, you must go to Anna Bailey’s office (4056 JFSB) immediately.

The US Government states that if a student is dismissed for violation of a school's attendance policy, then their student
visa is immediately terminated and the student will need to leave the US within two weeks. If students want to transfer
to another school, they will have to reapply to be reinstated. However, attempts to be reinstated rarely successful.

Academic Honesty (from Student Handbook)

ELC students should seek to be totally honest with others. You should complete your own assignments and be evaluated
based on your work. You should avoid academic dishonesty in all forms, including cheating, falsification, and
plagiarism.

Preventing & Responding to Sexual Misconduct

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Brigham Young University prohibits unlawful sex
discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. The university also prohibits sexual
harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, university employees, and visitors to
campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and
stalking are considered forms of "Sexual Misconduct" prohibited by the university.

University policy requires all university employees in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report all incidents of
Sexual Misconduct that come to their attention in any way, including but not limited to face-to-face conversations, a
written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. Incidents of Sexual Misconduct

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should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at t9coordinator@byu.edu or (801) 422-8692. Reports may also be
submitted through EthicsPoint at https://titleix.byu.edu/report or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours a day).

BYU offers confidential resources for those affected by Sexual Misconduct, including the university’s Victim Advocate, as
well as a number of non-confidential resources and services that may be helpful. Additional information about Title IX,
the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, reporting requirements, and resources can be found
athttp://titleix.byu.edu or by contacting the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

Students with Disabilities

If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability, please contact the Student Life Coordinator (801-422-5318). The
Student Life Coordinator will help you determine what course of action will be best for you and will help
you communicate with your teachers and university personnel to make sure that you receive appropriate assistance.

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 Academic A Reading Winter 2018 Calendar
This is a possible calendar for the semester. These dates could change, but this will help you understand how the class
is organized.
Dates Class Topics Assignments/Reminders
Week 1: Monday: Martin Luther King Day – No class Buy your textbook!
Introduction to course Diagnostic Test
Jan 15 – 19 Student Introductions

Week 2: Chapter 1: Vocabulary in Context Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 13

Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 1 Reading Quiz
Jan 22 – 26 Comprehension Activity
Vocabulary Activity
Week 3: Chapter 2: Main Ideas Monday: Reading Log 1 & Reflection 1
Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 14
Jan 29 – Feb 2 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 2 Reading Quiz
Vocabulary Activity

Week 4: Chapter 3: Supporting Details Monday: Reading Log 2

Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 15
Feb 5 – 9 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: Reading Test #1
Vocabulary Activity

Week 5: Chapter 4: Implied Main Ideas Monday: Reading Log 3 & Reflection 2
Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 16
Feb 12 – 16 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 4 Reading Quiz
Vocabulary Activity

Week 6: Monday: President’s Day – No class Tuesday: Reading Log 4

Chapter 5: Relationships I Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 17
Feb 19 – 23 Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 5 Reading Quiz
Comprehension Activity
Vocabulary Activity

Week 7: Chapter 6: Relationships II Monday: Reading Log 5 & Reflection 3

Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: Reading Test # 2
Feb 26 – Mar 2 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 18
Vocabulary Activity

Week 8: Chapter 7: Inferences Monday: Reading Log 6

Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 19
Mar 5 – 9 Comprehension Activity
Vocabulary Activity

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Week 9: Chapter 7: Inferences Monday: Reading Log 7 & Reflection 4
Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 20
Mar 12 – 16 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 7 Reading Quiz
Vocabulary Activity

Week 10: Chapter 8: Purpose and Tone Monday: Reading Log 8

Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 21
Mar 19 – 23 Comprehension Activity
Vocabulary Activity

Week 11:
TESOL Convention: No classes TESOL Convention: No classes
Mar 26 – 30

Week 12: Chapter 8: Purpose and Tone Monday: Reading Log 9 & Reflection 6
Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 22
Apr 2 – 6 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 8 Reading Quiz
Vocabulary Activity

Week 13: Chapter 9: Argument Monday: Reading Log 10

Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: Chapter 9 Reading Quiz
Apr 9 – 13 Comprehension Activity Thursday - Saturday: LEAP Quiz 23
Vocabulary Activity

Week 14: Chapter 10: Critical Thinking Monday: Reading Log 11 & Reflection 7
Fluency Activity Thursday - Saturday: Reading Test #3
Apr 16 – 20 Comprehension Activity Thursday – Saturday: LEAP Quiz 24
Vocabulary Activity

Week 15: Monday: Book Reports

Tuesday: Last day of class
Apr 23 – 27

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