JUNIOR COMPOSITION CURRICULUM

RATIONALE

The Composition curriculum is designed to improve student writing by immersion into the written word. Applying the process of written composition as a means to learn and research and as a basic approach to thinking and problem solving is stressed. Students learn to apply the skills learned from the structure of language to the process of composing.

GOALS

1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the need for writing in every-day life.

2. Make sense of our lives by writing to learn and explore.

3. Appreciate other points of view, writing which comes from a diverse background.

4. To become life-long readers and writers.

OBJECTIVES

1. Students choose from a variety of topics and writing forms so that the process is personal and salient.

2. Students go public with their writing in small and whole group sessions as well as a number of other outlets for publication.

3. Students explore their world, including morality and spirituality, in their writing, putting into practice their understanding of their faith.

4. Students research and gather information on a variety of topics to complete a formal Thesis Paper.

ASSESSMENT

1. DAILY GRADE -- A Status of the Class Record is kept to keep students on task and encouraging them to finish pieces of writing.

2. NOTEBOOK GRADE -- An organized notebook is kept which contains all Journal entries as well as any mini-lesson notes.

3. WRITING FOLDERS -- Students are evaluated on a compilation of their writing over the course of the semester. Folders are assessed by judging their growth over time and general improvement of writing skills. Students are not measured in comparison to other students. A list of categories which are evaluated include: Content, Clarity, Mechanics, Focus, Commitment, and Risk Taking.