MCA Reading Preparation

Quarter 3 2015
Miss Raetz: anne.raetz@staff.isd518.net
A person who does not read has no advantage over a person who cannot
read. - Mark Twain
Course Description: This course has been designed to prepare you for the MCA
Reading and Writing tests. These tests are given once a year by the state and a passing
grade is required in order to receive a high school diploma. If you do not pass the test
on the first attempt, you will be given multiple chances throughout the year to retake it.
Passing grade for Reading: 50
Passing grade for Writing: 3
During the quarter, we will practice reading, writing, and test-taking strategies. We will
look at a number of test examples and determine the best approach for each. We will also
focus on your own individual reading & writing needs.
Course Website: www.raetzenglish.weebly.com
Assessments:
1. Daily Participation: (Not part of cumulative grade affects credit)
Daily Participation will be awarded every day, and you will either earn all 5
points or 0 (zero) points for a total of 25 pts/week. To earn participation
points, you must:
1. Come prepared to class (homework done, have materials
needed, be on time, have tablet charged)

2.
3.
4.
5.

Participate in discussions to the best of your ability

Take notes when needed
Work cooperatively and collaboratively in small groups
Do not abuse your daily passes

2. Daily assignments (vocabulary log, online discussions) (40% of grade)

-

All daily assignments must be turned in electronically (unless otherwise

stated)
Assignments that have been copied will receive a 0 (zero) with no
opportunity to re-do.
All late assignments must be turned in by Friday (end of interventions) of the
grading week.
o No assignment will be accepted after this time.
o 1 pt. will be taken off the earned score for every day it is late

3. Writing assignments (journals, 4-sentence essays, projects) (60% of grade)

-

All writing assignments must be written in MLA format.

Any writing assignment that has been plagiarized or copied will receive a 0
(zero) with 1 chance to make it up for 50% of the earned grade.

Credit
Students will earn 0.5 credit if they:
- Have earned 80% or higher in participation points
- Have fewer than 10 absences
- Have 60% or higher on all cumulative assignments
Students will earn 0.25 credit if they:
- Have earned 50%-79% in participation points
- Have 10 or more absences
- Have 60% or higher on all cumulative assignments
Students will earn no credit if they:
- Have earned less than 50% in participation points
- Have 15 or more absences
- Have less than 60% on all cumulative assignments

You agree to abide by the expectations and grading criteria of this syllabus by signing
below. Failure to do so, will result in removal of course.
________________________________________________________________________
Signature
Date

Failure to follow any of these expectations may result in a referral to the office and/or
loss of participation points.
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