Course Description:

This Academic Literacy course is for students with a Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP).  Although all gifted students may not be gifted in this content area, research shows that gifted students benefit from learning together (Brulles, et al. 2010; Kulik, 2003; Rogers, 2002), and students identified as having high ability better understand and accept their learning differences when there are others in the class who share similar traits (Delisle & Galbraith, 2002). Learning together on a daily basis can encourage these students to pursue in-depth study of their interests.

 In this course, students explore a variety of reading materials used to expand nonfiction reading and research skills, comprehension, and interest.  They are exposed to reading strategies that promote best practices as well as established philosophies.  In order to solidify these critical reading skills and grow as independent readers, this course provides opportunities for students to practice literacy skills and strategies in conjunction with developing writing skills. Students are also offered opportunities to participate in independent and collaborative interest driven research projects.

Course Content:

1.     Reading Nonfiction: Text Features/Text Structure

2.     Biographies/Autobiographies

3.     Informational Writing/Research

4.     Social and Emotional side of Being Gifted

5.     Public Speaking/Presentation Skills

Required Textbooks and/or Other Reading/Research Materials

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. PinkLiterature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes – Bronze

Che Guevara: You Win or You Die by Stuart A. Kallen

Chew on this by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson

Into Thin Air by Jon KrakauerLevel: Prentice Hall

My Thirteenth Winter by Samantha Abeel

Newsela.com

Outcasts United by Warren St. John

Maya: A Simulation of Mayan Civilization During the Seventeenth Century by Interact

Phineas Gage by John Fleischman

Study Island

Scholastic Scope Magazines

Temple Grandin  by Sy Montgomery

The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

The Gifted Teen Survival Guide by Judy Galbraith M.A., Ph.D. Jim Delisle

The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Where am I Eating? By Kelsey Timmerman

Course Requirements:

Students are expected to come to class prepared with all necessary materials and complete all assignments on time. If a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to see make up missed work. Please refer to the policies in the student handbook for additional information

Grade Components/Assessments:

Each marking period is worth 20% of a student’s overall grade.  The midterm and final exam are each worth 10% of a student’s overall average:

Quarter 1         20%

Quarter 2         20%

Midterm         10%

Quarter 3         20%

Quarter 4         20%

Final               10%