English Independent Reading Homework
Reading independently increases vocabulary and comprehension skills and helps
all students to attain academic success. In English classes, students engage in literature
circles where they often have a choice of many titles, participate in discussions with
peers, and use novels for analysis and writing assignments. Your child is expected to
read a book every three weeks (three books each quarter) that are grade appropriate in
length and challenge.
In English classes, 10% of the overall quarter grade is homework. Students earn
5% homework credit for this independent reading. Each book earns a possible 50
homework points (150 points total = 5% of the overall grade). Novels assigned as part
of the curriculum count toward students’ independent reading homework grade
whether they are reading in class or are reading at home (assigned chapters).
At the interim point, the books read so far become 5% of your child’s overall
grade in English. For example, if your child has read three books satisfactorily at
interim time, the grade may show 150/150 A. If your child has read two of the three
books at interim, the grade may show 100/150 D. This shows the amount of the
homework requirement completed and prevents unhappy surprises at the quarter end.
Please Note:
 Up to two books may be assigned as reading for class;
 English teachers determine the appropriate written or oral response for students
to show mastery of class-assigned books.
 English teachers will also let their students know how many books will be part
of the curriculum for each quarter.
 Students show their understanding of books not assigned as classwork by
completing an assignment from the “Ways to Prove You Read It” document
provided by English teachers and available on Edline.
 Each student will keep track of his or her reading progress as part of the in-class
English portfolio.
Please talk to your child about his/her independent reading and help to ensure
he/she has access to books and makes reading a habit. Thanks for supporting the
program and expecting success!
Grade
All grades
EL students without an English class
Reading Rocks!
Requirement
3 books per quarter
Per EL teacher decision
Due Dates for Independent Reading:
Quarter 1
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Quarter 2
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Quarter 3
Monday, March 21, 2016
Quarter 4
Friday, June 10, 2016
August, 2015