1st Trimester 2006-2007
Mrs. Barbara O'Berry

Please check off each of the following as you read the information.

1. Requirements of the course: You must read at least 5 books (the books must total at least 1200 pages.) Exceptions are made for lengthy books. All of the assignments for the course must be organized in a 3-ring binder. The notebook must be neat, up-to-date, and ready to review at each book conference. Once you are finished with your book, you are responsible for scheduling a book conference.
2. Book Selection Criteria:
   Each book selected during the trimester should be from a different genre of fiction or nonfiction so that you will be introduced to a variety of literature. Examples include biography, science fiction/fantasy, travel, inspirational, graphic novels, the Virginia Young Readers list, historical fiction, or mystery. You may want to use GaleNet's "What Do I Read Next" database to help you select a book.
3. Class Attendance and Expectations: Since this course is titled "Independent Survey of Literature", it is expected that each day you will come to the library, sign in, find your space, and READ!
   1. It is assumed that you will spend the entire class time reading. This class is NOT a study hall; you may not do homework for other classes during ISL.
   2. You may, however, use three (3) class days during the trimester as free days in the event that you need to study for a test, complete an assignment for another class, or if you have a day that you're just not in a reading "mood."
   3. You are NOT to talk to others in the library (including your ISL classmates) while you are here for class. Since part of your grade is based on reading time, points will be taken off your grade if you do not use class time wisely. If you do need to leave the library for some reason, please let someone know in the event that the front office or the guidance office is trying to locate you OR if we have a fire drill and need to find you!
   4. You must read until the bell rings. You may not "pack up" in anticipation of the bell!
4. For each book that you read, you must complete the following:
   1. Biographical Sketch: You must have a printout about the author from GaleNet's Biography Resource Center or Literature Resource Center. (If the author is not included in GaleNet, we'll make other arrangements. After reading the author's biography, you should be able to answer the questions listed on the Book Report form. These questions reflect on the author's reasons for writing the book as well as influences in the author's life that may have had an influence on the story.
   2. Thumbs up/Thumbs down: Fill out a thumbs up/thumbs down. Circle the appropriate THUMB and indicate why you made this choice. Your responses should be detailed enough that other students will benefit from your review. This will help other students select from books that their peers have read. A PDF form is available on the web site.
   3. Surfing the Net for background information. Where did the story take place? When did it take place? What elements of the book would you like to find more information on? Surf the Net to find an Internet site that provides a background for the book or elements within the book that you have chosen. The sites might explain the setting or the historical time period, or perhaps explains an aspect of the book. Print out the site, put it in your notebook, and include the annotated sites on the Book Report form. Please evaluate the sites carefully!
   4. The Book Report: This form should be completed prior to the book conference. Questions should be answered in complete sentences and should be detailed enough that you can use the information for both the book conference and the exam essay. A PDF form is available on the website.
   5. Book Conference: After completing the book and all assignments for the book, you must schedule a book conference. Again, please pace yourself!
   6. Blogging: Each ISL student will be a member of the ISL team blog. You must post to the blog at least 5 times during the trimester by either commenting on another member's post or by adding a comment about the books that you are reading. More specific information will be given to you as soon as the blog is available.
5. Due Dates: You should complete your book and all accompanying assignments by the following dates. Although your grade will not be affected if you do not meet these exact dates, it is expected that you will keep to the schedule as much as possible; it may be difficult to complete all assignments if you do not pace yourself.
   1. Book 1 due Friday, September 16
   2. Book 2 due Thursday, September 29
   3. Book 3 due Monday, October 17
   4. Book 4 due Tuesday, November 1
   5. Book 5 due Tuesday, November 15
6. Assessment: A rubric will be used to grade each of the following areas.
   Assignments are weighted as follows:
   1. Individual books/assignments: 70%
      Each book will be graded based on the quality of the required work (assignments) as well as the individual or group conference/discussion. The requirements for the notebook will be included in this grade.
   2. Daily Reading: 15% - A weekly grade will be given to evaluate your daily reading. This grade will be based on the criteria given under "Class Attendance and Expectations."
   3. Exam Essay: 15% - You will be given a quotation(s) about reading/literature/library. Discuss the relevance of the quotation you select to the books that you have read in a two page (minimum) typed paper, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font. The essay is due on the last day of class. Failure to turn your essay in to me before exams begin will result in a "0" exam grade