English+Course+Overview

toc To view or print the syllabus in a pdf file:

This course is designed to help you become a more effective writer, reader, and communicator. You will learn what makes good writing, approach writing with more confidence, and hopefully begin to enjoy the writing process. You will read a variety of texts and learn to analyze and respond to the texts.
 * = COURSE OBJECTIVES ||

__Specific Writing Objectives:__ > o Utilize specific writing skills that fall under the six traits > o Be able to communicate ideas through writing in a clear, logical, concise, informed manner, supplying valid and sufficient evidence > o Demonstrate knowledge of language terminology and application of concepts such as punctuation and word usage specifically > o Write in a variety of modes and genres > o Make effective choices for meaning and style __Specific Reading Objectives:__
 * o D evelop fluency and confidence in writing o Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing


 * o Employ and develop critical reading and thinking skills: questioning, connecting, observing, inferring, and clarifying
 * o Analyze the development of a central idea
 * o Improve vocabulary
 * o Analyze literature using the literary elements
 * o Determine the meaning of words and phrases including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings
 * o Cite textual evidence to support your analysis of a text


 * =COURSE BYLAWS= ||

**Class Materials**
Everyone is expected to come to class with the necessary materials:
 * 1 ½ inch 3 ring binder
 * 5 tabs
 * 200 sheets of loose leaf paper
 * notebook
 * a writing utensil
 * Vis-a-vis wet erase marker
 * folder

**Attendance:** You are expected to be in class. If you have a reason for missing class, please make sure you get the work from the missed work crate when you return. You are responsible to make-up all work. I do not excuse work.

**Late Work**: Assignments will be accepted __within one week__ after the due date, but only if you have a __**white late pass attached**__. Points will be deducted for late assignments at teacher’s discretion.

**Contacting Me**: I am very good about responding to my email. Email me with ANY concerns at any time. I also have a website. You can contact me there or ask your question for other students to respond.

**Extra Credit**: Periodically throughout the year, extra credit may be earned during review games or discussions. Attach extra credit dollars __with a paper clip__ to any assignment or quiz. Students who have turned in every assignment may do one of the 2 extra credit assignments to raise grade.

**Hall Pass & Free Late Pass:** Each quarter, you will receive three hall passes. After your allotted three, you will not be allowed to leave the room unless it is an emergency. (Nurse visits are exempt) Also, every quarter you will get one free late pass with the opportunity to earn more free late passes. A late pass does not excuse you from completing an assignment; it just allows you to turn in a late assignment with no late points deducted as long as it is within the week time frame.

**Class Rule:** No one has the right to interfere with the learning, safety, or well-being of others.

**In-Class Activities:** Throughout the year, there will be many in-class assignments that can be made up __within 1 week following your return.__
 * =ASSIGNMENTS= ||

**Quizzes:** Quizzes will be completed in class, and can be made up __one week after the date.__ All quizzes can be re-taken for a higher grade, and certain quizzes you will be required to take until you earn a passing grade.

**Reading Project:** You are expected to read at least one novel a month at home. (There will be some time in class for independent reading) You will track your reading on Goodreads, and you will complete 1 reading project a term. Sometimes there will be an assigned genre to read; other times, you can choose a novel on your reading level. 

**Response Journal:** For each novel you read, you will have journal entries to complete. The criteria for the entries will change each quarter as new skills are learned. Also, you will need to complete 6 beyond basic reading posts each quarter, and you will need 3 by mid-quarter.

**Writing Projects**: All written essays will be broken into four assignments: pre-write, rough draft, self-edit, and final. The writing projects and essays will be announced at the beginning of each quarter.

**Grammar Reviews**: After we learn a new grammar concept, you will be required to complete a quick, short grammar review/quiz at home. These are found on my website.

**Participation**: Your participation grade will be comprised of participating in your workshop group (scored by group members), taking notes, completing bell work and vocab exercises, and participating in the online discussion forums.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You can not receive an “A” in my class if you do not complete the homework. Failure to complete homework can result in detention.
 * Homework Policy: **

**View Grades:** Your grades will be posted online for home viewing. All assignments will be recorded within 3 days after they are submitted, with the exception of major papers, and late work. Please check your grades periodically, so we can ensure they are correct.
 * =GRADES= ||

**Grade Breakdown:** A 93-100 A- 90-92 B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82 C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72 D+ 65-69 D 60-64 D- 57-60 F 0-57


 * =CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS & PROCEDURES= ||


 * When I enter room, I will read the announcement board, write down lesson topic in my agenda, and complete any task the announcement board asked me to do. The moment the bell rang, I will be quiet and ready to start bell work.


 * If I need to borrow a pen/pencil, I will check it out on the board and return it before I leave.


 * I will have all required materials when the bell rings.


 * During lesson, I will clear my desk of all items not needed; attentively listen; take notes; be prepared to answer or ask appropriate, on-topic question; stay in my seat; and actively participate.


 * I will work with partner during vocab


 * I will use appropriate language and keep electronic devices put away.


 * I will wait patiently at Ms. Madsen’s desk during workshop time to ask my private/personal questions.


 * During writing time, I will remain on task and progress adequately with my written work.


 * I will quickly get into workshop mode (turning my desk) and immediately begin working on the assigned task, remaining on-task more than I am off while following expectations of that workshop mode.


 * During silent reading time, I will remain quiet and on-task.


 * At the end of the day, I will clean my area and put everything back where it goes.


 * During the period, I will maintain a positive attitude, ask questions at the appropriate time and in the correct way, and I will quickly and effectively transition between tasks.


 * I will turn in homework to the basket before I leave.


 * I will wait to be dismissed by the teacher.