Course Description : English I will involve students in study and analysis of literature (novel, short story, epic, drama, poetry), communication (reading/writing, speaking/listening, vocabulary, grammar) and critical thinking (comparing, judging, predicting, etc). The course is designed to help students develop and improve practical language skills, reading comprehension, and understanding and use of standard English. There will be a special emphasis on skills and information assessed on the End of Course Test (EOCT).
Texts : The Language of Literature, McDougal Littell, 2004.
Supplemental material
Necessary Materials : 2” 3-ring binder with four dividers (five sections), loose-leaf notebook paper, #2 pencils (standard or mechanical), blue or black ink pens, 3x5 cards, agenda. Have these with you every day! Note – be prepared to use a LOT of notebook paper. In addition to in-class journal writing, there will be notes and other class assignments.
Student Responsibilities : Each student is responsible for his or her own learning. Students are required to bring to class every day a neatly organized English notebook with a table of contents and sections for administrative paperwork and graded tests, writing, literature, vocabulary/grammar, and research. Students will receive an assignment sheet and should keep track of upcoming assignments as well as grades for completed work. Graded tests should be signed and kept in the notebook; other assignment grades should be recorded but do not need to be kept. Following an absence, students must bring an admit from the Attendance Office and make arrangements to make up all work according to the guidelines in the LHS student handbook. Any missed tests must be made up outside of instruction or work time (before or after school, or when all work for the day is complete). Completing makeup work is essential to continued success!
Class Notebook: Each day, a different student will be responsible for keeping track of any assignments and making a NEAT second set of any notes. This information will be placed in the class notebook. Students who are absent can check the class notebook to see what they missed. Each student who puts a complete entry in the class notebook will receive a homework pass that can be used on any future homework assignment for this class.
**Important – Students should be ready for homework every night. Assignments will be posted online at powerschools.org and on the homework hotline (638-2022). Online, go to http://sis.walkerschools.org/public/ and input your username and password. The homework box for this class is 2193.
Evaluation : LHS operates on a nine weeks grading system with students earning credits on a semester (18 week) basis. There will be four grading periods, two per semester. Deficiency reports win be issued at each three week point. Mid-quarter reports will be issued to all students at the 4.5 week point. Mid-quarter reports and Report Cards will be sent home according to the schedule on the school calendar. All ninth grade students will be given the EOCT. This test is a state test and accounts for 15% of the final numeric grade.
Calculation Formula for class/daily average:
Daily Grades 25% (classwork, participation, composition, quizzes) Check =100%, Check+ =110%, Check - =70%
Homework 25% (due the following day unless otherwise noted) Check =100%, Check+ =110%, Check - =70%
Tests 50% (notebook, grammar & literature units, research paper)
Quarter Grades: Class/Daily Average = 80% Final/Nine weeks test = 20%
Semester Grades: First nine weeks = 42.5%; Second nine weeks = 42.5%; EOCT Exam = 15%
Grading Scale: A=90-100; B=80-89; C=75-79; D=70-74; F=69 & below.
Class Requirements and Benefits : Students and parents are expected to read and sign both copies of the Policy & Procedure Manual (one for teacher record, one kept in student notebook). Signing this document indicates a willingness to honor its guidelines. Students and parents are also expected to be familiar with the LHS student handbook.
Teacher Contact Information : Telephone – 638-2342. Messages will be answered within 24 hours. Email – danacole@walkerschools.org. Emails will be answered within 48 hours and are preferred to phone calls.
**If you do your very best, study at least an hour each night, maintain a pleasant, cooperative attitude, and do all of your assignments including the required reading, you WILL be successful in class – this one or any other!!! Please remember to ask for help when you need it.