Syllabus

Class work: Whatever is begun and completed in class belongs in this category.  Class work may include worksheets, projects , and discussion. come to class and be ready to work.

Test/Quizzes: Today there is much emphasis on testing, and in fact we are at the point where students will not receive high school diplomas unless they can pass comprehensive exams. The more practice you have taking tests and the more instruction you receive on testing strategies, the better you will do on the ever important tests.

Homework:  This covers anything besides essays that are completed at home, including oral presentations, projects, worksheets, reading questions, or anything you must prepare at home. If you do any extra credit, your points will go in the category.

Essays: One of the priorities of the Language Arts Dept. is to teach students to write effectively. Not only is writing a standard students must master in school, but it is also a skill that is becoming increasingly necessary in the working world. You will be given instruction on how to write essays and you will be given opportunities to revise most essays. But you must try your best to create writing that follows a particular format, uses advanced vocabulary, and presents ideas clearly and presents ideas clearly and persuasively. Again, DO NOT miss any essays assignments.

Grade Percentages

Grading Weights

Independent Reading

Each quarter you must read 400 pages of your reading. This reading requirement allows you to read material that interests you. However, each quarter your reading choices may change. I may have a list of books for you to choose from, or another quarter you may be given the opportunity to even read magazine articles. Also, the requirements for reading accountability may change. You may be required to give a book report, or another quarter you may simply have to  be seen reading in class each day. Be aware of these changes each quarter  in order to get full credit for SSR (sustained Silent Reading)/ Independent Reading.

Participation

Class participation  includes attendance, as well as appropriate involvement in discussions and class activities. There is a direct correlation between  course achievement and participation -that is, if you participate, you will get better grades in the course. But I will also look at the attitude and behavior when figuring the participation grades, as some actions and talk are disruptive and do not contribute to a positive learning atmosphere. I will keep track of your participation grades on a daily chart. Remember, your participation and behavior is 10 percent of your grade!

Tests and Quizzes

In order to asses what you have learned, tests and Quizzes can be helpful. There are also fairly good indicators of how much work students are putting into their class work. You can expect a quiz or test about once a week, with varying degrees of difficulty.

Class work

Much of what we do during this course will be done in class. This may include artwork, internet searches, worksheets, or group work. This is another reason it is important to come to class each scheduled period, and be diligent. Make sure that if you are absent you get the work that was done in class while you were gone.

Home work

Daily of weekly assignments or projects are what really matter in this class. They are designed to help you learn, and therefore, you must do them to gain any kind of insight of knowledge from this course. All assignments will be written on the board and discussed in class. You are responsible for finishing them and turning them in on time. 

Time table for Class work/ Homework

Late work will be accepted up to five class periods after it was due. However, for each day it is late, an additional 10% will be taken off your earned grade. After the five-day make-up period you may not turn in any late work in. If you are sick you may get 10% added to your score   ONLY IF YOUR PARENT/GUARDIAN CALLS ME PERSONALLY TO CONFIRM THAT YOU WERE SICK. Notes or emails will not be accepted as proof of your illness.

Classroom Rules

You will be given varying degrees of discipline for any of the following

• Cheating on any assignment

• Eating of Drinking in the classroom 

• Using foul language in or near the classroom

• Behaving in any way that is disrespectful, including talking at inappropriate times

• Skipping class, or habitually coming late

• Sitting in seats that are not assigned to you Disregarding instructions

Degrees of Discipline

Generally, the discipline process follows these steps

1. In-class disciplinary measures

2. Phone call to parents

3. Detention

4. Behavioral Contract

5. Class expelling