ENGLISH I Syllabus 2015-16

ENGLISH I Syllabus
2015-16
Instructor:
Ms. Clark
E-mail: [email protected]
Conference periods: A4/B4
Welcome to English I! This will be an exciting, challenging, and educational year. I look forward to working
with students and parents to achieve a successful year for every student. I hope to meet you at Guyer Open
House, September 17 from 6:00- 8:00 P.M. Thank you!
COURSE DESCRIPTION: English I aims to introduce freshmen to the various genres of literature, equipping all
students with reading strategies and reading comprehension skills as well as building solid writing composition
skills needed in future years. Emphasis will be placed on understanding authorial purpose, textual patterns,
and writing strategies. Students will be expected to respond to works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction via
discussions, projects, activities, journals, and essays. This course will also include grammar, writing, and
vocabulary to help the student develop higher level thinking skills and prepare for higher level high school
classes.
RESOURCES: There will be a set of texts available for use in the classroom. Textbooks can be distributed by
the principal, but are not necessary.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: notebook paper, blue or black pens, a flash drive, and a composition book. I would be
very grateful for donations of Kleenex and hand sanitizer. Other purchases may be assigned later in year.
OUTLINE OF THE CLASS:
Literature
● To Kill a Mockingbird
● Romeo and Juliet
● The Odyssey
● Poetry
● Short Fiction
● Informational and
Persuasive Texts
● Nonfiction
Language & Writing
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Expository Writing
Response to Literature
Analytical Writing
Persuasive Writing
Research Synthesis
Revising/Editing
Grammar
Conventions of English
Mechanics and Usage
Vocabulary (SAT)
Literary Terms
Writing Process
EOC Preparation
Other works may be added during the year.
TUTORIALS:
Tuesday: 8:00am and 4:15pm
Thursday: 8:00am and 4:15pm
GRADING POLICY:
Denton ISD utilizes a standards-based grading policy. Grades will be determined based on a student’s mastery
of course standards. Only major and minor summative assessments will be considered in determining a
student’s grade.
Minor Summative Assessments: 40%
Major Summative Assessments: 60%
Summative assessments assess how well a student has mastered the objectives. They are designed to provide
information to be used in making judgments about a student’s achievement at the end of a sequence of
instruction.
Major summative assessments are designed to evaluate understanding. They take place at the end of a
learning unit, incorporating what has previously been tested in the unit’s minor assessments.
Examples: critical reading of a text, response to literature, writing, revising and editing, etc.
Minor summative assessments are designed to check for understanding, addressing a smaller set of learning
objectives.
Examples: quizzes, discussion of literature, writing revisions, etc.
Formative assessments will be given continually. They are practice so that the student and teacher can gage
the success of the student. They are designed to provide direction for improvement and/or adjustment of
teaching and learning activities for individual students or for a whole class.
Examples: teacher observation, class discussion, practice, homework, instructional questions, initial
drafts/attempts, independent practice, daily work, quizzes
Reassessment: Because students master material and learning at different rates, students may reassess
summative assessments if they have not demonstrated mastery. A s tudent may opt to retake assessments
only after he or she has demonstrated new learning to justify a reassessment. Demonstration of new learning
is determined by the teacher. As a general guideline, reassessment must be completed within ten days of the
primary assessment. A student may reassess once on a minor or major summative; reassessments are worth
full credit.
Major Summative Writing Assignment Policy: Writing is a critical component of the State of Texas standards
(TEKS). Completed works of writing are evaluated as major summative assessments. Students receive
feedback on their learning through related minor summative assessments and when the final writing product
is completed.
Major summative writing assignments have a due date that will be communicated at the time the assignment
is introduced. All major summative writing assignments are to be turned in on the due date.
Students who turn in their major summative writing assignments on time will have ten days for relearning and
reassessment starting on the day the assignment is returned.
Students who do not turn in their major summative writing assignments on time will have ten days for
relearning and reassessment starting on the due date of the assignment. By choosing not to turn in a major
summative writing assignment on time, students are limiting the benefit of feedback and shortening their
time for relearning.
BEHAVIOR: Work or behaviors that are not supported by the standards are cons idered non-academic. Actions
that impede the learning process such as not completing assignments, not participating in class, chronically
turning in late work, etc. may be met with disciplinary measures that include, but are not limited to:

detention

ISSC

loss of dismissal period

Saturday School

loss of parking permit
ABSENCES:
Make-up work is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher. Students have one class day for each
class day absent plus one additional class day to complete assignments, test, etc. Make-up exams and quizzes
should be made up in a timely manner during tutorial time, not class time.
CHEATING/ PLAGIARISM:
Cheating includes such acts as copying during a test, s haring answers or test questions with other students,
copying information on any assignment in which an individual grade is given, or plagiarizing from an outside
source such as the internet. Unless you are explicitly told you may work together, you may not. It is in your
best interest to come to me if you have any questions. Cheating and plagiarism consequences will be based on
the district’s Academic Integrity Policy (see Code of Conduct) and will require the student to reassess.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
I will confiscate any phone that does not adhere to the following rules:
 At the beginning of class, all cell phones must be placed face down on the front corner of the student’s
desk.
 No one may touch, turn over, or otherwise use their cell phone in class until the teacher has given
permission.
 No one may use a phone while tests or quizzes are distributed, even if their own test is finished.
 No cell phones may leave the room. If you need to use the restroom, leave your phone with the teacher
on your way out.
Confiscated phones will be taken to the front office at the teacher’s convenience.
All policies and disciplinary procedures in the Student Handbook will be followed.
I am looking forward to a great year!!
Sincerely,
Ms. Clark