Subject:English 1
Required Prerequisites:Successful Completion of 8th grade English
Suggested Prerequisites:None
Duration:One semester
Course Materials:Most materials are hyperlinked within the course. However, students may benefit from access to a PDF document converter and printer.Students will need to be able to access all of these links to access all course materials, so bringing a charged Chromebook daily is absolutely non-negotiable.
You will also need a 3-ring binder to organize your materials into the following categories:
1. Critical Concepts:this section should include special vocabulary (listed under "Objectives") graphic organizers, and notes that will be provided (under the "Background" section) for each lesson.
2. Readings:this section may include hard copies youchooseto print, along with the work related to the readings or copies the teacher provides.
3. Graphic Organizers:There are many graphic organizers used in this course. You will find, at a minimum, that it's a good idea to keep hard copies of important ones like the TP-CASTT, TSAT template, RACE template, and the graphic organizers related to anything you write.
4. Writings:this section will not only include informal Quickwrites or journal entries but more formal papers we work on in class.Since every written assignment is built from class readings and graphic organizers, all of the material related to a formal written assignment will be moved here once the assignment is complete.This is important because it shows you how you "built" your paper and the work/thinking/drafting you did to get to the final product. Writing is a process.
Grading:This course follows the 10 point grading scale. Assignments are based on a Total Weight system as follows:
Minor Grades(37.5%):Reading Questions, Quizzes, Homework assignments
Major Grades(37.5%):Tests, Essays, Projects
Final Exam: (25%)Students in this course take a state-created North Carolina Final Exam (NCFE), regardless of your "Exam Exemption" status. Details on scheduling and taking final exams will be discussed in class.
I use a score of "10" on Powerschool as a place holder/reminder for missing work. The grade is changed as soon as the work is made up/submitted. This applies even when a student is absent: it is not punitive but serves as a great reminder to make up work. The final grade is never seriously unless a student never does the work!
Remediation, Intervention, & Success: This course is created with 2 built in "do better" units called "Concentration Cockpit." These units offer students the following:
1. If a student is making a D or below or clearly struggling with certain concepts, that student is exempt from regular class work and given the opportunity to do online remediation through Study Island so s/he can improve reading and writing skills.
2. ALL students will also use this time to review and prepare for the state exam.
3. This is NOT a chance to do all the work neglected in the past: this is a chance to get it right. Students who are making a D or below exclusively because of incomplete/missed work/poor motivation will be asked to attend a Parent Teacher conference.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONThe goal of this English course is to prepare students with the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research skills necessary for success in high school, as well as preparation for college and career. There is heavy emphasis on informative/nonfiction texts because that is the kind of text students encounter most frequently both in school and beyond. Specific reading and writing strategies are used to assure students will be able to perform on grade level in all high school classes. The course also includes traditional literary works such as short stories, a novel, and drama.The curriculum used in this course is guided by the North Carolina State Standards for English Language Arts.
COURSE PHILOSOPHY
A Learning Community: You Are a Scholar, Not a Customer
The foundation of our class is already laid around principles ofRESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and the PURSUIT OF UNDERSTANDING:
Our classroom is our learning space; we will function as a community of learners. Students are seated in Learning Groups; students help create the class discipline plan/ Bill of Learning Rights; students hold one another accountable in following this plan; students collect missing work for absent partners; students work together and alone. Because this class assumes you are capable, absolutely no one and no behavior which impedes the learning of others will be tolerated. The moment you cross the threshold, you are entering a community of mutual respect, safety, support, and learning. I will guard your right to learn in a positive, warm, peaceful atmosphere…no matter what!
1. Be seated and ready for class before the tardy bell rings. Otherwise, you are late. Please self-regulate!
2. Turn off cell phones, iPods, or other misc. electronics and put them away in the CELL PHONE HOLDER when entering class. 1st Offense---Warning. Student may pick up device at the end of the day from me. 2nd Offense---Warning and device sent to office. Parent must pick up device.3rd Offense---Confiscation of the device until the end of the semester
3. Wait for Ms. Chewning to start class and clarify the day's lesson & instructional goals before asking lesson related questions. Ask personal questions before/after class, not during the lesson. Be patient.
5. Always raise your hand to ask a question. Do not ask questions, call someone over, or demand attention by shouting across the room.
6. Respect conversations, discussions, and individual remarks. Allow others to speak without interruption. Listen and respond with an open, positive attitude and be willing to hear opinions different form yours.
7. It isyourresponsibility to schedule a time to make-up your missed tests or quizzes. You have 3 days to schedule make-up tests/quizzes and to complete homework and reading assignments, etc. Otherwise, you will fall behind and do poor quality work. I want you to succeed.
8. Keep to your own business, all of the time. Focus only on your books, book bag, purse, desk, etc. and respect everyone’s right to keep personal property and personal business, personal.
9. Be creative when your recall falters. “I don't know” is not a sufficient answer when called on in class. Suggested remarks: “I don't recall the answer at the moment, but I will get back to you in two minutes,” or “I am still processing my response.”
10. Work hard! Effort pays off!!! In fact, new educational research suggests that EFFORT can actually create ABILITY!
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
The course covers 10 Units
· Unit 1: Introduction- Reading, Writing, Speaking, & Listening for High School
· Unit 2:Nonfiction- Central Idea, SQ3R, Annotation, Mind Maps, RACE, & TSAT
· Unit 3:Best Sellers: How Literary Devices & Rhetorical Choices Impact Readers
· Unit 4: Life Matters: Narratives & Autobiographies
· Remediation- Study Island OR class enrichment project
· Unit 5:Introduction to Argument
· Unit 6:Ads, Protests, and Pathos
· Unit 7:Argument Analysis & Changing the World
· Unit 8:Drama: Fate, Marriage, & Passion
· Remediation -Study Island OR class enrichment project
· Unit 9:Short Stories OR Novel Unit
· Unit 10:Research Strategies
COMMUNICATION AND LATE WORKParticipation and communication in class is critical to successful completion. Students should expect to come prepared with a charged Chromebook, paper, pens and pencils, and most importantly agood attitude. While English may not be your favorite subject, I will try to make it enjoyable, but the truth is I will work you hard because I believe you can do it.
· Students should meet all deadlines per class instructions and notify the instructor in advance if extenuating circumstances arise that prohibit the student from participating in the class as expected.
· Due dates for assignments are clearly posted in class, virtually all work is largely completed in class with guidance, and no work will be accepted beyond the due date unless a prior extension has been arranged.
· If a student is absent, s/he should collect work from the Accountability Work Box, which is filled by Learning Group Members (who "cover" for each other and collect work, etc.). The student has 3 days to make up the work
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICYForbush High School takes academic integrity very seriously and expects a full commitment to it from each student. Learning Groups in particular will receive instruction about the difference between helping and copying!
STUDENT NAME: / PARENT/GAURDIAN CONTACT NAME:This information will be theregularcontact for the student / EMAIL ADDRESS:this is very important for contact regarding any concerns, assignments, updates, etc. so please write an account you check regularly / DAYTIME PHONE:The signatures below indicate that both Parent and Student have reviewed the syllabus together:
Student Signature:______
Parent Signature:______
· I do have internet access at home
· I do NOT have internet access at home
·
NOTE:Yourfirst graded assignmentis a "How To Cheat Sheet" that lists ALL of your usernames and passwords for Powerschool, Canvas, and a variety of websites we may use throughout the semester. It is the student's responsibility to share this with parents and keep it up to date so that no parent should ever have to ask what you are doing or how well you are doing. Parents, please initial to verify you know this information is at your disposal:) ______