English 10 Syllabus

2017-2018

Mrs. Kimberly Wright Johnson

Room 121

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Course description: Tenth Grade English integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the studies of literature, vocabulary, and composition. Types of literature studied include biographies, autobiographies, essays, short stories, dramas, speeches, poems, and novels. This course is designed to develop and enrich students’ reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills in English. A major emphasis is placed on literary analysis which is developed through the writing process. All Common Core state standards for Tenth Grade English Language Arts will be covered throughout the course of this class.

Materials:

*Three-ring binder

*College-ruled loose-leaf paper

*Pack of dividers with tabs (bell ringers, vocabulary, literature, grammar, and writing)

*black or blue ink pens and red ink pens

*pack of highlighters with at least 3 different colors

*research supplies (These will not be needed until a later date.)

*1 pack of copy paper

*flash drive

Class Procedures:

  1. Students come into class and immediately begin working on the bell ringer. The bell ringer is divided into two parts: daily grammar practice and writing. The bell ringers will be turned in for a 100 point grade after each set. Students are responsible for getting any bell ringers missed due to an absence. Students will be tested on the daily grammar practice after each set.
  2. Students will complete an exit slip that assesses comprehension of the lesson each day at the end of class.
  3. Students will be given a set of vocabulary words each week and will be tested on them.
  4. It is imperative for students to take good notes in this class in order to successfully complete tests and writing assignments. Students are responsible for getting any notes missed due to an absence.
  5. Leaving the classroom: It is important for students to be in the classroom at all times; however, two bathroom passes will be given per nine weeks. Unless there is an EXTREME circumstance, students will not be allowed out of the classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to go to the restroom before or after class and to bring all items needed to class. Students will not be allowed to go back to lockers or to the snack shack after the bell rings. Students will not have permission to be in other teachers’ classrooms during my class time. Tardies will be given for students who come to class late if they have not requested to use a restroom pass or if they have to leave the room and have no available passes.

Assignments:

  1. Bell ringers and exit slips
  2. Tests: Tests will assess students after material is covered in class. Students will have daily grammar practice tests after each set, literature tests at the end of selections or units, vocabulary tests, and grammar unit tests.
  3. Quizzes: Quizzes will be given frequently to assess students’ understanding and application of literary, writing, and grammar concepts. Reading quizzes will be frequent!
  4. Composition: Students will write daily. Some writing assignments will be short and informal while others will be extensive and formal. Students will write timed, in-class essays and lengthier out-of-class essays.
  5. Research Projects: Students will complete at least one formal research paper and project. Other small research activities will be given to prepare students for the final research project.
  6. Literature: We will read selections from the literature book or novels each class period. Most essays will be based on these selections.

Grading:

Tests: 100 points

Bell ringers: 100 points

Quizzes: 10-50 points

Essays: 100-200 points

Class work/exit slips: 10-100 points

Projects: 100-300 points

Final Research Project: 300 points

Additional Information:

*All essays and formal writing assignments must be typed and must follow MLA format.

*Research projects will require Internet access.

*Plagiarism in any assignment will result in a zero.

*It is the responsibility of the student to ask for any work missed due to an absence.

*Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class.

*Everyone is to be treated with respect. Bad attitudes and disrespect will not be tolerated.

*Parents requesting a conference may call the school office at 205-280-4880. My planning period is from 11:50-1:10. Conferences may be scheduled during this time.

I have read and understand all classroom procedures, assignments, grading, and information for Mrs. Kimberly Wright Johnson’s English class at Thorsby High School.

Student Signature:______

Date:______

Parent Signature:______

Date:______