KCHS English II Syllabus 2015-2016
Ms. McKenna – Rm. 170 – – Conference Pd.–5th
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW:
In English II, you will:
-read literature
-process writing
-polish research skills
You will improve the following skills:
-grammar
-speaking
-listening
-technology
-teamwork
You will experience a wide range of readings from Shakespeare’s classic Julius Caesar to more contemporary works such as Fahrenheit 451.
The following curriculum is subject to change as district requirements continue to adjust to state standards.
1st 6wks: Man’s Search for Reason
Guiding Questions -
Can you be from two cultures at once?
What if everyone were the same?
*TEKS mastery: Word and dictionary skills such as denotation and connotation, Support of inferences with textual evidence, Consideration of range of viewpoints on same topic, Tone and formality shifts, and Expository writing
Focus: Persuasive Writing Intro
2nd 6wks: Man’s Search for Identity
Guiding Questions -
Do the ends justify the means?
Why do good people do bad things?
*TEKS mastery: Deeply understanding works of fiction and drama, Improving the persuasive essay
Major Reading Piece: Fahrenheit 451
3rd 6wks: Man’s Search for Change
Guiding Questions -
What would you be willing to sacrafice?
Is emotion stronger than reason?
*TEKS mastery: Deeply understanding works of literary nonfiction with a focus on theme, genre, sensory language, symbolism, allegory, and allusions; Deeply understanding informational texts with a focus on culture and history; Deeply understanding procedural and expository texts; Effectively organizing the data and ideas in persuasive essays
Major Reading Piece: Of Mice and Men
4th 6wks:Man’s Search for Power
Guiding Questions -
How accepting are you?
Do we have the right to judge others?
* TEKS mastery: Deeply understanding works of poetry with a focus on sensory language, symbolism, allegory and allusion, Deeply understand persuasive texts; Effectively analyzing media; Creatively writing poetry; and Effectively writing literary analysis
Major Reading Piece: Julius Caesar
5th 6wks: Man’s Search for Motive
Guiding Questions -
What do we owe others?
How can we change society?
*TEKS mastery: Deeply understanding informational and expository texts; Determining types of evidences used in texts, such as logical, empirical and anecdotal; Effectively analyzing media; Effectively using counter-arguments and appropriate appeals in persuasive writings; Creatively presenting research ideas
Focus: Polishing STAAR Skills
Major Reading Piece: Antigone
6th 6wks: Man’s Search for Contribution
Guiding Questions -
Who do I want to be?
Whose life is it, anyway?
How does the past affect our futures?
* TEKS mastery: Deeply understanding literary texts with a focus on theme and genre; Effectively writing engaging stories; Effectively writing procedural and work-related documents
Focus: Fairy Tales
GRADING: Summative (major) grades are worth 60% and formative (daily) grades are worth 40%. Because there are a limited number of grades, be aware thatevery assignment weighs heavily on your grade.
TEST DAYS: Monday and Wednesday
RE-TAKE & LATE WORK GUIDELINES:
- Tests: Students have up to 5 days, when grades are posted, to retake a failed test in tutoring for a grade no higher than a 75. Students must initiate the re-take and they should be prepared to attend a conference with the teacher prior to the re-take.
- Essays & Projects: If a student fails to have a major project or paper on the due date, they earn a ZERO. Students will be given up to 3 days, after the due date, to turn in the assignment with a grade deduction of 10 points per day. (The end of a marking period trumps the 5 days.)
- Daily Grades: If a student fails to have a daily assignment on the due date, they earn a ZERO. Students will be given up to 3 days, after the due date, to turn in the assignment with a grade deduction of 10 points per day.
MATERIALS and SUPPLIES:
- One “Homework” binder – to be brought from home to school and to each class – neatly organized with dividers – used for ALL classes
- One English binder with dividers (optional)
- One interactive (composition) notebook
- Loose-Leaf Notebook Paper (NOT spiral)
-Pens (black or blue, and red or green)and #2 Pencils – must keep at least two of each on person at all times!
- Hi-lighters (multiple colors)
- 3-ring binder zipper pouch for writing utensils (must be in class EVERY day).
- 1USB drive for papers, projects, and presentations. (VERY IMPORTANT)
- One set of ear buds
- Tablet (charged EVERY night) and charger.
OPTIONAL DONATION FOR CLASSROOM:
- cardstock, tissues, highlighters, paper towels, EXPO markers, colored copy paper, dry erase board eraser, labels
INTERACTIVENOTEBOOKS:
These composition notebooks, used weekly, help monitor your organizational habits, house important notes and bell ringers, and ultimately make you successful.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
- Cheating, including plagiarism, results in a zero for that assignment, a referral, and a P or U in conduct. If you receive a zero for cheating on a test, you MAY NOT re-take.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
- You were given a Class Contract for expectations and consequences which must be signed and returned on the due date, along with the signature sheet for this syllabus and photography permission.
- You will be allotted 3 passes per 6 weeks. You must turn in a pass to leave the classroom. Passes may also be turned in for other privileges which may include: PBtP, assignment late pass, tardy pass, pencil/pen pass.
- Tests on Scan-tron will be taken in pencil and quizzes preferablyin pen. Assignments in pen will be in blue or black ink. Other colors will only be used for annotating or editing.
- Students receive a calendar each 6 weeks detailing class agenda, as well as a list of the possible major and daily grades for the 6 weeks.
- Book bags, purses, etc. are to be storedon the floor on the floor beside your desk or table (NOT in your lap or on the table top).
ABSENCES AND TARDIES:
Absences and tardies are highly discouraged. It is important that you are here and on time every day. Starting with tardy #3, teachers are required to refer students. If you are absent, you are responsible for referring to the make up folder. Quizzes and tests may be made up as early as the day you come back, and no later than 3 days after your return. As soon as you know you will be out, contact your teacher to schedule a make-up for during tutorials or lunch.
POINTS BEYOND THE POSSIBLE:
- Pay close attention for these opportunities.
- Students with zeroes are not eligible for PBTP.
- Maximum of 15 PBTP for major grades per 6 Wks.
DEPARTMENT TUTORIALS:
- Tuesdays after school 2:40-3:40
HOMEWORK:
Students should expect to complete reading, writing or activities after schooleveryday. Academic students should expect to spend 10-30 minutes per day, and Pre-AP students should expect to spend 30-55 minutes per day.
VOCABULARY:
- Vocabulary quizzes/checks should be expectedon Fridays and tests should be expected once per six weeks on Mondays & Wednesdays.
- Vocabulary study begins the1stweek of school and continues throughout the year.
STUDENT CONCERNS:
Please set up an appointment outside of class time to see me if you have questions about your performance. Remember to PREVENT problems. I want to make your appointment a priority so scheduling sooner is always better. Your success is important to me!
PARENT CONFERENCES:
These may be scheduled through me via email or phone. Appointments can be set up forMondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 2:40 to 3:10 PM or any week day during my conference period (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM)as long as a prior meeting with admin, etc., for that day and time slot is not previously scheduled. With plenty of advanced notice, I am more likely to be able to accommodate your guardian’s schedule. Some situations will require an admin or counselor to be present and every situation will require you, as student, to be present.
WEB-BASED LEARNING:
- Check Blackboard daily.
- Be prepared to take some tests on Respondus.
- Create organized folders on your flashdrive AND N-drive or tablet (for back-up) for each class period.
- Remind App: Students and teachers can now sign up for this interactive and safe texting system. Receive important texts from your teacher by downloading the program onto your smart phone and signing up for the courses of each of your or your child’s teachers. Personal phone numbers of all parties are protected and private, yet you still receive all important information at the touch of a button through text or email. Contact your child’s teacher for more information. You may sign up ahead of time at
Grade Repair Insert:
Students will have the opportunity to receive instruction to recover six weeks grades. When a student enrolls in the Grade Recovery Class, the students will receive quality instruction. The curriculum will recapture any skills they are lacking so that they are prepared to receive credit and also be prepared for the EOC in April or May. This intervention plan may include students attending after school Grade Recovery or Grade Recovery during the day. The highest grade a student can earn is 75%. This newly earned grade will replace the previously earned failure.