ENGLISH 10- Mrs. Jones

Edwardsburg High School2011-2012

Room 112

Voicemail: 269-663-1044 Ext. 7112

Email:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Welcome to English 10! The goal for English Language Arts Grade 10 is to continue to build a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and strategies that will be refined, applied, and extended as students engage in more complex ideas, texts, and tasks. In English Language Arts Grade 10, students will add to the list of various genres of classic and contemporary narrative and informational texts that will be read and analyzed throughout high school. Tenth graders will connect with and respond to texts through the lens of Critical Response and Stance. They will learn to evaluate for validity and quality, to balance and expand their perspectives promoting empathy, social action, and appropriate use of power. Critical Response and Stance offers students the lens to assess and modify their beliefs, views of the world, and how they have power to impact their surrounding communities and the world.

TEXTS

Improving Vocabulary from Townsend Press Vocabulary Series

Various anchor texts will be read and discussed includingNarrative of the Life of Frederick Dougalss, To Kill a Mockingbird, Farewell to Manzanar, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Tuesdays With Morrie, The Crucible and others.

METHODS ANDGRADING

  • Grading will occur on a variety of assignments including writing, discussion responses, public speaking, group work, outside reading, novel study, writing assignments, research practice, tests, quizzes, presentations, and participation.
  • If you have a question regarding your grade at any time during the grading period, please see me before school, at lunch, or after school to discuss your concerns. Updated grade printouts will be posted on a weekly basis and are availableonline.
  • Scores will be recorded in my gradebook, and most papers will be returned to you. You should keep all graded assignments in a folder in order to best review for final exams and also to double-check your scores when they are posted.

GRADING SCALE

Percent

/ Grade / Percent / Grade / Percent / Grade / Percent / Grade
100-92 / A / 89-88 / B+ / 79-78 / C+ / 69-68 / D+
91-90 / A- / 87-82 / B / 77-72 / C / 67-62 / D
81-80 / B- / 71-70 / C- / 61-60 / D-

ASSIGNMENTS

  • All assignments are due at the beginning of the period (when the bell rings).
  • Please use loose-leaf paper, when possible.
  • Blue or black ink is required for all assignments.
  • For final drafts, write on one side of the paper only; use one-inch margins, 10-12 pt. font, and always double-space unless instructed otherwise. Write legibly. Typing is preferred.
  • All projects must be typed.

CLASSROOM LIBRARY

  • A classroom library is available for student use. You may self-select titles and check them out from me. Please be sure that your family’s expectations are clear regarding content, theme, and maturity level of literature that you are selecting. If your parents would prefer you not read a book you have selected, please choose a different book that meets their expectations.
INDEPENDENT READING

Independent Reading is expected each quarter. Please bring your selection to class every day. Time for reading will be given during class, but you are expected to read outside of class, as well. Completion of assignments related to these reading selections will be part of the course grade. Guidelines and expectations will be given out quarterly.

Independent Reading selections are chosen by you and should be discussed with and approved by your instructor. Books may be chosen from a library, bought by you or your parents, or selected from the limited classroom library. There are countless selections available. Please discuss your selections with your family. Since your selections are self-selected, parent input is invaluable in assisting you in making appropriate selections based on your interests, reading ability, maturity, beliefs, and values. If your parents don’t agree with the book that you have selected for Independent Reading, please discuss the concerns with your parent and be courteous in making a new selection.

SUPPLIES

Basic supplies including paper, pen, pencil, and folder are expected.

ABSENT WORK POLICY

You have as many days to make up your work as you were excused for absence, per handbook policy. Please remember to always have your parent or guardian call in or write a note to excuse you from school.

LATE WORK POLICY

Daily Assignments- Late workis not accepted. (See Absent Work Policy for absent work expectations.)

Writing Assignments- Half credit if turned in the next day. (See Absent Work Policy for absent work expectations.)

Projects- Half credit if turned in the next day. (See Absent Work Policy for absent work expectations.)

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
  • Be on time. Please be in your seat when the bell rings.
  • Be prepared. Bring daily-required materials to class every day.
  • Be respectful. Show respect to everyone and everything. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior is not tolerated.
  • Give your best effort. Always do your personal best on activities for this class.
  • Follow the handbook.
  • Hall passes are reserved for emergency use only.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

See student handbook for the school policy on cheating and plagiarism.

DISCIPLINE POLICY
  • 1st Offense: Verbal Warning
  • 2nd Offense: Student/Teacher Conference and/or Detention- Phone Call
  • 3rd Offense: Office Referral