Course Syllabus for Language Arts 9

Waynesville High School 2016-2017

Course Syllabus for Language Arts 9

Course Title: Language Arts 9Department: Language Arts

Designated Grade Level : 9th Course Duration: Two Semesters

Prerequisite: NoneCredits: One Unit Language Art

Instructor:Alyssa Manning Conference Hour: Thursdays 2:40-3:40

Email address:Phone Extension: 3121

(best method for contact)

Course Texts

Literature. McDougal Little, 2008.

Write Source. Write Source, 2009.

Students will not be issued textbooks. The text is available online.

Online Version:

Login: wstudent1Password: 94wayne

Supplemental novels: Orphan Train, Fahrenheit 451, Raisin in the Sun, Animal Farm, Romeo and Juliet

Course Rationale:

Language Arts 9 is a total language arts course. Emphasis is placed on reading, composition, and grammar and usage. The course is designed to expose students to a variety of literary and informational selections and to encourage students to express themselves clearly in writing and speech using a variety of technological tools.

Course Description:

Language Arts 9, a total language arts course, surveys several literary genres including the novel, short story, drama, poetry, and non-fiction to give students a solid background in literature. In this full year course, students learn to write using the 6+1 Traits of writing. Grammar is reviewed and applied to writing, editing, and speaking skills.

Course Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret short stories, novels, poetry, and nonfiction using literary devices.
2. Implement the 6 Traits of writing (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and connections).
3. Understand and apply the concepts of revising, editing, and publishing within the four modes of writing.
4. Apply reading and comprehension strategies to various literary genres.
5. Understand and implement MLA style documentation to classroom responses across the curriculum.

Grading Policy

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following standard scale:

100%–90% A89%–80% B79%–70% C69%–60% D59%–0% F

Assignments will fall into two categories: Formative and Summative.Formative work with account for 30% of the total course grade. Summative work will account for 70% of the total course grade.

Formative assignments can be considered practice. These assignments will teach the skills required to proficiently complete Summative assignments.

Summative assignments will be quizzes, tests, essays, responses, projects, etc. which act as a culmination of a unit or part of a unit.

Students who fail an assessment will have an opportunity to retake their test. Students must arrange to retake the test within two weeks of the original testing date and return a signed retake parent letter.

Students are also required to complete 2 outside reading assignments per semester. Students may choose their own fiction or non-fiction text and will submit it for approval by the teacher. Students will need to bring their outside reading selection to class every day and students will be assessed at the middle and end of each semester.

Grades in Eschool will be updated at least once a week, barring teacher absences, holidays, or any unforeseen circumstances.

Late assignments will be accepted only during the 6 week grading period in which they were assigned. Students can only earn a maximum grade of 75% or lower.

Classroom Expectations and Rules

Students are expected to do what is necessary to contribute to their own learning as well as the learning of their classmates; therefore, it is necessary that students will not do anything that distracts from their own learning or from the learning of others.

1)Show up ready for class with all class materials

2)Try your best

3)Ask Questions

4)Respect others, the teacher, your school, and yourself

5)Follow all school rules

6)Electronic devices will be allowed at your teacher’s discretion

These expectations are set so that we can work with each other to maximize our learning. If we do not observe these expectations, then we cannot achieve our goals.

Consequences for failing to meet classroom expectations are listed below.

- Warning stated

- Student-teacher conference conducted

- Behavioral contract agreement created

- Behavioral contract agreement reassessed

- Parent/guardian notified

- Referral to the officemade

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Cheating includes attempting to obtain answers from an external source during a quiz or test and copying someone else’s assignment. Plagiarism is copying from another source without giving proper credit to that source or submitting another person’s work or ideas as one’s own. It is also plagiarism to copy or cut and paste from the Internet and to present that information as the student’s personal work. Students will be asked to use MLA documentation style properly when referencing an outside source in their assignments.

Neither cheating nor plagiarism will be tolerated under any circumstances. Anyone who cheats, helps someone to cheat, or plagiarizes will receive a zero for that assignment. The student will also have conference with me and sign a behavioral contract agreement. If cheating becomes a recurring issue, a referral to the office will result and the student’s parent/guardian will be notified.

- This page is for your use. Please return just the signature/contact portion to me.

Supplies

Each student will need the following supplies for this class:

- folder

- loose-leaf college-ruled paper

- pencils and/or pens (dark blue or black only; all others will not be accepted on assignments)

- USB/ flash drive (recommended)

- pencil pouch for binder to keep supplies (optional)

- composition notebook

If you are unable to purchase these supplies, please talk to me privately, and I will make certain that they are made available to you. Supplies will need to be brought to class by Monday, August 22nd.

General Classroom Guidelines

- Students will not be excused from class to get food or drink. Water is allowed in the classroom.

- I will be available in the classroom most mornings at 7:00 and until 3:00 most afternoons. It is best to schedule an appointment to see me during these times.

Ms. Manning • (573) 774-6401 ext. 3121 • (best contact method)

• Conference:1st semester-Thursday 2:40-3:40, before school, at lunch or by appointment

2nd semester-TBD

Please return the signature/contact portion of this page to me.

Student and Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Signatures

Both the parent/guardian and student should complete and detach the form below to acknowledge that both have read and understand the items contained within this syllabus.

Student Name: ______Date: ______Period: ______

(printed)

Student and Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Signatures

Student’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

I may contact parents/guardians during the course of the semester for various reasons. I would appreciate it if you would provide the following information to make it more convenient for me to serve you and your student. Thanks!

Parent Name (please print): ______

E-mail Address: ______

Number / Times Available
Home Phone
Work Phone
Cell Phone

Preferred Method of Contact (please circle one):

E-mail Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone