Mrs. Minix S Class Syllabus & Requirements

Mrs. Minix’s Class Syllabus & Requirements

2010-2011

Students will be required to do the following work:

Read assigned texts
Participate in class discussions
Complete assigned projects
Do in-class assignments, quizzes, and other activities
Maintain regular attendance
Keep an up to date notebook
Complete homework & turn in on time (when in - class assignments are not completed it automatically becomes homework, otherwise I do not assign homework except for study guides (students will need to study for quizzes and tests)
Most importantly-Respect self & others and come to class prepared to learn

* Often times students complete their assignments & loose it; it will make for a better school year if students are organized and keep up with their materials and assignments. * Lockers are available for $2.00.

Additional Materials

Paper
Pen or Pencil
Highlighter
A 3 ring binder or pocket folder (student’s choice)

* If for some reason you are unable to obtain these materials contact me and I will make an effort to assist you in obtaining them.

Course Objectives

Students will:

Read selected texts
Participate in class discussions by listening to others and presenting their own ideas to the discussion
Complete written assignments
Incorporate appropriate grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation in all class work
Evaluate & analyze literature using key vocabulary and appropriate literary work

Core Content:

Forming a Foundation for Reading: Requires readers to develop and apply basic reading skills and strategies across genres to read and understand texts at the appropriate grade level. This involves reading at the word, sentence and connected text levels across content areas that include multicultural texts.

Developing an Initial Understanding: Requires readers to consider the text as a whole or in a broader perspective to develop an initial understanding.

Interpreting Text: Requires readers to extend their initial impressions to develop a more complete understanding of what is read. This involves linking information across parts of a text as well as focusing on specific information.

Writing Content: To communicate effectively, students should be able to write for a variety of authentic purposes and audiences in a variety of forms connecting to prior knowledge and the students’ understanding of the content. In their writing, students should be able to create a focused purpose and controlling idea and develop ideas adequately considering the purpose, audience and form.

Writing Structure:To communicate effectively, students should be able to apply knowledge of language and genre structures to organize sentences, paragraphs and whole pieces logically and coherently.
Writing Conventions:To communicate effectively, students should be able to apply knowledge of language conventions and have control over standard grammar and usage. Students should be able to choose precise language appropriate to the purpose.
Writing Process: To communicate effectively, students should engage in the various stages of the writing process including focusing, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing, and reflecting. The writing process is recursive; different writers engage in the process differently and proceed through the stages at different rates.

Bonus Points: You will be allowed 9 out of class passes each grading period to use at your leisure or you may cash them in for 5 bonus points each. You will also be given up to 5 superstar passes (you can earn these by following the classroom procedures and obeying Mrs. Minix’s classroom rules) per grading period and they can be cased in for 5 bonus points each. That is a total of 70 bonus points each grading period.

Grading Scale:

90 - 100% = A80 - 89% = B70 - 79% = C 60 – 69% =D

Attendance and Course Policies

Each student is responsible for all material and assignments presented in class and areexpected to maintain regular classroom attendance.

Assignments & due-dates

Assignments & homework are due at the beginning of the class period of the due date.

Excused absences

Missed assignments that have been excused will be allowed a maximum of 5 school days to be made up.

It is your responsibility to contact me about any work you have missed and not my responsibility to remind you; it is suggested you talk to me before you miss or as soon as you return to school.

In the past I have excepted work for both unexcused absences and excused absences long after a reasonable amount of time (longer than 5 school days); however I have decided to place more responsibility on the individual student and will no longer take work that is turned in later than 5 school days.

Leaving the classroom

I am legally responsible for all students during the class period; all students are to following the classroom procedures for leaving the classroom.

Electronic devices

Students are to follow the school rules and procedures for all electronic devices. Items disturbing the learning of others in class will not be tolerated.

Academic Integrity

Cheating will not be tolerated; so don’t do it. You will not receive a grade for work that you do not complete yourself.

What to do if you do not agree with the teacher

I do and will make mistakes throughout the school year; ask to speak to me after class or make an appointment to meet with me during my planning period. Do not attempt to discuss it during class; you are taking time away from everyone and preventing others from learning.

If you have any questions, comments, and /or concerns please feel free to contact me at the high school.

Lisa Minix

349-2011Extension: 7118

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Please review this syllabus with your parent or guardian and have them sign the document to ensure that both students and parents understand the course syllabus.

By signing below I acknowledge that I have read the course syllabus and agree to Mrs. Minix’s class syllabus.

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Student SignatureDate

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Parent/Guardian SignatureDate