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= = = Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! =

**//__ The use of this site is mandatory! __//**   **//__ The following descriptions will help you to correctly navigate and utilize this site. __//**  **// While using this site, you are bound by the school rules and the technology contract. Be aware that inappropriate posting can and will result in disciplinary action even if you were not on school property at the time the post was made. //**

=** Discussion Board ** =

You will be graded on your use of the discussion board.

Discussion boards are combined so that all Honors English 9 students, regardless of class period, will share a discussion board. Likewise, all Academic students, regardless of class period, will share a discussion board. This will allow us to share ideas and knowledge easily.

For each unit, you will see at least one "Discussion Prompt" posted under your class' discussion board. Discussion prompts are critical thinking or creative writing prompts designed to be thought-provoking, challenging, and often fun. All Discussion Prompts are considered "Written Responses" and should follow the written response guidelines.

You are required to complete all "Discussion Prompts." For each Discussion Prompt, you will create a written response that will be worth FIFTEEN points, in accordance with the following rubric:

**Written Response – 15 point Rubric**

_/ 3 pts. Focus / Organization: -Topic Sentence with 3 points (supporting details) -The 3 points are in a logical order -The 3 points are discussed within the paragraph in the same order as listed in the topic sentence _/ 6 pts. Content -Prompt is fully addressed -Ideas are logically developed through facts and examples - Each of the three supporting details has a minimum of one sentence explanation and support _/ 3 pts. Style -Writer has a distinct voice within the paper -Diction and sentence structure are meaningful and appropriate -A variety of sentence styles are utilized (simple, compound, complex, etc.) _/ 3 pts. Conventions - Correct usage of grammar, mechanics, spelling and sentence formation

In addition to creating and posting your written response, you will also be required to respond to your peers. The prompt will dictate how many times you must respond to your peers. (i.e. The prompt may ask you to "Answer the following question and respond to at least two of your peers.") Each "Discussion Prompt" will vary in point value. You will receive fifteen points for your original response and 5 points for each appropriate required response to a peer. For a response to be deemed appropriate, you must make an intelligent commentary on something stated in a peer’s post that is a minimum of four sentences in length. Simply stating "I agree" or "I disagree" will not earn you any points. You must state WHY you agree or disagree and support your assertion.

Generally (but not always), you will be given some class time to complete the prompts. If you do not finish the prompt in the allotted class time, it becomes your responsibility to find a way to complete the prompt. There are enough computers available within the building that no excuses will be accepted for incomplete prompts. The computers are available for use within my classroom during homeroom, lunch, period 4, period 6 if I have signed a pass for you (just ask!), and after school from 2:15-2:45 daily.

Finally, the discussion board CAN and SHOULD be used as a way for you to obtain answers to your own questions . If you have a question, create a new topic and post your question. Your peers and I will be able to respond to your question. In this way, you have a great resource to get information from many great minds!

**Syllabus / Student Contract** A copy of the syllabus and your signed student contract should remain in your binder. In the event that you have misplaced your syllabus or student contract, you may download them here.