space.template.Syllabus


 * Class Expectations **


 * 1) Have a positive attitude. Whether you like English or not, the things we learn in class are //necessary// for your success on the PSSA, your success in 11th and 12th grade English, and ultimately your success as you go on to college or join the work world.
 * 2) Show respect to each other and to the teacher. Respect is the glue that holds all relationships together.
 * 3) Be prepared for class. Preparation makes every task more manageable.

Course Objectives:

 * Students will be prepared to pass the PSSA at a level of proficient or advanced through lessons grounded in the Pennsylvania State Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Standards.
 * Students will be able to read, analyze, discuss, and write about a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. A primary focus of the course is exposure to American Literature circa 1800-present day.
 * Students will be able to utilize proper literary terminology (point of view, characterization, foreshadowing, symbolism, imagery, etc.) on a daily basis within class discussions and individual written responses.
 * Students will be able to write persuasive pieces, narrative pieces, and complex informational pieces (e.g., research papers, analyses, evaluations, essays).
 * Students will edit and revise ALL work to be handed in for credit INCLUDING the online prompts. Revision is not simply for large essays. Revision enables your writing to be clear, concise, and often correct!
 * Students will engage in independent reading and create a variety of projects to demonstrate their learning from their independent choices.
 * Students will engage in creative writing projects resulting in original short stories, poems, and plays.

Daily Requirements:

 * Writing Utensils
 * One-subject notebook (This cannot be part of a 3 or 5 subject notebook that you share with another class.)
 * The book that we are currently reading
 * Any assignments due on that day
 * Any writing assignments / projects that are in the rough draft stages
 * The student will have an //accordion wallet// //(also known as an art portfolio)// that will house all of the above daily requirements.

Classroom Rules:

 * 1) You are expected to be SEATED with materials out prior to the late bell ringing.
 * 2) When the late bell rings, you should be completing the “Do Now” activity that will be displayed on the front board.
 * 3) Excusals from the classroom will be for emergencies only. You must have your handbook to be dismissed. You must also SIGN OUT and SIGN BACK IN on the sign-out sheet next to the door. Those students that abuse the emergency excusal policy will be reported to the administration for disciplinary action.
 * 4) When the bell rings at the end of the period, you will remain seated until I dismiss you.
 * 5) Follow the Student / Parent / Teacher Contract

Grading:
Grades are administered on a straight point system. Each assignment, test, quiz, and project will be assigned a point value. Major assignments will be accompanied by typed directions and/or a rubric so that you are aware of the expectations and the point values prior to completion of the assignment.

(# of points you earned) ÷ (# of possible points) In other words, your grade is EARNED by your distinguished completion of classroom and outside assignments. ALL work is due at the beginning of the period on the day assigned. Work MUST be placed within the designated INBOX on my desk, uploaded to the appropriate Edline file folder, or uploaded to the Student Work Gallery. If your work is not turned in to one of three approved locastions by the beginning of class, it is effectively not turned in and as such will not be graded.


 * In addition to earning points for each assignment, test, quiz, and project, you will earn a participation grade. Each 9 week period, you will begin with 100 participation points. If you are prepared for class with your book(s), notebook, pens/pencils, homework assignments and you are engaged during the in-class assignments/discussions, you will maintain your 100 points. If you come to class unprepared, do not participate in class discussions, group work, writing assignments, etc., or you put your head down on the desk, you will lose up to 2 points per day. I will NOT notify you of the point deductions on a daily basis; however, I will conference with you if I feel that there is a negative behavior pattern emerging.

**Make-up Work:**
If you are in school for ANY portion of the day, you are responsible for all of that day’s assignments. This means that any assignment due on the day of your absence from class is still due; you are responsible for all work completed in class on the day of your absence, and you are responsible for any homework due on the day following your absence from class. //*This means that even if you are on a FIELD TRIP, you must turn in any work that is due the day of the field trip, AND you are responsible for any work that is due during the next class period!***// If you were not in school, Charleroi Area High School’s attendance policy is in effect. You will receive the allotted amount of days to complete missed work per the handbook for your absence. It is your responsibility to come to me for arrangements to make up tests; if you do not make arrangements by the end of your allotted time frame, you will receive a ZERO on the test.

Detailed lesson plans are posted on Edline each week. Please check the lesson plans to see what you have missed, and then check with me for any additions or alterations to the lesson plan.

Any missed handouts will be placed within a designated tray within the classroom. Many assignments will also be posted on the class website under the “Handouts for Download.” Please check the designated tray for missed work. Do not come to me at the beginning of the period asking what you have missed prior to checking the designated tray.

Academic Integrity:
Charleroi Area High School’s Academic Integrity Policy can be found on page 29 of the student handbook. This policy will be in effect at all times. If you are caught copying work for ANY class, the materials will be confiscated and delivered to the assigning teacher.

Extra Credit:
Small extra-credit options for one to five points will be added intermittently to assignments and tests. If you feel that you require additional extra-credit, you have the option of reading an additional independent reading book selected from a designated list and then taking an exam on the novel. The exams vary, but generally include multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank responses, five short answer questions, and one essay question. Your test will be graded, and you will be awarded up to 20 extra-credit points (corresponding with your percentage of correct responses) to your nine-week grade.

You may only do ONE extra-credit novel per nine weeks. You MUST tell me your novel choice by mid-quarter. You MUST make arrangements with me to take your test during a study hall, lunch, or after school. You MUST complete your test __at least__ two weeks prior to the end of the grading period.

Additional Assistance:
My desire for this year is to teach you reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills that will prepare you for the PSSA and for your entry into college or the work world. I will challenge you on a daily basis, but I do not ever want you to become discouraged. Please come to me for additional help as often as you need it. Use the online discussion board to post any questions that you may have. I will check the discussion boards frequently, and in addition to my help, you will have the help of your peers.

In-person Availability:
7:20am – I am usually at school by 7:20am; notify me of your intention to meet before school to ensure that I am available. Pd 2 – This is my study hall. Please have a pass signed ahead of time. Pd 6 / Both Lunch Periods - This is my prep/lunch period. Please have a pass signed ahead of time. 2:15 -2:45 pm – Unless I have a faculty or parent meeting scheduled, I am always available during this time. If you anticipate needing additional time after school, please ask in advance so that I can make arrangements to meet with you. Feel free to email me. I check my email often and will respond in a timely manner.