English II – Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Teacher: Madeline Burford, B.A. in English Literature, M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction
Contact: e-mail – , phone – ext. 22954
(E-mail is the preferred form of contact; expect a response within 24 hours.)
Course Description
This course focuses on language skills to increase grammar usage, mechanics, and vocabulary through various writing experiences, literary analysis through verbal and written discussion, and comprehensive research using fiction and nonfiction texts. An End-of-Course exam will be used as an indicator of mastery of these skills. Works of literary merit are recommended as summer reading in addition to a parallel reading program during the year.
Class Expectations
Students will attend class regularly and be prepared to discuss texts, perform in group activities, write formally and informally, and explore ideas that may differ from their own. I expect all students to help build a strong, welcoming, and open-minded community. We will use academic language as well as constructive feedback to not only help us in the classroom, but help communicate in the real world. Students are also expected to maintain an organized collection of their work in an English folder and develop a writing portfolio in order to increase overall literacy. An English folder will be kept remain in the classroom.
Students please note- You will be reading. The best proven way to increase your literacy and your vocabulary is through reading! You will be writing. This is necessary to develop logic, persuasive skills, argumentative skills, and communication skills that are desperately needed in the “real world.” The only way to get better at either one of these skills is through practice.
Parents please note- You are encouraged to ask your student about what they are reading and what skills they are practicing. Make it a part of daily conversation. Having that reinforcement of ideas at home really helps retention. Have your student periodically tell you about a topic or teach you a skill. This shows a higher understanding of what they are learning and this is the ultimate goal for this class.
Materials Needed
Pencils
Red pens
College-ruled notebook paper
Three-prong folder with pockets (BY CLASS COLOR)
Composition notebook
Post-it notes
Kleenex (optional but very helpful come cold/flu seasonJ)
Grading Policy
Formative Assessments will make up 50% of a student’s final 9-week grade and will include any graded learning assessments used as a diagnostic assessment of student’s learning. These assessments are checks for understanding during the learning process.
Summative Assessments will make up 50% of a student’s final 9-week grade. These assessments are end-of-unit measures and major performance tasks. Summative assessments occur after a student has had instruction and practice and are intended to demonstrate mastery. These assessments are the final product of a student’s learning at the end of instruction.
Attendance
See Blackman High School Student Handbook. Students are expected to attend class and make up any work that they miss during the time they are absent.
Tardy Policy
Students will not be permitted into the classroom late without a tardy slip. To obtain a tardy slip, students must report to the closest tardy station. Students are expected to go straight to the tardy station and return straight to class with a tardy slip. Tardies include traveling to another class for Primetime or traveling to my classroom.
Late/Missing Work
Blackman students complete all assignments. If a student fails to turn in an assignment, he/she will complete it for credit. 20% will be deducted from the grade for lateness unless the reason for the late assignment is covered by the absentee/make up policy (see below). After three days, I will assign Lunch and Learn. This is an opportunity for students to have a time without distractions to make up the work outside of the classroom and not at home. Students remain in Lunch and Learn until they have turned in the late assignment. See school handbook for further details on Lunch and Learn.
Make-up Work
Missed work due to being absent must be made up for credit within five (5) days of returning to school. Blackman High School follows Rutherford County policy on the credit received for the work. Missing work will filed in the back of the classroom by date. Students are responsible for requesting make up work on their own.
Extra Credit
Students may be offered extra credit throughout the year. Only those students who have attempted all assignments will be allowed to complete extra credit. Extra credit will be aligned to the standard that the student is struggling with on previous assignments.
Failing Work
Students may make corrections on certain summative assignments throughout the year at the discretion of the English II teachers.
Food & Drink Policy
Only water in a sealable container will be allowed. Do not bring other food and drinks into the classroom.
Classroom Rules
In addition to adhering to all Blackman school rules, the following classroom expectations apply – be respectful, be present, be prepared, and participate.
Consequences: 1st-verbal warning, 2nd – written warning/moving of seat to a less distracting area, 3rd –parent contact, 4th- before school detention @7:45, 5th- Principal referral. My goal is to keep students in the classroom as much as possible, but only as long as their behavior allows for a good learning environment for the rest of the students. My goal is to allow students to be accountable but to still keep in contact with parents in order to work together to keep the year running smoothly and the students in the classroom.
Periodically, students will be allowed to use electronic devices for class activities. Students are not permitted to have their phones out for any other reason. All phones out at an inappropriate time will be confiscated and sent to the main office. See BHS’s BYOD policy.
Required Texts
Students will be required to read the following texts: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Animal Farm by George Orwell, Night by Elie Wiesel, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, and selections from the classroom textbook, Holt & McDougal’s Elements of Literature – 10th Grade. In addition to these required texts, students will read selected short stories, essays, and informational texts to supplement their learning. Film clips may also be used to enrich student learning.
There will be outside reading each semester. Students will be given a selection of texts to choose from to read and then complete a small project on a various topic from the reading. These texts will not be strenuous, but instead are to make sure students are consistently reading. These texts are short YA novels. I am open to suggestions on books as well!
By signing below, you consent to your child reading the aforementioned texts. If you require your child to read an alternative text, please contact me immediately so I can make other arrangements.
Remind App
Parents and students are asked to use the Remind App (formerly Remind 101) to receive updates, news, and reminders throughout the year. There are 3 methods of using Remind to stay connected in class:
1. download the Remind app and enter the code: @eng2bhsd15
2. text @eng2bhsd15to 81010
3. email
Edmodo
Each student will set up an Edmodo account at the beginning of the year, if they do not already have one through RCSchools. It is a school-centered social media platform that allows students to complete assignments, receive feedback and assessments, and keep up with any make-up or missing work. Parents will also be able to view their child’s account through their own code. More information will be provided later in the year.
Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful
2. Be prepared
3. Be accountable
4. Participate
Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Written Warning/ documented
3. Contact Parents
4. Principal Referral
Statement of Understanding
I have read and understand the policies for Ms. Burford’s class. I will contact her via e-mail or phone if I have any questions. I will do my best to abide by the policies and will let her know if I need any help with the material or assignments we complete for class. While in Ms. Burford’s class, I will do my best work and will treat others with dignity and respect.
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Student Name (printed)
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Student Signature Date
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Parent/Guardian Name (printed)
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Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Contact information:
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Student e-mail
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Parent/Guardian e-mail
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Parent/Guardian phone number
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Parent/Guardian e-mail
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Parent/Guardian phone number