Angert

10th grade syllabus

10th Grade Lit/Comp

Ms. Angert

Wheeler High School

Email:

Fall 2013

Course Syllabus

Course Description

The 10th grade literature class is one that covers a variety of authors, genres, activities, and skills from around the world. This course is very reading- and writing- intensive, as well as focused in the areas of grammar and mechanics. This course does include a final assessment, which is given at the end of the semester. We will study SAT vocabulary on a weekly basis and also work on a research paper. In order for students to advance to 11th grade they must pass this course.

Summer Reading

Every student will have to write an in-class essay about the book he/she has read over the summer. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Grades

My grading scale follows the Cobb County School District guidelines. You must earn a D or better in order to pass the course.

Grading Scale: A= 90-100

B= 80-89

C= 74-79

D= 70-73

F= below 70

GRADING PROCEDURES/POINTS/WEIGHTS

I use a point system which adheres to the Common Core Performance Standards. The categories in my grade book are weighted as follows:

Reading 30%

*Literary Text

*Informational Text

Writing 25%

*Argumentative

*Expository/Informational

*Narrative

Language 20%

*Academic Vocabulary

*Grammar/Usage

Listening and Speaking 15%

*Media and Technology

Final Exam 10%

***Please understand that I cannot “bump” or change a final grade in Synergy; if you earn a 69, 79, or 89 that will be the grade reflected on your report card. ***

Textbooks

o  Prentice Hall Literature: Language and Literacy: Grade Ten (text and activities online at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com)

o  Vocabulary Workshop (Level E): Each student is required to purchase a vocabulary workbook at the beginning of the semester. Each workbook is $10.00. If the workbook is lost at any point during the semester, the student must pay another $10.00 for a replacement.

Materials (all of this you must bring to class every day)

1. Class three-ring binder (see How to organize your notebook)

2. COLLEGE-ruled loose-leaf paper only – Never turn in paper torn from a spiral notebook

3. Blue or black pen

4. #2 pencil

5. Homework and/or any other work that is due

Each student is expected to be prepared for class each day. Students will be assigned a textbook .Novels will be assigned and students will be responsible for returning/replacing the novel when finished. In addition, there will be materials necessary for the research assignment, and these materials will be listed in your research packet at a later date.

Technology: Students will utilize various forms of technology in Tenth Literature. If this is not accessible from home, please let me know immediately and I will allow the student to complete this assignment in the media center. Students will also be required to submit some written assignments to www.turnitin.com, but I will give the passwords and log-in information at a later date.

CHEATING POLICY: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM ALLOWED AT WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL. PLAGIARISM IS THE USE OF SOMEONE ELSE’S WORDS OR WORK WITHOUT GIVING PROPER CITATION OR CREDIT.CHEATING IS COPYING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK AND PASSING IT IN AS YOUR OWN, COPYING ANSWERS ON AN ASSIGNMENT OR TEST, OR ALLOWING SOMEONE TO TAKE YOUR ORIGINAL WORK. THE CONSEQUENCES FOR CHEATING INCLUDE A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT AND A DISCIPLINE REFERRAL ON FILE.

Please check my blog for the Tenth Literature information. I will post important information, the syllabus, and a monthly calendar there.

CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

1.  Cell Phones/Electronic Devices- Must be turned OFF in class, and are not to be seen or heard for any reason. If there is an emergency, see me. Purses and book bags are to be put underneath the desk or in a designated area at ALL times. If I see or hear a cell phone/iPod/electronic device, I will write a referral for Saturday school or ISS. Please see handbook.

2.  Respect- When you walk into the classroom, I expect you to respect yourselves and others. My classroom is a safe environment for all, so bullying, name calling, and harassment will NOT be tolerated.

3.  Food/Drink- Water in CLEAR bottles only. No eating /drinking in the classroom.

4.  Hall Passes- You will receive a pass at the beginning of the semester. If you lose it, I will not replace it. You will have 10 passes per semester, so use them very wisely.

5.  Class Preparation- You are expected to bring your materials to class every day, including all materials listed on the syllabus.

6.  Late Work- Work is due on the date assigned. DO NOT come to class with a flash drive, CD, or story about your broken printer/computer. You will have plenty of time before the assignment is due to work and print in the media center/writing lab. You just need to ask me in advance!

How to organize your notebook

You need a three-ring notebook that you use only for English. Your syllabus will be the first thing in your binder. Make dividers for the following sections to follow the syllabus: 1) Daily Agendas, 2) Class Notes, 3) Handouts, and 4) Returned Graded Work. You need loose-leaf paper in the Class Notes section. Never turn in paper torn from a spiral notebook. Put your name on the outside of the notebook and label it 10th Grade Lit.

Daily Journal (Composition Notebook)

Your Daily Journal is an activity you will complete every day when you come in to class. You will have the first ten (10) minutes after the tardy bell rings to complete your writing. All Journals must be written in blue/black ink. If you miss a day, ask a classmate for the entry from the day you missed or check the blog. Most days are free writes; however, there will be days when I will ask you to write on a specific topic.

Some useful tips that will make the class more enjoyable and successful

J When the teacher addresses the class, all students must be silent and listen attentively.

J Be prepared for class each day with supplies, materials, texts, homework, and attitude.

J Have respect for yourself. Show respect to your peers, to those in authority, and school property.

J Remain on task and take all assignments seriously.

J Follow directions, spoken or written.

J Talk with the teacher if a problem or concern arises.

J No gum, candy, drinks, or other food can be consumed in the room. WATER ONLY.

J Keep all notes, quizzes, writing assignments, tests, handouts, and any other class work for the entire semester in a notebook used only for English. .

J Students will not interrupt each other, but take turns in class discussions.

J In order to ask a question, a student must raise his/her hand and wait to be acknowledged.

J Students must not interfere with the learning of their classmates.

J Keep all your possessions to yourself.

J Every student who needs help should speak up. Chances are that someone else in the class is also struggling and would be grateful for a bit of extra explanation.

J Please put your name, block, and date on the top left- hand corner of everything. If it is not worth identifying, it is not worth grading.

J At the end of each class period students must return all materials to their proper place and leave the classroom neat and orderly.

Tutoring

I will be available for extra help before and after school, so please make an appointment. I will be glad to work with you!

Tentative Semester Schedule and Units of Study:

Daily Journals

Daily Silent, Sustained Reading (20 Minutes)

Daily Vocabulary Work

Weekly vocabulary quizzes

1st six weeks: The Novel Unit

2nd six weeks: Poetry and Drama

3rd six weeks: Short Stories

***This schedule is subject to change***

ABOUT ME:

I have been teaching for eighteen years, beginning at Camp Creek Middle School in Fulton County for two years, at Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County for eight years, and the rest at Wheeler High School. I have been the English Department Chair for four years, and am also Senior Class Sponsor and Co-Sponsor of Wheeler’s National English Honor Society. I have taught every grade and level of English from eighth grade through twelfth. I have taught Honors British Literature for over ten years, and AP Literature for eight years.

Qualifications: I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English Education, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and am currently pursuing a Doctorate in English Education through Kennesaw State University. I hold a Clear and Renewable Teaching Certificate in the state of Georgia, with Gifted Education Certification and AP Certification add-ons.

My Teaching Philosophy:

I believe every child is entitled to an excellent education. I believe that teaching is my calling and therefore my responsibility; I make it my priority to try and instill the tools necessary for learning into each child who comes into my classroom. It is my expectation and my hope that parents and/or guardians make their child’s education a priority as well, and emphasize the importance of good study habits and excellent attendance.

I strongly encourage self-advocacy in my students. I am available before or after class and school for help and communication with students, and I ask that a student make an appointment if needed. If necessary, the best way for parent contact is through school email, which I check several times per day.

Signature

Please sign below to acknowledge that you have received this syllabus, and are aware of the policies of this English class. Do not hesitate to call or email me at any time, and I will respond as quickly as I can. Please put your email address and telephone number below. I look forward to an awesome year!

Parent Email Address______

Parent Phone______

Student Name (Please Print)______

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