Rocky River High School
K.Elliott
Course Overview
English Language Development
Textbook / The Edge (varying levels), Reading Explorer (varying levels), supplemental materials selected by the teacher
Course Objectives / The five broad goals of this course are:
 To develop English literacy skills on a novice high/intermediate low level through speaking, listening, reading, and writing
 To gain knowledge and understanding of various topics in English
 To connect the learning of English with other academic disciplines
 To develop insight into the nature of language (syntax, grammar, intonation)
 To participate actively in the school community
Topics / ·  Writing: the basics of sentence and paragraph writing/how to organize and essay/general research and research based writing
·  Reading: reading informational and fictional texts/critical thinking skills/vocabulary in context
·  Speaking: group and individual projects and presentations
·  Listening: responding to audio and visual materials
Grading
Materials required / Major Tests/Projects: 70%
Homework, Classwork, Quizzes, Participation: 30%
The weight of the assignment is subject to change.
·  2-3 inch binder
·  Front cover labeled with name, class, period #
·  Pens/Pencils/erasers
·  Highlighter
·  Colored pencils
·  Glue stick
·  3 x 5 Index cards
· 
*any donations of tissues or hand sanitizer are greatly appreciated

Classroom Procedures, Guidelines, and Expectations

I. Academic Requirements

A.  The student must maintain an average of 70 or better in order to receive credit for the course.

B.  The student must have no more than TEN absences to receive credit

C.  The CMS grading system is as follows:

A = 93-100 D = 70-76

B = 85-92 F = 69 and below

C = 77-84

D.  Homework will be assigned daily and will be checked daily. Homework missed because of absences MUST BE MADE UP WITHIN FIVE DAYS. Homework is expected to be brought to class completed. “I didn’t understand it” is not an excuse for not doing homework. At least try.

E.  Quizzes will be announced and unannounced.

F.  Tests will be announced in advance. Any student present on the day of the announced test is expected to take the test. Tests missed due to absences must be made up WITHIN FIVE SCHOOL DAYS or a zero will be recorded. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what has been missed during an absence and make arrangements to make up the work.

II. Student Guidelines

A.  Each student is expected to conduct himself in a courteous manner which shows respect for himself, his classmates, and his teacher. There is no time in the classroom for inappropriate behavior. BEHAVIOR WHICH IN ANY WAY DISRUPTS ANOTHER STUDENT’S ABILITY TO LEARN WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. The CMS guidelines for student discipline will be enforced by the teacher and the school.

III.  Classroom Procedures

A.  There will be no eating, drinking, or chewing gum during the class period.

B.  Sleeping is not an approved part of any course in this department. Parents will be contacted.

C.  Working on assignments for another class is not allowed. Work done for another course during this class will be taken and will NOT be returned.

D.  Be Punctual: Class begins when the bell rings!

E.  Be Prepared: You will need your textbook, notebook, writing supplies every day.

F.  Be Polite: Show respect to the teacher. Follow all classroom procedures as explained. Always use appropriate language. Show respect to your fellow students

G.  Be a Participant: Part of your grade will depend on your class participation

H.  Restroom passes will only be given in an emergency

IV.  Consequences to inappropriate/disruptive behavior

1.  Verbal Warning /change of seat

2.  Student-teacher conference

3.  Parent contact

4.  Referral to administration

V. Tardy Policy

All students must be in the classroom and ready for instruction when the bell rings. Students who fail to get to class before the tardy bell rings are directed to go to lockout that period. (If you are late you will not be admitted to the classroom.)

VI.  Parent Contact and Extra Help

A.  Tutoring is available for students after school from 2:10 – 3:10 on Tuesday or in the morning from 6.30 to 6:50

B.  I will be available for parent conferences during my planning period each day. Please see me or call the school 980 344 0409 to schedule an appointment.

C.  Students and parents may contact me at any time by e-mail

Student Signature______

Parent Signature______