English 9A Course Syllabus Mrs. Beam

I. Virginia’s English Standard of Learning (Grade 9)

The students will:

9.1. . . plan, present, and critique dramatic readings of literary selections.

9.2. . . make planned oral presentations.

9.3. . . read and analyze a variety of literature.

9.4. . . read and analyze a variety of informational materials (manuals, textbooks, business letters, newspapers, brochures, reports, catalogs) and nonfiction materials, including journals, essays, speeches, biographies, and autobiographies.

9.5. . . read dramatic selections.

9.6. . . develop narrative, expository, and informational writings to inform, explain, analyze, or entertain.

9.7. . . edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing.

9.8. . . credit the sources of both quoted and paraphrased ideas.

9.9. . . use print, electronic databases, and online resources to access information.

II. Key Concepts

  • Major Works: The Odyssey, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, To Kill A Mockingbird, Night, Great Expectations, The Acorn People
  • Selected short stories, non-fiction, poetry and film as literature
  • Essay Writing--Narrative, Expository, Persuasive, Creative and Informational
  • Grammar and editing
  • Oral Presentations
  • Vocabulary Development
  • Research

III. Tools & Materials

A three-ringed notebook, two packages of dividers, two packages of notebook paper, 3 X 5 index cards,a composition book, writing utensil (pencil or pen), and a student planner.

Textbooks: Prentice Hall Language and Literacy &Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop Level D. You are required to bring your Vocabulary workbook to class daily, literature book and novel when requested.

IV. Evaluation--Grading Scale

A+ 99-100B+ 92-93C+ 84-85D+ 76-77F 69-0

A 96-98B 88-91C 80-83D 72-75

A- 94-95B- 86-87C- 78-79D- 70-71

V. Make up Work and Six Weeks Grades

Students will receive a daily class participation grade; therefore attendance is very important. Each student is allowed three days in which to make-up all work after an excused absence or after three unexcused absences. After three unexcused absences students will be expected to make up work, but will receive a zero on all work. Make- up quizzes and test must be made up before or after school. Students may receive an Incomplete for the course if he/she fails to turn in an essay or major assignment. Assignments that are turned in late will receive only partial credit. Essays and major assignments will be dropped a letter grade a day.

Assignments will be divided into the following categories and will be weighted appropriately: Homework/Participation (20%), Writing Assignments (25%), Unit Tests (30%), Vocabulary (15%), and Projects/Research (10%).

VI. Webpage: My webpage is updated daily with in class/homework assignments. Most hand-outs & worksheets can also be found there.