Freshman English/Reading Course Outline
First Semester, 2009-10
Instructor: Troy Hughes
BA in English from the University of Oregon
MA in Teaching English/Language Arts from Whitworth
Our goal is to improve our skills everyday!
Reading:
Throughout this course, we will learn and practice specific reading strategies to make sense of difficult text and to actively hold our thinking while reading. The required reading for Freshman English includes selections from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students will master all of the literary elements from an intense study of short stories chosen specifically to target each particular element. Further practice and assessment will occur through the use of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird and the play, Romeo and Juliet. Students will have SSR (silent sustained reading) time. They will learn how to choose the right books for their reading enjoyment and for the purpose of applying specific reading strategies.
Writing:
The focus for writing in Freshman English is an assortment of short papers exploring the elements of literature. In addition, we will write journal entries, personal narratives, and 1-2 page thesis papers. In all of our endeavors, we follow the writing process and use the Six Traits of Quality Writing for development and assessment. Every other day, students will edit short writing samples and keep a writing log to track their progress. I expect quality and effort on all writing assignments.
Vocabulary and Spelling:
To improve the trait of word choice and increase reading comprehension, students will tackle vocabulary from literature and individual word lists.
Homework Policy:
The freshman program requires reading, writing, and review on a daily basis. Parents, please require your student to set aside time each weekday to read or reread assignments and study vocabulary. The LHS policy for late work is outlined in the student planner.
Grading Policy:
This class will be based on a points system. You will have process points (journals, daily assignments, etc…), and final product points (Speeches, projects, presentations, etc…). Final product and process points will be weighed equally and will be calculated to fit the Lakeside Grading Scale (student handbook
Make-up Policy:
Students are responsible for acquiring make-up work for missed days (not during class). Students will be accountable for turning in their work following Lakesides guidelines for make-up work. Projects, papers, and speeches are due on the due date—no exceptions.
Plagiarism/Honesty:
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated! Any assignment with evidence of plagiarism will receive no credit and will not be made up. Don’t even consider it! Do your own work.
Supplies:
Each student is required to have a one-inch binder, a set of 5-6 dividers, notebook paper, black or blue pens, pencils, two highlighters, and 2 small pads of post-it-notes. Please have these supplies ready for school on Monday, September 7th. Students, if this poses a financial hardship please see me privately, and we will solve the problem.
Attendance:
Students are required to maintain regular attendance to earn high school credit. As per Board Policy 3122 and 2420/2420P, Students will be issued a NG (no grade) on the 13th absence. Also note that tardies in excess of 15 minutes are considered an absence. Please see pages 18-21 in the student handbook. At the end of the semester I will include 100 non-negotiable points based on attendance, tardiness, and participation, which will impact your grade.
Discipline Policy: The policy is simple. When unacceptable behavior occurs, the following steps will be followed.
1. The student and I will have a “heart-to-heart” conversation to ensure the behavior will not continue.
2. Next, I will contact the student’s parent or guardian concerning the behavior (with possibility of self-contained discipline).
3. Step three will be a referral to the administration.
*If the severity of the unacceptable behavior warrants, steps 1-2 will be skipped!
Class expectations:
· Respect!
· Swearing, stealing, lying, discrimination, etc… WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
· Come to class on time with proper supplies and prepared to participate and learn.
· Be open to new ideas and respect other opinions. We should have an open-nonjudgmental classroom environment.
· Participate during all classroom activities and be ready to work for 90 minutes each day. The bell does not release you, the teacher does.
Communication:
E-Mail: Phone: 340-4229
Pass System: Grades will be posted weekly on the LHS Website. The Pass system will show updated grades, attendance, and other information for your child. Contact the counseling office to obtain user ID.
I have read and understand my expectations and commitment to learning in Mr. Hughes’s Freshman English Class at Lakeside High School.
· Students keep this as the front page of your binder. It will be valuable.
· Student Signature______Date____ Parent Signature______