Mrs. Kington

(330) 954-2436

OVERVIEW

The eleventh grade college preparatory course focuses on the analytical reading and formal writing skills needed for college. You will read works of British literature and respond to them through a variety of writing techniques. Research will be conducted throughout the year, and oral presentations will be a key component in the curriculum. Skill development for the SAT and ACT will be studied. The basis for the curriculum is the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts. Some pieces will be studied from the textbook, and you are expected to purchase the supplemental novels/plays.

GOALS: Throughout the year, I will ask you to establish goals for your learning in order to take ownership of your education and to encourage you to be self-motivated. The following goals are overall objectives for our course towards which you should strive to make progress.

  • Be an autonomous learner.
  • Be committed to your personal and academic growth.
  • Engage in productive collaboration and communication with peers and teacher.
  • Read grade level appropriate texts closely and analytically.
  • Analyze literary devices in works of fiction and nonfiction.
  • Connect/compare concepts and themes from texts to our society.
  • Acquire vocabulary words and skills to improve reading and writing abilities.
  • Select, use, and cite appropriate textual evidence for a variety of purposes.
  • Write often in a variety of genres to develop and polish skills such as organization and grammar.
  • Apply the writing process to each piece of summative writing, particularly revision.
  • Apply resources to improve your writing, such as rubrics, peer revision, and handouts.
  • Conduct and utilize research; evaluate the credibility of sources.
  • Deliver prepared, articulate presentations that incorporate visual media.
  • Use technology to enhance your learning.
  • Prepare for your future by researching post-secondary options, honing advanced reading and communication skills, and practicing college entrance exam content/skills

OUTLINE:

  1. Semester I
  2. First Nine Weeks- Leadership
  3. Beowulf- epic(purchase)
  4. Arthurian legend
  5. Literary analysis and narrative writing
  6. The Canterbury Tales- narrative poem
  7. The Word within the Word*
  8. ACT preparation
  1. Second Nine Weeks- Politics and Tragedy
  2. Macbeth- play
  3. Hamlet- play
  4. Self-select book
  5. Literary analysis writing
  6. The Word within the Word
  7. ACT preparation
  1. Semester II
  2. Third Nine Weeks- Language, Rhetoric, and Propaganda
  3. 1984- novel(purchase)
  4. Argumentative and research writing
  5. College comparison presentation
  6. The Word within the Word
  7. SAT preparation
  1. Fourth Nine Weeks- Making Choices Through Research and Inquiry
  2. Short stories
  3. Brave New Worldor Lord of the Flies- novel (purchase)
  4. Literary analysis writing
  5. The Word within the Word
  6. SAT preparation

*The work titled The Word within the Word is a text you will use every year in your high school English classes. You will have to buy the book only once (if you don’t lose it). It is a work that will help with vocabulary skills. This, along with the other four novels, can be purchased in the student book store in the cafeteria during lunch periods.* If you receive a free/reduced lunch, you will be given free copies of the course literature; the copies can be obtained from Mrs. Wolf in the library. Students should purchase their books from the school book store to ensure that the correct edition is purchased. New, clean (non-highlighted) texts are required. Grades will be taken for interaction.

EXPECTATIONS

In order to foster and maintain an environment in which learning can take place, it is very important that you meet the following expectations.

Respect

  1. Teacher—Please treat me with respect, as I will treat you with respect in return. Actively listen when I am speaking, and pay attention. Raise your hand if you wish to speak or ask a question. No talking will be tolerated while I am speaking. When communicating with me in person or via e-mail, be mature, patient, and clear. Respect my judgment, decisions, and time and know that everything I do is to provide you with the best education possible.
  1. Classmates—Treat your classmates with respect and kindness. In my class, I will NOT tolerate any derogatory, rude, or disparaging remarks to other students. Listen to others with an open mind, respect their views and opinions, and acknowledge the importance of what they have to contribute. You will often work in groups or with a partner (sometimes of your choice, sometimes assigned), and it is imperative that you can work well with others.
  1. School Property—Have pride and respect in your school by keeping it clean and orderly. When we are in the library or using computers, avoid unnecessary printing and visiting unrelated websites. Push in your chairs once you are done with your work. Do not write on your desk. Please ask to use any of my supplies. If you use an item of mine, take care of it and return it in the condition that it was given to you (or you will be asked to replace it).
  1. Respect Yourself—Be thoughtful about the decisions you make. Act maturely and responsibly, and always be true to yourself and your beliefs and values. Hold yourself to high standards both academically and morally.

Responsibility

  1. Actions/Behavior—First, take responsibility for your actions. YOU make choices about how you act; therefore, YOUmust be prepared to deal with consequences of your actions. Accept when you have made a mistake or failed to meet an expectation, correct it, and learn from it!
  1. Course Work—Be responsible for your assignments by completing them on time and to the best of your ability. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to acquire and make up your assignments in a timely manner. The best way to keep track of your assignments is by keeping an organized binder and planner and frequently checking the course calendar and SchoolPointe. You will need to use time management skills to juggle your responsibilities. If you need help or have a question, it is your responsibility to ask! If assignments are incomplete, you may be assigned an after school study center session.

Overall, do not disrupt my teaching or anyone else’s learning.

PROCEDURES

Procedures differ from behavior expectations. A procedure is a method or process for getting things done in the classroom.

Raising your hand: If you wish to ask or answer a question, add to the discussion, etc., I will only respond if your hand is raised. If you need my attention or assistance, raise your hand and wait patiently and politely; I will be with you as soon as I can.

Work in class: At ALL times you must be working on English assignments. You will often have class time to complete assignments. If you are working on another class’s assignment, I will first tell you to put it away, and if I see it again, I will take it. When we are using technology, you are to access teacher approved resources (Google docs, dictionary app, etc.) only.

Seating assignments: You will have an assigned seat that you are to sit in each day. Individual seating changes will be made when necessary.

Hall passes: Hall passes will be permitted at my discretion. Using the pass is a privilege, and it only should be used in the rare case of an urgent matter.

Exiting the classroom: I dismiss you, not the bell. I expect you to stay in your seats until dismissed; do not line up at the door to wait for the bell.

Taking a summative assessment (in class writing or multiple choice): We will begin the assessment shortly after the bell rings. From that point on, there will be no talking until the bell rings at the end of the period. If you have a question, please raise your hand, and I will come to you. When you finish the assessment, stay seated, sit quietly and find something to do (i.e. read your self-select book); I will come and collect the assessment materials. You will have one period to take the assessment (extended time will be determined if necessary).

Use of devices: Electronic devices are to be used for school purposes only with teacher permission. Using devices during class for any other purpose is prohibited and will result in your device being confiscated. When using devices in class, expect random screen checks to ensure your compliance with this policy.

Food and drink: There is to be no eating or drinking in class with the exception of bottled water.

DISCIPLINE

  1. You are expected to comply with the school’s official code of conduct outlined in the student handbook and my classroom expectations and procedures.
  2. The first offense will result in a verbal warning and a possible conference.
  3. The second offense will result in an after school detention and a call home.
  4. The third offense will result in an office referral.

GRADING POLICIES

The student’s grade will be determined by a variety of means. This will vary dependent upon the state standard being focused on at that time and the focus of the text that is being studied. The grading scale is as follows:

90-100=A80-89=B70-79=C60-69=D59 & below=F

Weighted Grades

20% of the student’s grade will be from the Word within the Word assignments (vocabulary).

20% of the student’s grade will be from formative assessments (homework, reading quizzes, etc.).

60% of the student’s grade will be from summative assessments (end-of-unit assessments, presentations, projects, essays, etc.).

Some general grading guidelines:

  • In the first nine weeks, the summer reading assessment will be factored into the grade.—summative
  • Approximately every two-three weeks a writing assignment will be due.—summative
  • At the conclusion of each novel study, there will be either a writing assignment, test, or project.—summative
  • Homework will be given most nights; sometimes a homework check of 10-15 points will be assessed. Many times this will be in the form of a reading quiz.—formative
  • Students will complete at least two oral presentations.—summative
  • A research paper will be completed in the second semester. (Cumulative point activities lead up to this)—summative

Please keep the following information in mind as you complete your assignments:

  • Traditionally in education earning a grade of an “A” means excellent work, “B” means good work, “C” means average work, “D” means below average work and “F” means your work is failing the essential requirements. Thus, before you turn something in, ask yourself, “Is this excellent work? Is this good work? Or, is this average work? Have I met all the requirements?” Use the rubric as a guide while completing the assignment and check it many times. This may help you determine if you need to put more time and effort into your assignment or project.
  • Due to your grade being weighted, your performance on summative assessments will have a significant impact on your overall percentage as summatives assess your level of mastery of the content of a unit. The formative assessments, however, are important because they will help you succeed on the summative assessments by practicing the knowledge/skills you will be asked to demonstrate on the summative. Although formatives seldom will be taken for a grade, they are critical in informing us about your learning and progress toward mastering the instructional objectives.

Suggested Supplies

  1. Pens and pencils
  2. A three ring binder to hold all class work
  3. Binder tabs
  4. A notebook (to be used as your Writer’s Notebook)
  5. 3x5 index cards
  6. Highlighters
  7. Sticky notes
  8. Jump/flash drive

E-Readers & Tablets

You are permitted to read any literary work on an e-reader or tablet; these devices allow you to highlight text and make notes to interact with the text, a reading requirement of the course. I would not recommend using a device to read whole class works because the class discussions, handouts, etc. will use the page numbers from the edition sold in the school bookstore. Reading self-select books on a device is encouraged, as long as the device can be brought to school on a regular basis. Tablets are permitted in class to take notes and conduct research, although the technology use policies strictly apply.

Online Grades & Assignments

Grades will be updated weekly. Lengthy assignments may take more time for input. Assignments that have not been made up will have a “0” as the grade. Students are responsible for checking their grades online for accuracy. Keep track of homework, tests, projects, etc. in a planner so you are never surprised or unprepared. All course documents and links will be accessible through SchoolPointe.

Submission of Assignments

All students must turn in a hard copy of the assignment on the teacher assigned due date and then submit the assignment to turnitin.com. The expectation is for the student to submit toturnitin.comon the day that the assignment is due in class; however, a grace period of one week after the assignment due date is given for submission to turnitin.com. Work that is submitted to turnitin.com past the one week grace period will result in a disciplinary action assigned by Mr. Brookhart. Non-submission of assignments will result in a “0”.

If you submit a formative assignment late, you will earn half credit. Late summative assessments will receive a deduction of one letter grade per day that the assignment is late. Late work will be accepted only until the end of the unit.

Academic Dishonesty- Plagiarism & Collusion

Plagiarism of someone else’s words or ideas will not be tolerated. According to the Students Rights and Responsibilities section of the school handbook, “Any student who misappropriates or plagiarizes someone’s wok, assists another in such misappropriation or otherwise engages in academic dishonesty shall not obtain credit for the work in question and shall be subject to other disciplinary action.” This includes copy/paste from the web. If plagiarism has occurred, I will speak with the student first. Then, I will make a phone call home, and finally I will write an office referral. I record a zero and a note in my grade book until the student authentically completes the assignment, and the main office typically issues a Saturday school detention in addition to keeping the academically dishonest work in the student’s permanent file.

Any work done through collaboration with others without my permission is called collusion and is academic dishonesty as well. One can be expelled from college for collusion. If you are to work on any assignment within a partner or group, it will be assigned as such. Sharing and borrowing textual evidence, a thesis, ideas for an essay, etc. from another student is considered collusion and is unacceptable.

Media Center Passes

If you would like to work on an assignment during study hall, ask me for a media center pass that day or the day before. If assigned to the media center, you are to work on your English assignment only. I will not issue passes for other classes, nor will I write a pass if you ask for one at an inconvenient time. Please plan ahead if you need a pass.

Questions

I will be available to answer any questions you have. If you have a question during class, please raise your hand or approach my desk and wait for my response. If I am available, I can meet with you before school or after school to discuss questions/concerns. You may contact me via e-mail during non-school hours if necessary.

Turnitin.com Directions

All writing assignments will be submitted to this site and the following information will be used.

(Class name, Class ID and Password will always be the same)

To create an account:

  1. Go to
  2. In the upper right hand corner is a login box. Below the login box is the link to create an account. Click the link.
  3. The next page will give instructions on how to create an account. Ignore these instructions since they are created for instructors. Students need to go to the bottom right column labeled New Users and click Sign up for Turnitin.
  4. The next step is to create an account. Under the Create an Account heading select student since you are a student user.
  5. This step will take you to creating an account. Please fill in all of the required information. Make sure you use a legitimate email account to create your turnitin.com account. You can use this to check originality reports and as your digital receipt for submission. Be sure to agree to the terms and limitations at the bottom of the page to complete the account creation.
  6. Upload and submit your paper to the assignment title that corresponds to the assignment.

To enroll in a class: (if you already have an account)

  1. Login to turnitin.com with your username and password.
  2. Click on enroll in a class on the student homepage.
  3. Enter the class ID and enrollment password for the new class.
  4. Click on submit to enroll in the class and add it to your homepage.

When logged in, you will need to know the following information: Class Name, Class ID and Password