WestForsythHigh School

2015-2016Ninth Grade High School English Syllabus

Instructor: Andrew Serang

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Course Objective:

The purpose of this course is to help students succeed in English at the high school level. In meeting the objectives of the Common Core Standards, students will develop the skills necessary to read, understand and create quality pieces of writing. Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate proficiency in standard grammar, spelling, vocabulary, textual evaluation and writing.

Course Rules:

A. Arrive on time and ready to work, with all required books and supplies

B. Respect other members of the class

C. Raise your hand to speak

D. Remain in your assigned seat unless instructed otherwise

Course Outline: Topics to be addressed during the course include the following:

A. textual analysis- students and instructor will work together to readand understand texts from the assigned literature book and outside sources

B.journals- students will write in journals on a daily basis in order to develop skills as creative and independent writers

C.grammar, spelling, and vocabulary- daily grammar and vocabulary exercises will reinforce proper usage of standard English

D.formal writing- students will learn to generate samples of research and analysis writing, utilizing proper MLA documentation

Criteria for Evaluation of Student Performance:

Homework 15%

Quizzes 25%

Class Participation 15%

Opening Exercises(journals, question sets, prompts, etc) 25%

Classwork 20%

Grading Policy:

The standard grading numerics of Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools will be utilized in this course (90-100= A, 80-89= B, 70-79= C, 60-69= D, Below 60= F). This class will use the strict percentage average to determine semester and final grades, not an alphabetical average that rounds up ( not the system that averages an A and a B to automatically equal an A). For example, a first quarter grade of 86% (B) and a second quarter grade of 90% (A) will equal an 88%, which is a B for the semester.

Absences and Makeup Work/Tests/Quizzes:

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assignments on time. In the event of an absence, all missed work must be completed. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work was missed during any and all absences. The student must meet with the instructor upon returning to school to discuss makeup work. Any work that is not completed will be given a failing grade. Any missed quizzes must be made up during the first day that the student returns to school. Any quizzes that are not made up during the first day of student’s return will be given a 0%.

Late Work:

No late work will be accepted without prior permission from the instructor or after satisfactory consultation with a parent/guardian.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a serious violation of school policy. All sources utilized must be documented. Any plagiarism will result in a failing grade and possible disciplinary action.

Cheating:

In accordance with WSFCS and West Forsyth policy, all cheating will result in a 0% grade, and will be turned over to administration for disciplinary action. In a test or quiz environment, any visible cellular telephones, MP3 players, or other electronic devices will be considered instruments of academic dishonesty.

Supplies Needed:

Three ring binder (or at least a section in a binder devoted to this class)

Spiral composition book with at least 100 sheets of paper

Pack of 300 note cards

Notebook paper

Ink pens and pencils

Tardy Policy:

The first time a student is late, he or she will be given a warning. After the first tardy, students will be issued a tardy slip and discipline will be handled by the administration (detention, Saturday school, etc).

General Assessment Timeline:

New vocabulary terms will be introduced the first in-school day of every week. A quiz will be given on the last in-school day of every week (if a student is absent any day during the week, he/she will still take the quiz on Friday, so make sure to get the vocabulary words if absent on the day they are given). A midterm exam and a final exam will be conducted in this course, in addition to literature and grammar tests.

Cell Phone Policy:

If a cell phone is visible or rings/vibrates during class, it will be taken and given to the administration (WSFCS district policy).

Statement on the Final Exam:

A passing score on the final exam does not necessarily mean that a student will pass the course. Students have to pass the regular class portions and meet the attendance criteria set by the state in order to officially pass the class.

Powerschool:

It is expected that all parents and students will monitor Powerschool as the course progresses. Keep track of grades and attendance through this system. This system allows parents and students to see grades daily and ask questions in a timely manner, rather than waiting until the end of the semester, when it is often too late to achieve the desired outcome. Let’s work together to keep our students on track from the time that the first grade is entered until final report cards are printed in June.This course and all grades associated with it are updated daily in Powerschool; all students and parents have the ability to see these updates and should consider updates in Powerschool to be a constant stream of communication.

Tutoring/extra credit:

Students must attend regularly, have satisfactorily turned in all homework and classwork, and maintain a vocabulary quiz average of at least 80% to be eligible for tutoring and extra credit (beyond the extra credit offered to everyone in class each week). If a student learns his or her vocabulary, turns in his or her work and is still struggling, extra opportunities will be offered. No student who has not met these basic requirements will be eligible for extra assistance outside of the regular class and its assignments/assessments. Remember that extra help and extra credit are for those who have done everything that has been asked of them as part of the regular course and are still struggling to succeed. Note: 10% extra credit is automatically added to each vocabulary quiz for students who bring study notecards to the quiz on Friday (10 cards, with a vocabulary word on one side and the definition on the other).

I have read and understand this syllabus in its entirety. I understand that this syllabus represents the rules and expectations of the English Department at WestForsythHigh School.

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