LA 12
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Class Expectations:
The class rules will be determined collaboratively within each class and will be categorized under one or more of the following expectations:
Expectation 1: Show respect for yourself and others.
Expectation 2: Take responsibility for your actions.
Expectation 3: Come to class prepared to learn.
Course Objective and Description:
It is a full year course designed to expand students’ background in literature from a variety of cultures, specifically British literature and its colonies. Students will continue to fine hone their critical thinking and research skills as they explore these cultures through plays, informational texts, literature, and film.
This course will emphasize active and cooperative learning. Students will learn to assess and communicate their own levels of learning and comprehensions of language concepts in order to earn a grade. Students will use technology to aid in the learning process.
The course will be aligned to the Alaska State Standards for English Language Arts (available from the state at http://education.alaska.gov/standards/).
The five areas of focus within the Alaska State Standards for English Language Arts are:
• Reading literature
• Reading informational text
• Writing (narrative, expository, persuasive, research)
• Speaking and listening
• Language (grammar and usage)
Grading Policy:
Grading is based on how well students meet the standards on which the assignments are based. Students have a week to retake a test; however, it is a student’s responsibility to set up this retake with the teacher AND to factor in time to meet with the teacher beforehand to ensure the material is learned properly. Due dates are important to observe; any assignment handed in late will not be eligible for an A. Absent students must ensure they follow the district’s policy for getting any assignments in within the proper timeframe. Long-term assignments with due dates provided in advance cannot be made up for late work. This includes excused absences. These assignments must be completed in advance of an absence. Grades will not be rounded. Extra credit is earned, not given simply to raise a GPA, and is not available to any student with a missing assignment or a “0.”
KCHS uses the following point scale in grading:
A (above standard) 90-100%
B (proficiently meets standard) 80-89%
C (meets standard) 70-79%
D (below standard) 60-69%
F (failing standard) 59% or below
20%: Employability = Classroom behavior and preparedness
40%: Projects, Tests and Quizzes
40%: Daily Work
Students who are caught cheating on any assignment or helping others cheat will receive zero points with no opportunity for redoing the assignment. All students who are involved in copying either classwork or homework or plagiarizing materials (including rewording information and not providing a citation) will receive zero points on the assignment, regardless of how it affects their GPA or the weight of the assignment. Any occurrence will result in an individual student-teacher conference and communication home to the student’s parent or guardian. A copy of the copied or plagiarized assignment can be emailed or mailed home at a parent or guardian’s request. Cheating or plagiarizing will factor into a student’s evaluation and will impact their final score for a unit.
Outside Reading Requirements:
Each quarter students will complete an outside reading assignment. I expect students to bring their outside reading book to school on a daily basis, as they can read their book during the school’s reading period or after completing an in-class assignment.
Necessary Supplies:
• LARGE 3-ring binder
• notebook paper (paper torn from a notebook is acceptable if the edges are trimmed)
• writing utensils (pencil or pen, blue or black ink only please)
• erasers or White-Out, depending on the chosen writing utensil
• highlighters
• sticky notes
I would also suggest getting the following supplies when it is possible, or sharing such supplies with fellow classmates:
• art supplies (pens, colored pencils, paper, etc.) – some will be available for use in class
• flash drive
• Journal (Steno pad, spiral notebook, or composition book)
Planner Use & Passes:
Students must bring their own official KCHS planner to class every day. A student cannot leave the classroom without using the planner as a pass. Students should habitually use their planner to stay on top of this important information. Their class’s weekly work will be posted in my classroom and on the blog, so there is no excuse for missing assignments. Students should use passing time between classes to go to their lockers, the drinking fountain, or the restroom. Students must use passes from their own official KCHS planner. Please let me know when there are special circumstances that require a student to leave class often or on short notice so that I can be sensitive to those needs. Misuse of passes may result in loss of this privilege. Misusing restroom breaks may result in not being allowed to leave during class. Being absent from class longer than 5 minutes while using a pass will result in being marked “unexcused absent.”
Food/Beverages:
Food (including candy or any edible object) is not allowed in class without permission. Students may bring beverages as long as they are in a sealed container that will not spill (e.g. water bottles).
Clothing:
All clothing must adhere to the KCHS student handbook guidelines, or students will be required to change. Furthermore, any clothing that is inappropriate or borderline when seated will result in students being required to change. Hats and hoods will be mandated to be removed before entering class (exception: unless part of a costume for school spirit week).
Electronics:
Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices will occasionally be used in class for specific assignments. Students who follow the classroom procedure for electronics use will be allowed to
use these devices for these assignments. Students who abuse the privilege will have their devices taken and turned in to the office where they can be retrieved at the end of the day. Parents, please support your student’s responsible use of these devices by not calling or texting them during class.
Individual Help:
Students who need my help on assignments or concepts are welcome to talk to me. I am comfortable meeting before or after school. If a student tries to meet with me during another class’s time, I will not be able to provide help. I believe that each class is important and expect students to show courtesy and respect to their other teachers’ schedules. I also ask that students give me some warning before meeting with me so I can gather any useful supplies or information; asking me for help on an assignment ten minutes before it is due will not allow me to prepare adequately.
Please sign and detach this page to turn in. The rest of the syllabus can be maintained for your records.
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Additional contact information or student awareness information (allergies, trips, etc.) can be written below, if desired.