Class Expectations and Procedures

2013-2014

English Lang. Arts 11

Mrs. Schneider

4th Hour
Student Materials Needed
It is expected that students bring the following items to class EVERY DAY: A notebook. (3-ring binder with filler paper is preferred) Pencil with eraser Folder with pockets (for portfolio) USB flash drive (optional)

Email: Christine.schneider@clawson.k12.mi.us Class website: www.SchneiderCHS.weebly.com

Class Overview
This course is designed to enhance reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. One of the goals of this class is to make connections between learning in class and students everyday lives. The content of this course is aligned with the Common Core Standards (ttp://www.corestandards.org/the-standards) and will prepare students for the ACT and Michigan Merit Exam. Reading and writing will occur on a daily basis, and units will conclude with a formal assessment. Units of study include the following: Memoir Writing; Independent Reading; Narrative Reading; Literary Essay; Argumentative Essay; Informational Reading; Informational Essay; and Editorial Writing.

Grading Scale
A = 93 100% A = 90 92% B + = 88 89% B = 83 87% B = 80 82% C + = 78 79% C = 73 77% C = 70 72% D + = 68 69% D = 63 67% D = 60 62% E = 0 59%

Homework
Much of the homework will be reading the material, in addition to work not completed during class. This homework will be checked periodically through (and sometimes unannounced) quizzes. If there are special circumstances, please see the instructor BEFORE the assignment is due. Any student not completing homework or assignments is expected to make up that work before the assessment and only will be able to retake an assessment if all assignments are completed. Students will be informed of times to make up this work (before and after school with me or at Scholars Club. Late assignments will not receive full credit.

Plagiarism or copying another students work is unacceptable and will result in a zero on the assignment and/or the semester course.

Evaluation
Assessments = 80% Tests, quizzes, and projects Assignments = 20% Daily bell ringers, class work, group work, homework Each assignment is given a point value based on the length and difficulty. Overall Semester Grades: 1st Semester MP 1 = 40% MP 2 = 40% Midterm = 20% 2nd Semester MP 3 = 40% MP 4 = 40% Final = 20%

Absent Work
If a student is absent on the day an assessment or assignment is due, the student should be prepared to take the assessment or turn in the assignment on the day he/she returns to class. It is the responsibility of the student to gather all materials missed on the day of his/her absence and submit the missed assignments within two days of the absence. Make-up work for unexcused absences is not available.

Summer Reading Accountability

Clawson High Schools English department believes that summer reading is an essential part of the learning process. Not only does it close the learning gap during the summer months, it also piques an interest in reading that high school students can thrive upon. The novels for Juniors were: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore, and The Runner by Carl Dueker. Students will be tested on Tuesday, September 10 on their chosen novel. There will also be frequent references to the books throughout the semester and instances where students will have to compare what we are reading in class to what they read over the summer.

Personal Reading Time (PRT)

Included on selected days of the week will be student independent reading time. Students will be expected to bring in reading selections of their choice. Books and novels are strongly suggested, or otherwise approved reading materials are acceptable.

Bathroom/Hall Passes
Each student will receive 3 passes each marking period. Passes do not carry over and there is no way to earn more. Unused passes may be turned in at the end of the marking period for extra credit. When a student asks to use one of their passes, they need to turn in their pass and present their planner to be signed.

Michigan Merit Exam (MME) and American College Testing (ACT)

Every junior at Clawson High School will be taking the MME and ACT in the Spring. The testing consists of three components: ACT Plus Writing college entrance exam, WorkKeys job skills assessments in reading, math, and locating information, and Michigan -developed assessments in math, science, and social studies. Bell Ringers and various class activities will be designed to prepare students for these tests. With active participation, students will gain necessary skills needed for the MME and ACT.

No Electronics Allowed
This year there will be a Zero Use policy for electronic devices including cellphones, IPods, or similar devices at any point during the hour. If a student is found to be using any of these devices while in class, they will receive one warning. Any continued use after that will result in turning the device over to administration.

Test/Quiz Policy
It is expected that students know proper test-taking behavior. There should be no talking at any point while tests or quizzes are being administered. Students who do not follow this policy are subject to receiving a zero on the test/quiz. Any student who receives a grade of C or below will be required to take the test home and get a parent/guardian signature and return it to me the next day. Retakes: Students will be allowed a retake on tests only in this class. In order for a student to earn the option of a retake, the student must 1. Fill out a retake request form, 2. have all assignments completed, and 3. come in before or after school and review the material with me. When the student has successfully shown me they are ready for a retake, we will set up a time before or after school for them to retake the test. (Note: students may not retake quizzes, projects, midterms, or final exams.)

Behavioral Expectations
All Clawson High School rules and regulations listed in your student handbook will apply in this classroom. Proper behavior is essential to maintaining a quality learning environment. The student is expected to fully participate in class discussions and activities, start assignments in class when given, and remain seated until dismissed. Disrespect for other students, the environment or the teacher will not be tolerated.

Website Resources
Be sure to check the class website for additional web resources for this class.

No Food or Drink Allowed

except water bottles.

Availability/Extra Help
If a student finds they need extra help, they must schedule a time with me either before or after school. I will post sign-up sheets each week.

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English 11 Syllabus
Mrs. Schneider 2013-2014

Please sign and date this page verifying that you have read the attached expectations, returning it to class Friday, September 6, 2013. By signing below, you are signifying that you have read the syllabus for English 11 with Mrs. Schneider. You are also stating that you understand and agree to follow the guidelines and expectations set forth in the syllabus.

Student Info:

Printed Name: ________________________ Cell Number: _________________________

Signature _____________________ Email _________________________

Parent/Guardian Info:

(1) Printed Name: ________________________ Cell Number: _________________________

Signature _____________________ Email _________________________

(2) Printed Name: ________________________ Cell Number: _________________________

Signature _____________________ Email _________________________

Please list any concerns I should know about prior to the start of the year: