English 11

Junior year is an exciting time--students move one year closer to graduation. Over the course of the year, students will take their ACT or SAT, visit colleges, embark on a technical career pathway, locate part-time jobs and enjoy throwing a fabulous Prom. As we embark on this year of their high school education together, my goal is to increase the college and career readiness skills identified in West Virginias new Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives. The new standards provide students with the opportunity to build the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace or in college. Over the course of this year, we will learn how to construct artful sentences, paragraphs and essays; to read for success in college and in the workplace through reading, discussing and writing about quality nonfiction and fictional texts and silent-sustained daily reading; being competent researchers is important in the workplace, college and in life while we study the needs of the school community, comprise and implement a plan of action; to utilize various technologies in communicating our ideas; being an effective member of a collaborative group is important in the school, the workplace and in college. Standards for student learning: Students need to participate actively in all activities to the very best of their abilities. Students need to complete all assignments to the very best of their abilities. Students need to reflect honestly about their learning. Students need to collaborate effectively with their peers in order to create a positive classroom environment. Students need to address all concerns with the teachers immediately; we can only address concerns that we know about. Students need to maturely use all technologies and follow all classroom procedures regarding said technologies. Students need to utilize class time effectively in order to reduce the amount of additional time required to complete assignments. Standards for professional teaching: Teachers will create meaningful learning experiences for students. Teachers will create and maintain a positive, supportive classroom climate and communicate with students in a variety of ways. Teachers will utilize quality-questioning techniques and engage students in discussions. Teachers will deliver instruction to motivate and engage students in a deep understanding of the content. Teachers will use both classroom formative and summative assessment as a balanced approach to instructional decision making. Teachers will adjust instruction based on the needs of the students and in response to teachable moments. Please feel free to email or telephone me if you have any questions or concerns. I strive keep Edline up to date with students grades and to describe assignments fully so there is never a question about what a student is missing. I am looking forward to spending this year with your student!