Syllabus

Policies for the Harris County School district may be found at the following link:
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_ePolicy/SB_PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4085
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/Policy.aspx?
S=4085&Sch=4085&PC=JCDA&revNo=2.05&srch=rules+regulations&ktype=Any

Introduction
Title: 9th Grade Literature!
ATTN: Students,
Welcome to 9th grade Literature. This course is a combined synchronous and asynchronous online course.
The textbooks have been provided by Harris County School district. You will find all materials for this
course at the following link:
http://harriscounty.ga.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/sectionlist/default.php?
sectiondetailid=104&category=20&
You will find an online course syllabus at the following link:
All textbooks and most materials have been provided by the Harris County School District. You will find
some of your supplemental materials at www.gutenberg.org. Many of the novels, plays, and non-fiction
works that we will study may be found on that website. Those materials are free for all educational
participants to view and study.
The benefits of this online course is that students and all participants may be involved in the educational
process at their own convenience. There are deadlines that each student must meet but the hours of study
are far more flexible. Online courses provide more flexibility concerning educational participant
schedules and this is a key benefit. Students individual needs will be met through proper channels.
Students will need to provide usernames and passwords to the course administrators and instructors for
active participation in this online course.
Instructor: Ms. Speakman
Contact Information
Email: speakman-e@harris.k-12.ga.us
Website: http://harriscounty.ga.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/sectionlist/default.php?
sectiondetailid=104&category=20&
Look for the Ms. Speakman tab. You will find a full list of all resources, materials, and
documents at the above website. Should the materials be unavailable due to a school system crash
you will also be able to access the same information at the weebly url below.
Teacher Weebly URL:
Phone: (706) 442-0824
Office Hours: I am available through email or phone from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.
Textbooks and Supplemental Texts
Main Text:
Pearson Prentice Hall Literature 9a.
Supplemental Texts:
Assorted Books from the Gutenberg Project at www.gutenberg.org.
There will be a link to the reading list. All books on the approved reading list are aligned with the
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Any books that students wish to read that is not on the on
the reading list must be teacher/instructor approved.

Other supplemental texts may be found at the following link:

http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/ELAResources/ELAShared/Shared9thLitComp.aspx

These supplemental resources are free for student use in the state of Georgia and any other supplemental
texts that are used will be provided by the Harris County School District.
If students discover other sources of supplemental material and it is approved by the instructor then those
students discovering these sources will be given extra credit.

If any of the materials are lost or stolen it is the Students responsibility to report the loss to the Harris
County School district. Replacement costs for the book are $100.00. Supplemental texts that are lost or
stolen will need to be replaced and those texts may vary in price. Please retain all receipts in case of loss.

Expected Student Audience

The students attending this course will be 9th grade literature students from Harris County and other
counties around the state of Georgia. The students that will attend this course must have successfully
completed 8th grade literature to succeed in this 9th grade online literature class. Curriculum is provided by
Harris County High School as well as Georgia Virtual Academy and the Georgia Board of Education. All
students will be assessed by the state of Georgia.

Teacher Communication
My name is Ms. Speakman. I have a B.A. in Literature and an M.A.T with Columbus State
University. I will be your instructor for this course. You will be able to reach me throug email, phone, and
office visits from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday using the contact information below.
Email: speakman-e@harris.k-12.ga.us
Phone: (706) 442-0824
Address: 564 Main St.
Ellerslie, GA 31807
Teacher Website: www.speakman_erin@weebly.com
I answer my emails within 24-48 hours. I will be available through the online class chatroom from 9am to
5 pm Monday through Friday. I will be available over the phone for those same office hours. However, I
will not be available for contact from 5 pm, Friday through 8 am Monday.
If there are any schedule changes I will alert all participants through email at least 48 hours
prior to the change of schedule.

Course Description:
Grade 9 Unit 1:
Students will study various works of literature, journalism, and non-fiction, as well as, grammar usage
throughout the entirety of this course. The emphasis will be on writing styles, structure, and grammar
usage for all genres. Attention will be paid to the varying learning styles of students and all projects will
be designed to appeal to various learning styles.
By the end of the course students will:

o Read various texts including short stories, novels, articles, technical manuals and non-
fiction.
o Analyze texts for structure, grammar, style, and use.
o Develop interdisciplinary projects that interact with multiple subjects.
o Develop their analytical skills to analyze texts, videos, and other media artforms.
o Develop content vocabulary.
o Develop their research skills with regards to non-fictional texts and facts.
o Develop their writing skills through practice and reading the same genre.

CCGPS Standards*:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade-9-Literature-
Composition-Standards.pdf

The following CCGPS Standards will be covered during the first 9 weeks of this course.

READING LITERARY (RL) READING INFORMATIONAL (RI)

ELAGSE9-10RL1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
ELAGSE9-10RI1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
ELAGSE9-10RL2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of text and analyze in detail its development
over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide
an objective summary of the text.
ELAGSE9-10RI2: Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the
text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective
summary of the text.
ELAGSE9-10RL3: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations)
develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the
theme.
ELAGSE9-10RI3: Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the
order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are
drawn between them.

Craft and Structure

ELAGSE9-10RL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including
figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning
and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone.)
ELAGSE9-10RI4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices
on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
ELAGSE9-10RL5: Analyze how an authors choices concerning how to structure a text, order events
within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as
mystery, tension, or surprise.
ELAGSE9-10RI5: Analyze in detail how an authors ideas or claims are developed and refined by
particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a section or chapter).
ELAGSE9-10RL6: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of
literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.
ELAGSE9-10RI6: Determine an authors point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author
uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.

WRITING (W)
ELAGSE9-10W3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. a. Engage and orient the reader by
setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and
introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events. b. Use
narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop
experiences, events, and/or characters. c. Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build
on one another to create a coherent whole. d. Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory
language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters. e. Provide a
conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of
the narrative.

ELAGSE9-10W9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and
research. a. Apply grades 910 Reading standards to literature (e.g., Analyze how an author draws on
and transforms source material in a specific work [e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from
Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare]). b. Apply grades 910 Reading
standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text,
assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false
statements and fallacious reasoning).

SPEAKING AND LISTENING (SL)

ELAGSE9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions(one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 910 topics, texts, and issues, building on
others ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. a. Come to discussions prepared having
read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence
from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of
ideas. b. Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making (e.g., informal
consensus, taking votes on key issues, presentation of alternate views), clear goals and deadlines, and
individual roles as needed. c. Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the
current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and
clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions. d. Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives,
summarize points of agreement and disagreement, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own
views and understanding and make new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented.
ELAGSE9-10SL3: Evaluate and/or reflect on a speakers point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence
and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

ELAGSE9-10L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases
based on grades 910 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. a. Use context
(e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a words position or function in a sentence) as
a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. b. Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that
indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., analyze, analysis, analytical; advocate, advocacy). c.
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print
and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of
speech, or its etymology. d. Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g.,
by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
ELAGSE9-10L5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in
word meanings. a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their
role in the text. b. Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
ELAGSE9-10L6: Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases,
sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level;
demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase
important to comprehension or expression.

*Skills marked with an asterisk (*) are included on the Language Progressive Skills chart for CGSE and
are likely to require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated
writing and speaking.

9th-10th Grade English Language Arts Georgia Standards of Excellence (ELA GSE)
Georgia Department of Education April 15, 2015 Page 5 of 5

*Please Note: Any alterations to lesson plans, projects, and standards will be listed on the instructors
website. All educational participants will be informed of changed through text and email.

The following list may vary or be changed as needed. Students needing changes must contact the
instructor through email. All variations to lesson schedule will be handled privately.
Learner Mastery

Students participating in this course must be able to read at a grade appropriate level, ex: 7-10 th
grade reading level. Students must know the basic structure of an essay. They must also be able to take
appropriate notes and communicate in a kind and appropriate manner with teachers, staff, and fellow
students.
Mastery of the course will include:
Successfully writing a well-researched essay
Reading and analyzing a text for structure,
Developing a personal strong writing style
Research skills development
Presentation / Debate skill development
Writing multiple genres
Reading and understanding multiple genres

Topics By Week
Weeks 1-2: Focus: The Short Story
Week 1: All about me, Your classmates, and your Teacher. Introductions,
Classroom etiquette, School policies, and beginning vocabulary concerning
literary usage, and structure.
Week 2: Literary Analysis: Structure, Vocabulary, Theme, Language Use-
 Short stories: pg. 144. The Black Cat, pg. 150. Cask of Amontillado, pg. 156. The
Oblong Box.
Week 3: Literary Analysis Cont.: www.guttenbergproject.org Short Stories: The Red Room by
H.G. Wells, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, and The Invalids Story by
Mark Twain.
Weeks 4-5: Focus: The Novel, Author Writing Style and Inspiration
Week 4: www.guttenbergproject.org Read and Analyze the novel: White Fang or Call of the
Wild by Jack London. Learn about background information, good online sources,
citing texts, and quoting research.
Week 5: Continue reading the novel choice, find sources concerning the author and his
Inspiration. Prepare to write an essay and/or complete a project over the novel.
Week 6-8: Writing Sources, Citation, Developing Student Writing Styles, and Author/Book Review
Week 6: Good online sources, discerning reliable sources from unreliable sources. Citing sources
and using Purdue OWL. Practicing good research and writing habits.
Week 7: Writing/Project concerning how authors use outside sources to inspire their stories.
Week 8: Review and Testing cycle
1st 9 Weeks Grading Cycle/Progress Reports

Expectations of Student Participation

1. Students will on a weekly basis complete: vocabulary, reading selections, quizzes, and gather
research.
2. Students will on a bi-weekly basis complete: reading selections, research presentation,
writing and project assignments.
3. Students will complete quizzes the first Friday of every bi-weekly segment and unit tests on
the second week of every bi-weekly unit.
4. Essays and Projects will take two weeks to complete.
5. Students will post at least one discussion reflecting on what they learned during the week and
all students must post at least 3 discussion responses to other student posts.
6. Student must read Every Day! If students finish early they must read the reading selection at
least one more time to properly analyze the work.
All details may be found on the teachers school website listed in the contacts section of this syllabus.

Student Communication Expectations

Students are expected to follow the following classroom rules:
Do be Respectful of others!
No bullying, cheating, or demeaning comments! Positivity only!
Do be on time! Respond to posts within a 24 to 48-hour time period.
Do use upper and lower case appropriately. Using ALL CAPS is interpreted as yelling.
Do remember that because you cannot be seen by others social cues may be miss-interpreted.
Therefore, do not use sarcasm or subtlety. Say what you mean and mean what you say!
Do use proper grammar, punctuation, and language. Slang may only be used when appropriate to
your audience! You must always think of how your audience is going to interpret your
writing because they cannot read your body language.
Do contribute to class resources. If you find what you think is a good site then please let me
know. When it is approved, it will be posted for the rest of the class to use and you will
get a choice of rewards.

Late Work Policy

Harris County has a late work policy that may be found at the following link.
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/Policy.aspx?
S=4085&Sch=4085&PC=IHA&revNo=1.91&srch=Assessment&ktype=All

10.02 Completion of Assignments

A student shall complete all classes and homework assignments. Continued or repeated refusal or
failure to complete such class or homework assignments shall constitute an offense hereunder.

Classroom Late Policy

Students must turn in all work on time. Only students with an excused absence may turn in late
work without pt. deduction. Unexcused absences causing work to be turned in late will result in 5
pts being taken from that grade.

Second and third offenses will result in parental/guardian contact.

Extenuating circumstances may be discussed with your teacher.

Grading Policy/Assessment*
Harris Countys grading/assessment policy may be found at the link below:
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/Policy.aspx?
S=4085&Sch=4085&PC=IHA&revNo=1.91&srch=Assessment&ktype=All

The Harris County Schools will use the following grading scale for students:

A (90-100)
The student meets or exceeds the course requirements. Work is on time

and of a superior quality. It shows mastery of the subject matter.

B (80-89)
The students work is of a quality nature and the required work is well

done.

C (70-79)
The student does the required work satisfactorily. It is of average
 Quality.

F (Below 70) Unsatisfactory with little growth evident.

End-of-Course Test

1. End-of-Course Tests (EOC) shall be used as the final exam in the courses assessed by
an EOC as mandated by the State.
In order for a student to earn unit credit for a course towards graduation that is
assessed by an EOC, the following weighted calculation shall be used:

Student's grade in the course as determined by local board policy (80%)

Student's grade on the EOC (20%)

The resulting average must meet or exceed 70.

AP/IB: A GPA/Quality Point of "1" will be added to any Advanced Placement course. Ex:
Eighty (80) or above average in an AP class will receive 4.0 GPA points.

HONORS/GIFTED/ACCELERATED/DUAL ENROLLMENT

A GPA/Quality Point of "0.5" will be added to any Honors/Gifted/Accelerated course. Ex:

Eighty (80) or above in an honors class will receive 3.5 GPA points.

It is possible for students who participate in Advanced Placement/Gifted/Honors/Accelerated

classes to have averages of more than 100 after their numeric grade is weighted. The
weighted numeric average will be used in ranking purposes to determine Valedictorian,
Salutatorian, STAR student, and Honors Graduates. The weighted grade and the grading
policy will be included on the student's transcript.

Grade Changing

Teachers will assign grades based on Board Policy IHA using normal and customary
discretionary practices such as "grade curving," practices where the teacher deems such
action appropriate.

All grades are subject to administrative review and approval within the following guidelines:

1. Errors in averaging or clerical errors may be routinely corrected administratively

where the teachers grade book clearly supports such action.
 2. A student or his/her parents may appeal the award of a semester or final course grade
as provided hereafter. An appeal must be based upon any good and sufficient cause,
the reasons for which must be stated with particularity and in detail.

3. A student, his/her parents or a counselor, or administrator acting in the students

behalf, after a good faith effort is made to resolve the matter with the teacher, may
appeal the reasons a semester or final course grade to the school principal. The
appeal shall be in writing and shall be made within seven (7) calendar days of the
date of entry or report card of the grade from which the appeal is taken. The burden
shall be on the student or his/her parent to provide clear and convincing evidence that
the grade should be changed and the teacher shall be notified of the appeal and may
submit such evidence as is deemed necessary to substantiate the grade appealed. The
decision of the principal on the appeal shall be in writing with a copy provided to the
appellant and teacher. The decision shall state the reason for the grant or denial of the
appeal.

4. In the event that the appellant or teacher is dissatisfied with the decision of the
principal, the appellant or teacher within seven (7) calendar days of such decision
may appeal in writing to a committee (hereinafter referred to as Grade Appeal
Committee) composed of any 3 of the following 5: (a) principal; (b) assistant
principal; (c) counselor; (d) assistant Superintendent or curriculum director; and (e)
Superintendent or his or her certificated designee. The burden shall be on the party
appealing the decision of the principal to show by clear and convincing evidence that
the grade should be changed. The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the
reasons for the appeal and the basis therefore. The Grade Appeal Committee shall
issue its decision in writing and in doing so shall state the reasons upon which the
decision on the appeal is based. The appellant and the teacher shall be furnished a
copy of the decision by the Grade Appeal Committee.

5. A Grade Appeal Committee may also be appointed by the Superintendent in other

situations as he or she may deem appropriate.

6. In no case shall this policy be used to change a grade of a student for the express
purpose of changing his/her eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.

7. Where incompletes are to be adjusted, the teacher should immediately file the new
grade with the counselor or principal. Normally, this should be not later than the end
of the semester following the semester where the incomplete is recorded.

Harris County Schools Original Adopted Date: 5/11/1989

Classroom Grading policy follows the boards policy.

Vocabulary: 15pts.
Participation: 10 pts.
Tests/Assessments: 25 pts.
Essays/Projects/Presentations: 50pts.

Assessment Criteria
Vocabulary Quizzes: These will be given every first Friday and will also be on the Unit tests.
Unit Tests: These will be given on the last Friday of the unit.
Projects/Essays, and Presentations: Will be spaced out throughout the course according, usually every
other week or every 3rd week. Depending on student/classroom accomplishment.
Homework: homework will be vocabulary assignments and reading. Homework may be varied
according to student need and ability.
All work is due at the end of the unit.

Daily Participation is a must and homework will consist of vocabulary and reading selections.
Academic Honesty*

The Harris County Board of Education has published its policy on Academic honesty and conduct at the
link below.
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/Policy.aspx?
S=4085&Sch=4085&PC=JCDA&revNo=2.05&srch=Academic+Achievement&ktype=Exact

10.01 Academic Achievement

A student shall make a reasonable effort toward academic achievement and progress. Refusal or
failure to make a reasonable effort toward academic achievement and progress shall constitute an
offense hereunder.

10.03 Disruptive Conduct

No student shall conduct himself or behave in any manner which is disruptive to the orderly
educational process in a classroom or other school setting.

10.04 Cheating

A student shall not cheat on tests, examinations, projects, homework or reports by giving or
receiving unauthorized assistance.

Classroom Policy is this:

Cheating on tests and plagiarism will result in immediate F, or failing grade for that exam,
project, or essay. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Acceptable Use Policy*

The Harris County Ga Acceptable Use Policy may be found at:

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?
PC=IFBG&Sch=4085&S=4085&C=&RevNo=1.64&T=A&Z=P

The Harris County Board of Education is committed to providing a learning environment

that enables students to develop their potential as unique individuals and as contributing
citizens in a democratic society and world community. Appropriate use of information and
communication technologies (ICT) by students and staff is essential to achieving this goal. It
is the policy of the Harris County Board of Education to implement best practices in the use
of cutting edge technology while providing systems to protect and guide students as they
learn how to become successful digital citizens. This includes, but is not limited to,
instruction about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on
social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response as
required by the Children's Internet Protection Act.

DEFINITIONS

Acceptable Use Agreement - An agreement among the school district, student, and parents
which outlines acceptable use of technology while on campus or at school sponsored
activities.

Account - Authorized access to a local network and/or the Internet.

Blog - A Web site containing the writer's or group of writers' own experiences, observations,
opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other Web sites.

BYOT- Bring Your Own Technology means a privately owned wireless and/or portable
electronic hand held equipment that includes, but is not limited to, existing and emerging
mobile communications systems and smart technologies, portable Internet devices, e-book
readers, and hand held entertainment or gaming systems or portable information technology
systems that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image
capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.

Cyberbullying - The use of any electronic communication, by individuals or groups, to (1)

make a true threat against a student or school employee, (2) materially disrupt school
operations, or (3) substantially infringe on the rights of another student such as, but not
limited to: (a) creating reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property, (b)
creating a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health, (c)
substantially interfering with a student's academic performance or interfering with the
student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges
provided by the school: or (d) being so severe, persistent, or pervasive as to cause severe
emotional distress (Policy JCDAG - Bullying)

Cybersafety - Best practices, and procedures for online users, including students and staff.
This includes, but is not limited to, filtering software, best practices while surfing the Net,
interacting with other online, participating in social networking, posting information online,
etc.

Digital Citizenship - Acceptable behavior and practices while interacting in the digital
world, including but not limited to the use of technology in social networking, blogging,
online activities, etc. It includes the combination of online safety, social literacy, digital
literacy, and media literacy.

E-Mail - Electronic communications between computers transmitted over a local area

network, wide area network, or World Wide Web.

Internet - Worldwide network of computer networks which allows for global

communications between individuals and/or groups and resource sharing.

Internet Gateway - The means provided by the school district for access to the Internet.
Only the Internet Gateway provided by the school may be used to access the Internet while
on campus or during school sponsored activities. Personal Internet connective devices such
as, but not limited to, cell phones, PDAs, iPads or similar tablet devices, are not permitted to
be used to access the Internet at any time while on campus or during school sponsored
activities.

My Big Campus - A web-based program utilized by the district which allows approved users
(students and staff) the means to participate in a monitored online social networking
environment.

Social Networking - the use of Web sites or other online technologies to communicate with
people and share information, resources, etc.

Malware - An unauthorized computer code that is designed to cause hardware and/or

software damage, the theft of information, or the disruption of service. Malware includes
viruses, trojans, spyware, worms, adware, rootkits, or other malicious software.

ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER USE

An individual's use of the computing resources provided by Harris County Schools is not an
absolute, personal right; rather, it is a privilege conditional on the individual compliance with
state and federal laws, school regulations, and ethical conduct. This section provides
guidelines for what typically constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of Harris County
Schools' computing facilities.

By using the computing resources, including but not limited to hardware, software, and the
Internet gateway, of Harris County Schools, the user agrees to abide by the policies and
procedures, the supporting guidelines of IFBG-E, and procedures established by the
superintendent and school administration.

Internet Safety

It shall be the policy of the Harris County Board of Education that the school system shall
have in continuous operation, with respect to any computers belonging to the school having
access to the Internet:

1. A qualifying technology protection measure as that terms is defined in Section

1703(b)(1) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000;

2. Procedures or guidelines developed by the Superintendent, administrators and/or

other appropriate personnel which provide for monitoring the online activities of
users and the use of the chosen technology protection measure to protect against
access through such computers to visual depictions that are (i) obscene, (ii) child
pornography, or (iii) harmful to minors, as those terms are defined in Section 1703(b)
(1) and (2) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000. Such procedures or
guidelines shall be designed to:

(a) Provide for monitoring the online activities of users to prevent, to the extent
practicable, access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World
Wide Web;

(b) Promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms,
and other forms of direct electronic communications;

(c)Prevent unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking" and other unauthorized

activities by minors online;

(d)Prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal

identification information regarding minors; and

(e)Restrict minors access to materials harmful to minors as that term is defined in

Section 1703(b)(2) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000.

3. Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Harris County School System staff to supervise
and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this
policy and the Childrens Internet protection Act.

The Harris School System shall provide for students age-appropriate instruction regarding safe and
appropriate behavior on social networking sites, chat rooms, and other Internet services, behaviors
that may constitute cyber bullying, and how to respond when subjected to cyber bullying.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the
responsibility of the Director of Technology or designated representatives.

The district's technology resources are provided for educational purposes that promote and
are consistent with the instructional goals of the Harris County School System. Use of
computers and network resources outside the scope of this educational purpose is strictly
prohibited. Students and employees accessing network services or any school computer shall
comply with the district's acceptable use guidelines. The district reserves the right to monitor,
access, and disclose the contents of any users files, activities, or communications.

It must also be understood that the Internet is a global, fluid community, which remains
largely unregulated. While it is an extremely valuable tool for educational research, there are
sections that are not commensurate with community, school, or family standards. It is the
belief of the Board that the Internets advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. The Harris
County Board of Education will, through its administrative staff, provide an Internet
screening system which blocks access to a large percentage of inappropriate sites. It should
not be assumed, however, that users are completely prevented from accessing inappropriate
materials or from sending or receiving objectionable communications. If inappropriate
material is discovered it should be reported immediately to the teacher or administrator.

Additionally, access to the Internet and computer resources is a privilege, not a right.
Therefore, users violating the Harris County Board of Education acceptable use policy shall
be subject to revocation of these privileges and potential disciplinary action.

Student Right to Privacy*

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/Policy.aspx?
S=4085&Sch=4085&PC=JR&revNo=1.58&srch=Privacy&ktype=Exact
Students, you have a right to privacy. To examine the privacy policy for Harris County Board of
Education follow the link above.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Confidentiality of student records shall be preserved while access is provided to

parents, eligible students, and school officials with legitimate educational interests,
as described in the annual parent notice.

With the exception of directory information as defined below, personally identifiable

information will not be released by the school district from an education record
without prior written consent of the parent or eligible student, except to the extent
authorized by the FERPA and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. 99.31.

The Board of Education designates the following information as "directory

information." Unless a parent or eligible student makes a timely request to the
principal of the school where the student is enrolled that such information not be
designated as directory information for the individual student, such information will
not be considered confidential and may be disclosed upon request.

(a) Students name, address and telephone number;

(b) Students date and place of birth;

(c) Students participation in official school activities and sports;

(d) Weight and height of members of an athletic team;

(e) Dates of attendance at schools within the district;

(f) Honors and awards received during the time enrolled in district schools;

(g) Photograph; and

(h) Grade level.

That means that with the exception of the listed information no other information concerning the student
may be released for any reason unless directly approved by parent or guardian. Approval of the release of
information must be in writing and signed by the parent or guardian.

Technology Requirements
Hardware:
Students must have a CPU/Computer with a high-speed processor. Monitor, web cam, speakers,
headphones with microphone, and keyboard.
You may need a printer at some point but as of now you should not need it unless you wish to have a hard
copy of digital documents.

Software: LMS access (this will be provided by online school), Windows 7 or higher, Microsoft Office,
Other software may be provided according to student need. If your student needs specific
software that is not provided by the online school then please get in touch with your services
provider. You will need a Weebly account and a separate email account.
Browser: The Harris County School District uses Google Chrome and their main browser, however,
Mozilla Firefox is acceptable.

For technical assistance call (706) 443 5679.

Copyright Statement

While this course is taught by Ms. Speakman. The ownership of the materials and content is owned and
distributed by the Harris County School district in conjunction with GA Virtual Academy. All digital data,
hard data, and texts on the class website are copyrighted and owned by Pearson Educational publishing.
For further clarification about copyrights of materials used in this course; contact me at speakman-
e@ga.k12.us

Please know that the copyrights of all materials are protected by law. If it was not created by you then you
do not own the copyright and must therefore cite or properly acknowledge the creator of the material. You
may not use their material without permission or proper credit. If you do not do so you may face punitive
action.

Exceptional Students:
Harris County School district and the GA Virtual School Academy provide accomodations to all students
with disabilities and special needs. Further details can be found under Section 508 of the ADA and
Rehabilitation Act. For more information please follow the link provided.
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?
PC=JAA&Sch=4085&S=4085&C=J&RevNo=1.14&T=A&Z=P

Resources:

Information under the heading of CCGPS Standards was retrieved from the following link:

https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade-9-Literature-
Composition-Standards.pdf

Information under the headings of:

Grading Policy/Assessment
Academic Honesty
Acceptable Use Policy
Student Right to Privacy
Have all be designated with a (*) and can be found at the following website under policies:

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?
PC=JAA&Sch=4085&S=4085&C=J&RevNo=1.14&T=A&Z=P

These sections have been pasted under a different font color to better enable the reader to identify the
material from these websites.