Course Description English 2 students will use literature to explore different culture, make connections to their own culture, and consider their place in a diverse global community. Students will enhance their critical thinking, research, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and will increase their mastery of grammar and vocabulary.
This course will focus on a literary exploration of human thought and the great ideas that humanity has express though literature. Students will read a variety of literature, including novels, poetry, short stories, essays, and nonfiction in order to explore the relationship between a work's historical or cultural context and the impact of the work itself on humanity . Readings will include a range of literature from the United States and around the world.
This course places great emphasis on writing, including informative/explanatory, narrative, and argumentative essays. As you know, English 2 is a requirement for graduation. All students will be held to high standards and will have the same overall learning objectives and will be given multiple different activities and assignments and practice these objectives and to demonstrate their mastery of learning. Rather, each student will be provided with activities, tools, and strategies specific to their level in hopes of helping all students master the Common Core State Standards.
Course Objectives - Students will:
Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, poetry, and nonfiction in varying lengths
examine works of world literature in a culture context and appreciate the diversity and complexity of world issues
use textual evidence to support analysis
identify key ideas in the text to support understanding
identify authorial choices, including word choice and structure, to convey meaning
analyze ideas and themes across texts and mediums
compare information across sources
use supporting information in writing
gather and report information in writing
revise and publish writing of varying lengths
participate and communicate effectively in collaborative discussions
present information clearly
make strategic use of digital media to enhance presentations
acquire and use vocabulary
demonstrate command of standard English grammar and usage
Materials You Should Bring to Class Everyday: No student will not be allowed to leave the class for missing materials. You will be held responsible to keep track of and bring the following items to class everyday:
3-ring binder with a section for the class (this may be used for other classes too so long as it's organized!)
Pens (blue or black ink), pencils (mechanical preferred), and highlighters
Loose-leaf college ruled paper
Standard composition notebook
Any required materials (reading texts, activities, handouts, etc.)
Student Planner
Self-Chosen book to independently read (1-2 per semester)
Positive attitude and readiness to learn (this means active listening and participation)
Classwork
“Bell Ringer” is a daily posted exercise in which you will work on during the first 5-10 minutes at the start of every class. Begin on them as soon as class starts and complete them in a timely manner. All of the warm-ups will be kept in a journal/notebook. It may consist of short journal prompts, critical thinking analysis, common mechanics errors to correct, or rewriting paragraph for clarity and effective use of language, or any combination of assessment of devices previously learned.
Independent reading will take place before or after the daily "Bell Ringer." Students will be responsible for having a book of their choice in class everyday. Students will not be allowed to do homework for other classes at this time, or use it as nap time. Further instruction will be given in regards to the "Book Talks" where you will present what you have read.
All assignments must have the correct MLA heading to be accepted.
Daily assignments will consist of taking notes, chapter assignments, research, Powerpoint presentations, written work, small group work, in-class essays, class discussions and individual and group projects.
Read assigned text and be prepared to actively participate in class discussions based on the reading.
Homework
Successfully complete all of assigned work as designated on the board and/or instruction.
Review and reflect upon notes and completed assignments. This is a good study habit that will help you retain information, prepare for tests and prepare you for college.
Classroom Expectations:
Follow all school-wide rules, including no cell phones, electronics, language, dress code, food, and academic honesty.
Arrive to class on time and prepared everyday and be seated before the bell rings. Be prepared for class and ready to work hard.
All assignments must have the correct MLA heading to be accepted.
Arrive to class with the required materials everyday.
Follow instructions the FIRST time they are given.
Remain seated unless instructed to get up and move around by the teacher. Be prepared to work from bell to bell. Be your best and always do your best.
Turn in assignments on time.
Your work should be you work and not copied or completed by someone else.
Treat everyone and everything in the classroom with respect: Listen while the teacher is explaining something. Never use foul, derogatory, profane, or offensive language. If you disagree with someone, present your opposing view in a dignified way. Don’t behave boorishly! Respect school property and maintain a clean environment. Leave the classroom better than the way you found it.
Students are not allowed to have food, gum, or drinks in my class. Bottled water is acceptable.
Additional Rules of Conduct:
Cell phones, smartphones, iPods, and all other technological distractions are never allowed unless teacher permitted. Such items will be confiscated otherwise. Use of these items in class during an assessment such as a quiz, test, essay, exam, presentation (even if you’re checking the time for “one second”) will result in a zero. These items must be in your bag/backpack by the time you are greeted at the door.
Do not wear sunglasses in class unless you have a medical note from your doctor explaining you condition. No hats or hoods are to be worn in the classroom.
Do not sleep in class or complete homework from other classes. This work will be confiscated and may be picked up at the end of the school day.
Technology Technological devices should only be used for educational purposes. Technology will only be permitted during teacher-desginated time periods. Inappropriate and/or irresponsible use will result in disciplinary action. Specific guidelines and expectations for appropriate technology use will be discussed in class.
Grading: Grades are based on a point system. All assignments will contribute to your overall grade. Assignments will vary in point value. Assignments include, but are not limited to, class work, warm-ups, homework assignments, projects, class participation, quizzes and tests.
Tardiness: Excessive tardiness will negatively impact your grade. I follow the school tardy policy: 5th tardy is a detention; 7th tardy is a referral.
Categories: 55% Essential Skills and Mastery Assessments (summative assessments, essay final drafts, on-demand in-class writing, tests, exams) 20% Formative Assessments (homework, grammar, vocabulary, reading, first/revised drafts and mini-formative compositions) 10% Habits of Mindand Twenty-First Century Skills (evidence and quality of independent learning, collaboration, connection, community, initiative, *communication/participation*, use of academic language, critical thinking, problem-solving, use of technology, leadership) 15% Semester Final Exam
*Communication/Participation - a record will be maintained by the teacher and calculated into the overall grades at the end of each quarter and semester. Students are encouraged to engage in class discussions. Punctuality, tardiness, inappropriate use of cell phones, iPods, and other technologies when not permitted will also be calculated into the participation grade. Effort in this category may allow for a borderline grade (i.e. 89.49%) to be rounded up (A-) with regular participation in class discussions and group work. A borderline grade will not be given consideration to be rounded if the student merely sits in class and does not participate. Effort goes a long way!
Missed Work Due to Absence:
It is yourresponsibility to arrange for any make-up assessment/quiz/test/essay due to an excused absence (illness, school activity, etc.). Students who do not arrange for a make-up assessment/quiz/test/essay/ within one week after return from absence will receive a zero. Please come to me to collect missed work. I will not track you down to give you assignments. Late work must have the assigned due date in addition to the turned in date in order to be accepted.
Assignments will not receive credit for any unexcused absences (i.e. truancy).
If you’re absent when an assignment is given, you will have the number of days you were absent to make up and submit the assignment to receive full credit. For example, if you’re absent two days, you will have two days to make up and submit the assignment(s). Assignments and assessments may be completed turing my tutorial time (generally after school).
An assignment due on the day a student is absent will be due the day the student returns to school. This, however, does not apply to major assignments, which must be turned in the day it is due.
If you do not understand the subject matter covered in your absence, arrange for a time to come in for additional help. You are responsible for all missing notes and assignments.
If you know you will be absent from class because of scheduled activities, games, field trips, college visitation, appointments, etc., you are required to turn in homework and major assignments that are due. You must also arrange a time to take an assessment/test/quiz/presentation BEFORE your absence.
Late Work: Late homework/classwork (assignments worth 20% of the student's total grade) will not be accepted. Summative assessments may be turned in late with a 10% grade reduction for each day past the due date ONLY if an extension is personally requested by the student.
Extra Credit Assignments Extra credit and bonus points will not be incorporated into my grading practices. Research has proven that extra credit and bonus points distort a student's record of achievement. As evidence of continued pursuit of excellence, I will offer additional opportunities to demonstrate mastery. These opportunities will allow students to master material that has previously presented challenges.
Honor Code Rio Americano High School is a school community that is committed to integrity and excellence in academics and in personal accountability. Because of this commitment, it is imperative that all members of the Rio Americano High School community embody personal honor, personal integrity, and personal responsibility. Therefore, it is expected that each person at Rio Americano High School will uphold the honor code and will refrain from the following:
Plagiarism and copying: Plagiarism is the use of words, ideas, and/or information that is not your own. Copying includes using another person’s work as your own. Copying is not limited to “word for word” action, but can also apply to reading another person’s idea and paraphrasing his or her idea as your own. Copying applies not only to formal assessments but also to homework and in-class work.
Cheating: Numerous behaviors will be considered cheating. Some of these areas include, but are not limited to, the following: using cheat sheets; using former students’ notebooks; using internet resources without citing them as appropriate sources; misrepresenting something as being real and actual; using cell phones to create images of tests, quizzes, and/or other assignments; and text messaging with other students regarding a test or quiz. The use of technology in cheating can occur on small assignments such as homework assignments as well as on more formal tests, essays, and projects. Students can be guilty of cheating if they give out or are in receipt of the material.
Discussions of material: Discussions of tests and quizzes with other students when it is not specifically allowed by the teacher and when it is intended to give an unfair advantage to that student are prohibited under the Green Hope High School Honor Code.
Lying and fraudulent behavior: Lying and fraudulent behavior occurs when one intentionally deceives another through words, actions, or omissions.
Veracity and integrity of work: All work must be completed by that individual to whom it was assigned. A parent, friend, or tutor cannot complete the work for the student. The work or the project must be under the “direct control” of the student and not under the control of the parent, friend, or tutor. Inappropriate help occurs when suggestions and/or support provided exceeds the help and guidance a teacher might give in class or during a tutorial session.
Special Note on Cheating/Plagiarism Cheating on class assignments will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a form of cheating that occurs when a student presents the words or ideas of others as if they were his or her own. Inadequately paraphrasing, summarizing, and/or failing to properly credit the source of information used in an essay or project can be considered plagiarism. Students in this course will be required to use MLA format for citing and documenting all sources used in their writing. This policy applies to the use of examples, paraphrases, summaries, and direct quotations taken from any source, including course literature. 1st Infraction:
Student gets a zero - with an opportunity to take an alternate assignment that they must complete within two days of the offer. The student will be given 60% credit for the alternate assignment. Parent and counselor will be notified.
2nd Infraction:
Student gets a zero with no opportunity for an alternative assignment. Student will receive a referral to the administration.
Hall Passes: Students must obtain permission from me prior to leaving the room and must have a pass with them at all times while in the hallways. Passes will not be given during the first or last ten minutes of class. Only one emergency bathroom pass will be given each quarter. Expectations: Students are encouraged to communicate with me if and when: A problem arises, clarification or extra explanation is needed. I have extremely high expectations for each of you. I expect every student to complete all assignments and to reach the best possible grade they can in this course, in addition to demonstrating maturity and desire for growth. It is each students’ responsibility to invest and make the most of their education. Although this course, its policies, and its procedures may seem overwhelming, don’t fret! I am willing to meet you halfway, but you need to commit to excellence as both a learner and member of this classroom. I’m certainly open to your ideas and suggestions, so do not feel as though you cannot make your concerns known. Again, welcome to the class -- I hope that it will be an experience that changes the way you think about language and communication.