Course Syllabus - Mrs. Maldonado's English Class



2nd Semester 2012-2013

Course Syllabus & Classroom Expectations

Course Title: 9th Grade English

Teacher: Mrs. Maldonado

Website: mrsmaldonadosenglishclass.

Textbook: Prentice Hall Literature Text – Gold Level

Perfection Learning –Writing with Power (grammar and writing text)

State of Michigan Department of Education ELA Units Covered this semester:

Discourse: Learning Life’s Lessons through Literature

Unit 9.3 – Contemporary Novel – Central Idea = Integrity, Truth, Courage

(reading = Night)

Unit 9.4 – Epic Poetry – Central Idea = Relationships and Bravery

(reading = The Odyssey)

Unit 9.5 – Shakespearean Tragedy – Central Ideal = Decisions and Their Long-term Effects

(reading = Romeo and Juliet)

Materials Needed:

Class Folder (a two pocket folder will do – you do not need a binder)

← all class assignments and class notes will be kept in this folder for future reference

← 2 Spiral notebooks (100-150 sheets of college ruled lined paper)

← Pen/pencil

General Expectations:

Students are expected to come to class prepared to learn everyday. They are expected to put forth no less than their best effort at all times. Students should respect their teacher and fellow classmates as well as class time. Students should come to class with a willingness to share their ideas and keep an open mind to what is expressed by fellow classmates.

Course Description:

This course will encourage students to develop a positive attitude toward literature, writing, and language study. It will focus on teaching grammar skills, higher-order thinking, and improve writing through the writing process. Students will also expand their vocabulary, develop their reading skills, and express detailed thoughts through daily classroom and homework assignments.

Course Objectives:

• The learner will (TLW) effectively utilize higher-order thinking

• TLW expand their vocabulary and grammatical skills

• TLW be able to identify, as well as create within their own writing, the essential elements of writing

• TLW be able to utilize writing tools effectively

• TLW be able to write a cohesive multi-paragraph essay (while utilizing the writing process)

• TLW improve their reading skills

Methods: Students will learn by teacher lecture, classroom discussion, writing exercises, brainstorming activities, group work, peer editing, note taking, readings and written reflections, journals, daily grammar and vocabulary activities, and essay assignments.

Absences/Skips/Tardies:

Regular class attendance is a student’s obligation. If for some reason a student misses class, it is his or her responsibility to inquire about missed assignments and/or activities and to be prepared for the next class.

Excessive absences may substantially lower the semester grade. District attendance policies will be enforced.

Passes:

Students will be allowed 3 passes in each semester.

Passes will NOT be issued to students to retrieve forgotten items. Come prepared!!!

Grading Procedure:

Credits:

Students have the opportunity to earn a ½ credit each semester. In order to receive the credit, students must earn a passing grade (A+ through D-) in at least two of the following three areas: 1st marking period, 2nd marking period and final exam.

Make-up work: The student is responsible for making up all missed assignments. Make-up work will be given upon the student’s return to class and will be due no later than the beginning of the next class period (unless otherwise instructed).

Homework/Class work: Homework will be assigned for this course on an as needed basis. Students are expected to complete and turn in all work as instructed.

Class Rules:

1. School code of conduct will be upheld

2. Backpacks, beverages, food, candy, ipods and CD players ARE NOT PERMITTED – cell phones must be turned off

3. Purses are to be left in lockers. If they are brought to class, students will be asked to place them in a drop box until the end of the hour (this is meant to help keep “purse texting” under control)

4. Be respectful of others’ comments, opinions and ideas

5. Be respectful of the teacher, teacher’s work area, and classroom time

6. The wearing of hats and caps in class is not allowed! Students will be asked to remove their hats

and caps.

7. STAY AWAKE/FOCUSED IN CLASS. Your mere presence in class is not sufficient—you must be able to actively process the information presented! Sleeping in class is disruptive in two ways: the student who is snoozing is not interested and not participating in the classroom discussion; secondly, sleeping in class is considered to be disrespectful to the teacher and other students.

8. Teacher will dismiss the class at the end of the hour

9. Come to class with the appropriate materials (id, book, pen, pencil, binder, assignment, etc.)

10. Be an “Active” classroom participant by asking questions, sharing ideas, and expressing opinions

Academic Dishonesty:

Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. A zero (0) will be given in the event of academic dishonesty. A student that knowingly facilitates another student in cheating will also be given a zero on the assignment. Talking during a test is not permitted. Any student talking during a test (whether they still have their test nor not) will receive a zero on the test. District policies regarding cheating and plagiarism will be followed.

Communication:

I am available during my prep hour (please refer to Warren Mott High School website for hours). Before or after school meetings must be planned in advance. Please feel free to contact me (via phone or email) with any questions or concerns. Email messages will be answered promptly.

mmaldonado@ 586-574-3250 phone extension 13205

Thank you,

Marie Maldonado

This course syllabus should be kept as a reference for the semester!

------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and return--------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. Maldonado 9th Grade English – syllabus acknowledgement

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have been made aware of the rules and guidelines set forth in this syllabus and you agree that you/your child will comply with them.

Student Name:_______________________________________ Hour:_______________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature / Date

___________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature / Email Address / Phone /Date

*_____________________________________________________________________________________________

*Please list anything that you feel I should know (medical or otherwise)

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