Instructor Information - sthelens.k12.or.us

 24714200LA - 12 Syllabus2018 -19Instructor InformationInstructorEmailLocation & HoursKyle BraytonB.A. in English (Southern Oregon University)M.A. in Teaching (Western Oregon University)kylebra@sthelens.k12.or.usRoom B-31. MTWTF 7:30-3:30503-366-7477General InformationDescriptionLA – 12 is a course designed for greater understanding and appreciation of our literary heritage, while also preparing students for the workforce and higher education through exercises in critical reading and writing. The course is required in order for seniors to graduate, therefore the student must achieve a grade of 59.5% or higher in order to participate in graduation.Students will be introduced to collegiate level writing as well as world literature that has contributed to the development of Western culture. Reading and writing assignments are designed to challenge students and provide them with critical thinking skills needed to be successful in colleges and careers. Students are expected to complete readings and work in class, with whatever is left unfinished or rarely assigned as homework to be completed in AAP or on the student’s own time.In this course, students are led through units with autonomy and independence unlike any of their prior years of schooling. My goal is to prepare my students for post-secondary pathways, which demands a new sense of maturity and motivation as they approach adulthood. Many lessons will be devoted to the student and the usage of class time provided to them to complete activities and assessments independently. If a student is not performing well in my class, the cause for poor performance can (and most often does) directly correlate to the student’s focus and productivity in class.Course ObjectivesThe course is aligned with the Common Core Assessment standards for English Language Arts. The specific standards to be covered and assessed are listed below according to the semester which they will be assessed; however, skills may be introduced in the first semester but not formally assessed until the second semester*. SEMESTER 1 COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS11-12 RL.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.11-12 RL.2: Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.11-12 RI.5: Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging.11-12 RI.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness or beauty of the text.11-12 L.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.11-12 L.6: 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.11-12 W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.11-12 W.8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.*Second semester standards to be determined according to progress made in first semester.Course MaterialsRequired MaterialsStudents will need a spiral notebook dedicated to LA – 12 exclusively, as well as writing instruments (both pen and pencil) and a folder to collect assignments and materials in.TextsAll articles and novels will be provided to the student by the teacher, although students are encouraged to keep a book of their choosing on hand (either from the library, my own bookshelf, or from home) for silent reading opportunities in class.Google Apps & Google ClassroomThis course will use technology to prepare students for colleges and career through the usage of Google applications including Google Classroom. Using the internet and computers is a necessary life skill. These technological tools will allow students access to daily lessons, view class documents, submit assignments, share with peers, and take course assessments. Word processors such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs will also be available for assessments.Students are encouraged to download the Google Classroom app and refer to their Classroom for due dates, assignments, and updates. Parents may want to be aware of the Google Classroom as a hub for all important deadlines in LA 12.Films: As per our district video policy, I am required to inform parents of any movies over a PG rating that we will be watching. Parents have the opportunity, if they wish, to come to the school and preview the movies before we watch them in class. Parents also have the option to have their student opt out of watching these movies. The titles of the movies that have at least a PG-13 rating are listed below:Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994, rated R)Frankenstein (2004, not rated TV movie)Fantastic Lies (2016, not rated ESPN documentary)Audrie and Daisy (2016, not rated Netflix documentary)Minority Report (2002, rated PG-13)V For Vendetta (2005, rated R)Argo (2012, rated R)Classroom Procedures and PoliciesBeginning of class: Usually, there will be a learning target and an outline for the day’s lesson on the board. Students may not leave class within the first 10 minutes of the bell as per the school’s “First 10, Last 5” rule. Attendance will be taken based on whether student is in their assigned seat. During class: As seniors, I am allowing students to use the restroom at free will. I don’t believe anyone should have to ask to use the restroom (especially if it’s an emergency!) and understand the appropriate times within the lesson (not during lecture or a presentation) to leave the classroom. The student must sign out and leave their phone at the teacher’s desk. If this privilege is abused or the student refuses to leave their phone, new policies will be enforced and administration will be notified of the student. Respect will be shown during class discussions; respect yourself, respect each other, respect the classroom. Be an active participant and do your best. Food and drink is allowed if not a distraction and not near electronics (computers, projector).Cell phones will be used occasionally in lessons as a learning tool. Students should not have phones out unless otherwise instructed. Phones are a constant distraction in our daily lives, but it is important to know when and where phone usage is appropriate in adulthood. My phone policy is simple and in accordance with SHHS handbook policy.As seniors, students are held to a higher expectation and awareness of appropriate phone usage. If a phone becomes a distraction and hinders productivity, I may refer the student to administration and/or reach out to a parent/guardian to minimize problems with phones.Bottom line for behavior: if it’s in the student handbook, it applies here!After class: Retakes and revisions will be accepted. Student must meet with me to determine expectations and scheduling. Homework will seldom be assigned; any homework will usually be whatever was not finished in class. Assignments, practice and assessment, will be turned into each student’s class dropbox (either online or marked in the classroom). Late work will be accepted until the end of the unit. Students will be reminded of this policy as the term progresses. Students have daily access to computers and chromebooks in my classroom.Practice & AssessmentsAssessments (exams, essays, projects, etc) count for 90% of the student’s grade and are crucial to prepare for and perform well on in order to succeed in ELA classes. Often, if a student submits their assessment (essays in particular) on time, they may revise and resubmit for a better score.Practice (in-class activities, reflections, writing prompts, etc) will be used to prepare students for assessments and account for 10% of the grade. One-on-One ConferencesAn undervalued aspect of student success is the concept of conferencing. I meet for one-on-one conferences with all of my students throughout each semester. During these conferences, we will talk about the student’s grade, what they’re excelling at, what they need to do better, what to expect in the course ahead, and answer any questions they may have. Students will sign up for conferences with me on an online spreadsheet and meet during an AAP of their choosing.Please sign below to indicate you’ve reviewed the LA – 12 syllabus for Mr. Brayton.I have read the above information about the course and its standards, assessments, materials, expectations, procedures, and policies. Also, by signing this, I allow my student to watch the films listed above.Student: ____________________________________________________ (print) _____________________________________________________ (sign & date)Parent/guardian: _____________________________________________________ (print) _____________________________________________________ (sign & date)Parent/guardian email: ____________________________________________________________________Please return this final page of the syllabus to Mr. Brayton as soon as possible. ................
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