ENGLISH EIGHT SYLLABUS
MRS. MERRILL
COURSE POLICIES and REQUIREMENTS
Homework / Assignments
This is a comprehensive English course and requires a significant amount of time and effort at home. The key to success is to avoid procrastination. Please use an agenda and the classroom blog to remind yourself about upcoming assignments, especially if you are absent. You are expected to contact your study partner when you are absent to catch up on missed work.
Class Blog
A classroom blog is available with reminders and explanations of assignments as well as other features. Student writing and book reviews also might be posted. You can access the classroom blog by typing the URL www.rockwellenglish8.blogspot.com or by finding it through the Rockwell Charter High School Web site. It is expected that students and parents will access this site frequently. To my knowledge, he computer lab at school is available for those who do not have Internet access at home.
Textbooks
Because of the broad range of topics in English, sets of all books will be kept in the classroom. These books will be available for use after school until
Late Work
You may hand in missing assignments or take missed tests within one week after the original due date. All make-up and late work must be taken care of before or after school, rather than during class. If you were had an excused absence, you will receive the full credit earned; otherwise, you will receive 70% of the score within one week. (Of course, that won’t happen because you will all study hard the first time.) THERE WILL BE NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED OR RETAKES OFFERED AFTER ONE WEEK FROM THE ORIGINAL DUE DATE! If turning in late work becomes habitual for a student, I will modify this policy as necessary. If you have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from turning in an assignment on time, come talk to me as soon as possible and we will work something out.
Grades
Grades are based on a straight percentage of all points accumulated. The grading scale will follow the RCHS grading policy (see Student/Family Handbook).
Work Ethic / Integrity
A major emphasis of the class will be on group discussion and problem solving. Students will often be asked to work in groups or with partners to accomplish various tasks. This type of discussion and assistance to one another is desirable and appropriate; however, all assignments that are turned in for grading must be the student’s own, individual work. Students are not allowed to copy work or responses. Plagiarism is a serious offense; students and parents should note that students should properly cite sources they might quote for assigned papers, etc.
Quality of Work and Presentation
While much work will be completed in class or in a traditional pencil/paper format, there is an expectation for quality in appearance as well as content. Work that is illegible or difficult to read will be returned for re-work and docked points. Additionally, several major assignments each term will be required to be typed. Students without computer access at home may come in and use the computer labs at school or at local libraries.
Reading
In addition to in-class reading assignments, you will be responsible for reading 100 minutes outside of class each week. This time can be done over a period of three to seven days. Reading that takes place in class cannot count towards the 100 minutes, unless otherwise directed by me. Although reading in newspapers, magazines, scriptures, and text books is important, the home reading requirement must be from a novel or appropriate work of literature at the student’s reading level. This reading will be recorded on a form requiring a response (which will focus on a specific literacy strategy) and a parent’s signature. The reading record is due every Monday or the first day of school in a given week. A list of the literacy strategies assigned by week will be posted on the class blog in case students misplace the provided form. In addition to the reading record, you will be asked to complete a project on one of your books that will be presented to the class approximately two-thirds through each term. A list of project options will be provided and your project must be completed on a book you have not read before.
Vocabulary
We will complete a vocabulary/spelling unit every week. Each unit consists of ten words with exercises and a writing assignment. A test will be given the last class day of each week (typically Friday).
Grammar and Usage
We will complete grammar and usage exercises at the beginning of class each day. These exercises will be on the overhead, so if you are absent you will need to get the exercises from your study partner. These will be turned in during class every week. Grammar and usage exercises will include Daily Oral Language, which emphasizes proofreading (punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, etc.), identifying and using basic parts of speech, and occasional dictation.
Participation and Citizenship
Outstanding citizenship marks will be earned by those students who show courtesy or honesty above the “expected” level. These marks can also be earned by those students who are consistently pleasant and optimistic or who go out of their way to help peers, or make our class better.
Satisfactory marks are given to the majority of the students. These are students who exhibit the expected levels of courtesy, honesty, cooperation, and respect.
Unsatisfactory citizenship marks are given to those who have five or more tardies, are chronically visiting/disruptive, who won’t stay on task, and demonstrate a poor attitude.
Participation in this class is crucial. I expect you to be on task and involved in class, contributing to discussions and group activities, and including those around you. Participation in class requires you to be present in class. Attendance is vital to your success in this class; this means avoiding tardies and unexcused absences.
Students with Disabilities
If a student has any disability which may impair his/her ability to successfully complete this course, please let me know and contact the main office. Academic accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor through the main office.
Professional Behavior and Expectations
v Respect the teacher, yourself, others, and the learning material. We are all adults and should display respect, civility, and good manners to each other. Negative comments have no place in this classroom.
v Be honest. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonesty will result in a failing grade.
v Come prepared and ready to learn. This means do your homework before (not during or after) class. Bring a notebook, paper, pencils, and pens to each class.
v Attendance: you need to attend class. If you need to miss a class, talk to me about it at least a week in advance, and we will see if we can make an alternate arrangement.
v Personal items, including cell phones, iPods, and other technologies, should be turned OFF during class. Items that disturb the classroom will be confiscated and will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian.
**I reserve the right to add to or modify these policies, procedures, and expectations according to classroom settings and dynamics.
Name
Period
1. What is your favorite thing about English, and why?
2. What is your least favorite thing about English, and why?
3. What is the last novel you read? When did you read it? Would you recommend the book to your peers or myself? Why?
4. What did you do this summer?
(Check line) _____ Yes, I have read the Syllabus and Disclosure Document for 8th Grade English with my parent/guardian; I agree to abide by classroom rules and to contribute my very best to the class.
________________________________________
Student Signature and Date
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