Glassboro High School

Fall 2011

English 1 9^th Grade College Prep

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor to accommodate instructional and/or student needs.

Teacher: Mr. Preston

e-mail: rpreston@glassboroschools.us

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Designed to offer students a sound look into the world of literature, writing, drama, grammar, vocabulary, and test taking, this course is intended to examine the processes and goals of language arts, as well as provide students with essential skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond.  We will, among other areas, look at different modes of writing, take a critical approach to reading, identify elements of fiction in a play, and use grammar effectively to better frame student writing.  The course will be organized into four different categories that touch upon each area of language arts.  The categories are:

1. Literature, which includes a study of Greek Mythology, as well as the novel and short story
2. Writing and Grammar
3. Drama
4. Vocabulary and Test Taking

TEXTS:

McDougal Litell Literature (selected units)

The Chocolate War,, Robert Cormier

A Day No Pigs Would Die, Robert Newton Peck

Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

Selected literature circle books

GRADING POLICY:

As a student, you have the right to know how you will be assessed in each area of the class.  Now that you are in high school, it is even more important for you to be aware of how grades can have a tremendous effect on your academic record.  Therefore, I have put together a grading policy that allows you to know how each assignment will be assessed, and you will also know how much weight each assignment carries.  If you work hard, participate in class, and take this course seriously, there is nothing to worry about.  The grading policy is as follows:

            Essays/Projects:                       40%

            Tests:                                       30%

            Vocab/Grammar Quizzes:       20%

            Homework:                             10%

            Class Participation:                 10%

                        (basic classroom behavior)

BASIC GRADING CRITERIA:

Projects/Essays: In any English class, writing and creativity are crucial for success.  Therefore, it is important for you to put forth the effort when creating a project or writing a paper.  There are several things you need to consider in order to succeed when writing a paper or creating a project.  First, did you fulfill the stated requirements for the assignment?  Second, is your essay organized, following your point in a logical manner?  Third, have you made an effort to craft and revise your writing—did you think critically?  Fourth, have you edited your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes?  And lastly, have you demonstrated knowledge of the material on which you are writing?

Tests: In order for me to accommodate for all students and learning styles, I believe that a test should measure student learning in several ways.  Tests will contain multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions.

Vocab/Grammar Quizzes: At the end of every week you will be evaluated on the weekly vocabulary and grammar exercises.

Homework:  Homework is and should be an extension of the class.  It is extremely important for you to complete each assignment in order for you to be prepared for class. 

Class Participation: Speak up, not out, in class.  As a teacher, I value your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.  It is crucial for the class to work as a cohesive unit, therefore, class participation is very important.  It is important to respect other’s ideas in class as well.  Points can be deducted at the discretion of the teacher. 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

Classroom courtesy is expected from every student, and the teacher.  We will at all times show respect for each other as individuals and for each other’s opinions that are different from our own.  You are expected to bring necessary materials to class with you everyday and be punctual and on time.  In order for us to learn, it is important to keep a positive attitude! 

What you will need every day (failure to bring items will result in a drop of participation grade)

• Textbook
• Binder organized into these parts:
• Folder—you will receive a lot of handouts
• Daily warm up section
• Journal—you will record responses to questions that are frequently posted on the board.
• Homework
• Pencil or pen—make sure you have one at all times.  On test days you will need to bring a #2 pencil. 
• A book for SSR.  Bring something you enjoy, as SSR is not meant to be a punishment, rather, it is a privilege. 

DISCIPLINE POLICY:

It is my policy and job as a teacher to ensure that learning is enabled through a safe and respectful environment.  If you choose to disrupt or deny other students the right to learn you will face consequences.  To be fair, when you do disrupt or disrespect myself or other students you will 1) be assigned a teacher detention, 2) be assigned a teacher detention and a phone call home, and 3) be referred to the main office. 

Some other things to consider:

• Do not bring cell phones to class.  They will be confiscated and turned in to the main office.
• Do not bring iPods to class, they will be taken and given to the administration. 
• Consider the GHS student handbook for all other rules and regulations. 

Calendars will be handed out at the beginning of each month.  It is your responsibility to check for homework and other projects.

CHEATING POLICY

Plagiarism is the taking of one’s work and using or handing it in as your own.  This includes work from internet sources, encyclopedias, books and other reputable, vetted sources.  If a student plagiarizes in my class they will receive a score of 0 for that assignment as well as a permanent documentation on their grade file.  They may also be subject to further penalization in the form of a dropping of a letter grade in the course.  Parents will be notified of the infraction as well as the administration.  This may or may not result in a FAILURE for the course.  Plagiarism is something I take very seriously; students need to understand the magnitude of this kind of infraction.