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English II Class Syllabus 2017-18Mrs. DonaldsonRoom [email protected]://www.mooreschools.com/Domain/2410
Course Description and Objectives:English II is a year-long course in which students will evaluate, interpret, and respond to a variety of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and film. Students will write for a variety of purposes and audiences, using the writing process to develop effective, coherent work (including at least four papers and one documented research essay) wherein the student demonstrates command of the conventions of Standard English. Upon completion of English II, students must take the state assessment test. In order to succeed with the English II state assessment, students will learn and practice test-taking skills pertaining to reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing. Finally, students will expand their skills in speaking, listening, and visual literacy.
Classroom Rules* In addition to all district and school rules (tardy, clothing, electronics, etc.): No Cell Phones or I-pods unless Teacher conducting the class allows permission. Cell phones SHOULD NOT be out sitting on your desk. Please put them out of your sight and mine.1. Stay in your ASSIGNED seat until directed otherwise. Be IN your seat when bell rings & begin bell work. *No sitting on desks, ledges, floor, or any other furniture in room. Sit ONLY in your desk.2. NO TALKING WHILE OTHERS ARE TALKING! This includes the teacher and other students.3. Promptly follow directions and bring all required materials to class.4. Please WAIT to be called on to ask questions. Finish listening to all instructions before asking questions.
Consequences1. Verbal warning and teacher/student discussion2. Possible limited teacher detentions3. Parent conference and/or parent contact4. Administrator referral* Severe disruptions initiate an immediate Administrator referral.* Repeated violations during a class period initiate an Administrator referral.* Failure to serve detention initiates an Administrator referral.
Grade Components80% Daily Assignments—In Class Work, Homework, Tests, Essays, projects, notebook 20% Semester TestGrading scale: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=0-59** When a Guest Teacher is teaching class for Mrs. Donaldson, all work will be worth double points. **
Writing Rubrics:
Essay Rubric
5 4 3 2 1 Points Earned
IDEAS Controlling idea Supporting ideas Use of details Awareness of purpose Sense of completeness
The essay is fully focused and contains a wealth of ideas and examples. The writer uses rhetorical strategies and addresses counterarguments.
The essay is consistently focused and contains ample ideas and examples. The writer may employ rhetorical strategies or address counterarguments.
The essay is sufficiently focused and contains some ideas and examples. The response is generally appropriate to the persuasive purpose.
The essay is minimally focused. The provided examples are vague or general and the response demonstrates minimal awareness.
The essay shows little or no focus and the ideas are unclear, irrelevant, or repetitive. The response is incomplete or too brief.
ORGANIZATION Introduction/body/conclusion Sequence of ideas Grouping of ideas Effective transitions Awareness of purpose
The organization of ideas supports the writer’s focus. Ideas are grouped in a logical manner. Effective and varied transitions are used.
The organization is appropriate and the sequencing of ideas is logical. Varied transitions are used.
The organization is generally appropriate and the ideas are clearly sequenced, but may be repetitive. Transitions are used
The organization is formulaic or inappropriate. The response may lack a clear introduction or conclusion. Transitions are rare.
The essay shows little evidence of organization or sequencing. Transitions are not used. The response is incomplete or too brief.
STYLE Sentence variety Word choice Audience awareness Personal voice
The writer utilizes carefully crafted phrases to create a sustained tone and an authoritative voice. Word choice reflects an advanced vocabulary.
The language and tone of the essay enhance the persuasive purpose. Word choice is appropriate. Sentences are varied.
The language and tone are appropriate. Word choice is adequate, but may be simple or ordinary. Some sentence variety is evident.
The language and tone are uneven. Word choice is simple, ordinary, or repetitive. There is minimal variation in sentence length and structure.
The language and tone are inappropriate. Word choice is incorrect or confusing. The response is incomplete or too brief.
CONVENTIONS Sentence formation Subject-verb agreement Standard word forms Punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization
The writer demonstrates full command of the conventions of written English language. No errors are evident.
The writer demonstrates knowledge of the conventions of written English. Errors are minor and do not interfere with meaning.
The writer demonstrates sufficient control of the conventions of written English. Errors may interfere with meaning, but are not distracting.
The writer demonstrates minimal control of the conventions of written English. Errors are frequent and interfere with meaning.
The writer lacks understanding of the conventions of written English. Errors are pervasive. The response is incomplete or too brief.
TOTAL POINTS
= __________
Semester Over Views:
1 st Semester: --Grammar Review: Parts of Speech--Literary Terms Review--Short Stories and Background Information on Authors: “The Open Window” by Saki “The Californian’s Tale” by Twain “The Masque of the Red Death” by Poe “The Summer People” by Jackson--Independent Reading and Written Summaries (D.E.A.R.)--Novel: “To Kill a Mockingbird” Close read with reading guide questions for every chapter, character analysis, various writing assignments, weekly vocabulary and short answer quizzes, and lots of other fun stuff! Students will turn in a final notebook project on the novel. Semester final will be based on the novel as well as literary terms.2 nd Semester: --Grammar Review: Parts of the Sentence, Subject—Verb Agreement, Word Choice--ACT review exercises--Independent Reading and Written Summaries (D.E.A.R.)--Non-fiction Research Project (This will involve lots of library and computer time. Try not to be absent!!)--Poetry Terms and Analysis--Review for State Assessment Test--Read “Julius Caesar” by Shakespeare Close Read using more modern scripts. (Earns you extra credit as well.) Students will turn in a final notebook project for this read. Assignments Any Daily Class Assignment will be due that day at the end of class period that day. If student is present in class,
no time will be allowed to make up the in-class assignment. (Teacher may make exceptions to this.) Students returning from an absence should refer to the calendar or assignment board and the daily folders for any
handouts missed. Questions and/or additional information will be answered by Mrs. Donaldson after the current day’s lesson, assignment, directions, and lecture has been given to the class.
Makeup work due to absences will be accepted according to the district/school policy. Posted assignments are due on the assigned date, regardless of absences prior to that date. Cheating/plagiarism are not acceptable at any time on any assignment. If class begins with a bell activity, it is to be completed independently within the time allowed. Class time is strictly budgeted. Students needing additional time will complete unfinished work as homework
outside of class time as permitted by the teacher.Tests Test dates are posted in advance, so all students present are expected to take the test. No student conversation or teacher assistance is allowed during tests. Students are responsible for making arrangements with coaches or parents for makeup tests. Students will make up test in the amount of time given according to district/school policy.
Attendance2 tardy = 1 absence10 unexcused absences allowed per semester Students will not be dismissed early without being checked out through the office. Hall passes are limited. Passes will be given at the option of the teacher. A student must be wearing their ID and
have their own planner (agenda book) signed to be released from class. If hall pass is granted, student is required to leave cell phone with Mrs. Donaldson (or guest teacher.)
Classroom Conduct *** STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE SCHOOL I.D. VISIBLE AROUND THEIR NECK ALWAYS. *** During instruction, students are not to talk, sleep, write personal notes, work on other subjects, or refuse to participate in the lesson. Cell phones, IPods, electronic games, playing cards, toys, musical instruments, magazines, recreational books,
personal photographs, earphones, and hats (including hoodies worn on head) are not allowed in class. Other items ill be placed on the list as necessary.
No food or drink, except bottled water, in class. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE. Students are not to disturb classroom equipment, bulletin boards, filing cabinets, or throw objects. Students are NOT permitted to spray any sprays such as perfume, cologne, body sprays, deodorants etc.
Supplies When student is issued text book or novel, he/she is responsible for the cost should it be lost, stolen, or damaged. Students need a three-ring binder with 5 divider pages, notebook paper, pencils, blue or black pen, a red pen, and a
highlighter. If possible, it would help out if every student could bring a box of tissues!(This is optional but encouraged.) We ran out of tissues before Christmas last year.
Please have these supplies every day in class. Hall passes will not be granted to go to your locker to get necessary supplies.
Please contact me with any questions and concerns. I encourage all parents to view grades and assignments using parent portal, to attend open house and teacher conferences. **PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO MY LUNCH DUTIES, I WILL NOT BE IN MY CLASS DURING LUNCH. DUE TO MY GOLF COACHING REPSOPNSIBILITIES, I WILL NOT BE AVAILBABLE OR IN MY CLASSROOM AFTER SCHOOL HOURS. I APOLOGIZE. **If a student needs to meet with me, this can be arranged in advance to meet in the morning before school.I look forward to providing students with a positive learning environment.Thank you for your concern and support in your child’s education.
Please sign and return.Student name ________________________________________________ hour _________________________I have reviewed Mrs. Donaldson's expectations and understand what is required of me to have a successful year.
___________________________________________________________ / _____________________________ Student Signature Date
___________________________________________________________ / _____________________________ Parent Signature Date
HONOR CODE:
When a student signs his/her name to any assignment, he/she is stating that the assignment is his/her alone and that he/she has neither sought nor accepted help, other than that explicitly permitted by the teacher. A student may never copy anyone’s work or have anyone dictate any part of the assignment. Students may not share homework or completed assignments through social media or cell phones. Furthermore, when a student discusses an assignment in class, gives an oral presentation, or writes an essay, he/she tacitly states that he/she has read the work(s) discussed or written about. Plagiarism of any type will result in a grade of zero for the assignment and notification to the sponsors of any clubs/organizations/athletics to which the student belongs.
I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the expectations and honor code for 2017-2018 English II class.
Student Name Student Signature
MRS. DONALDSON’S CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS AND
CONSEQUENCES
Classroom Rules* In addition to all district and school rules (tardies, clothing, electronics, etc.): No Cell Phones or I-pods!1. Stay in your ASSIGNED seat until directed otherwise. Be IN your seat when bell rings. No sitting on desks, ledges, floor, or any other furniture in room. Sit ONLY in your desk.2. NO TALKING WHILE OTHERS ARE TALKING! This includes the teacher and also other students.3. Promptly follow directions and bring all required materials to class.4. Please WAIT to be called on to ask questions. Finish listening to all instructions before asking questions.
Classroom Conduct During instruction, students are not to talk, sleep, write personal notes, work on other subjects, or refuse to participate in the lesson. Cell phones, IPods, electronic games, playing cards, toys, musical
instruments, magazines, recreational books, personal photographs, earphones, and hats (including hoodies worn on head) are not allowed in class. Other items will be placed on the list as necessary. I am very strict about phones. Etc.
No food or drink with the exception of water in bottles. This is subject to change as necessary.
Students are not to disturb classroom equipment or throw objects. Students are NOT permitted to spray any sprays such as perfume, cologne,
body sprays, deodorants etc.
Consequences1. Verbal warning
2. Teacher/student discussion 3. Possible limited teacher detentions 4. Parent conference and/or parent contact 5. Administrator referral* Severe disruptions initiate an immediate Administrator referral.* Repeated violations during a class period initiate an Administrator referral.* Failure to serve detention initiates an Administrator referral.
1 st Semester Agenda
(This may be altered depending on school and teacher schedule changes.)
1 st 9 weeks:
Grammar: Review Parts of Speech. Assessment will be given at the end of the unit. Incorporate use of noun and verb phrases and clauses in reading and writing assignments.
Literature: Short Story Non-fiction Unit: A minimum of 4 short stories will be read in class. Critical thinking questions will follow at the end of each story. Group discussions and projects will also follow. This unit will also incorporate the literary elements that shape short stories along with the literary terms associated with short stories. Assessment over all 4 stories, the elements, and terms will be given at the end of unit.
Vocabulary: Weekly vocabulary words (minimum of 10) will be given every week. These words will be reviewed every day as a class together (verbally), as well as quizzes and writing usage. During the Short Story Unit, the vocabulary will be taken from the text currently being read.
Reading and Writing: D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read!) will be done at least every other Friday in class. Students are required to BRING THEIR OWN book to read. We will visit the library to give students opportunities to check out books. Comprehensive questions and writing assignments (summary and reflection) will be part of this assignment. THIS IS AN IN-CLASS ACTIVITY. If a student is absent, the will be exempt from the assignment. Teacher may make exceptions to this if needed.
Long Read—Novel: “To Kill a Mockingbird” This novel will be issued to students after Fall Break. A reading schedule, chapter questions, character projects, vocabulary and chapter quizzes, and a final notebook project are involved in reading the novel. This is our major focus after Fall Break through the end of the semester. Students will HAVE to keep up with their reading schedule during class AND at home. We do not have the time to read the entire novel together in class. A lengthy final assessment test will be given over this novel as well as extra credit opportunities.
Organization and Planning: All students will have a binder with 5 dividers. Students are responsible to keep all papers handed back in the appropriate sections of their binders. Students will also keep a monthly calendar (I provide this). The calendar and binders will be checked for grades.
Extra Credit points available:
All students will be given the opportunity to be Vocab Leaders. These students lead the class every day in verbal review over our vocab words. Students receive 5 points a day when they have successfully lead the class in the review.
Other “project” opportunities will be available at the end of each 9 weeks period.
