Occupational English I & II Mr. Paul Hamilton

Spring 2010 - Room J3paul.hamilton@ucps.k12.nc.us

Course Description:Students in Occupational English I & II explore and examine a variety of communication modes and the importance each plays in daily living and employment settings. They apply reading and writing strategies to interpret and express factual, functional information. They use oral language strategies to communicate effectively in both formal and informal situations. They use standard rules of convention and syntax to give and request information. They read and comprehend a variety of functional texts. Class time will be devoted to developing good writing skills, developing the skills necessary to be successful on the state writing and state English assessments. Students will also begin developing a career portfolio which is required for graduation in the Occupational Course of Study and will be with them during their time at Piedmont High.

Objectives:The student will:

Expand basic telephone skills for work and home Write complete simple and compound sentences to form paragraphs Read and comprehend information found in a variety of printed material Read basic, functional vocabulary terms Employ accurate manuscript and cursive letter formation Exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer technology Use basic word processing skills for written communication Develop effective interviewing skills Give and request verbal directions Demonstrate appropriate communication skills when addressing peer Take and support positions of self-advocacy while further developing these

skills

Expectations and Guidelines Have a great attitude Have respect for yourself, others, and the teacher at all times. Come to class prepared with all necessary materials. No sleeping in class. Do not throw objects in the classroom (that goes for throwing toward the

trash can also). No food or drink in my classroom. (My ONLY exception is bottled water!) Students need to be in their seat when the bell rings or else they will be

counted tardy. DISCIPLINE WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM. Any student that exhibits disruptive

behavior or in any way keeps others from learning will not be tolerated.

Materials:

3-ring binder with dividers, pockets/folders and paper.Blue/Black ink or pencilsCow/Journal NotebookWorkbooksAny assigned texts

Consequences for rule violations1st offense—verbal or written warning from teacher2nd offense—discipline referral and/or parent notification3rd offense—discipline referral

Tardiness, Absences and Make-up Work: will all be dealt with according to the following policies:

1. A student will be marked tardy when the late bell rings and they are not in their seat prepared to start class.

2. If you are absent it is your responsibility to request the missed assignments. Missed assignments will only be given for excused absences. If you have an unexcused absence, you will not be permitted to make up any work that you missed.

3. You will have one day to make up the work for every day you are absent. Example: If you are out one day you have one day to make up the work, if you are out 2 days you will have two days to make up the work and so on…

4. No late work will be accepted. As school is a learning environment to prepare students for the “real world” in both college and the workplace lateness is neither accepted nor tolerated therefore it will not be allowed in my class. You will hear me say: “Something is better than nothing because if you give me nothing than that is exactly what you will get.”

5. I do not give extra credit due to the fact that I feel your work should speak for itself therefore I highly recommend that you attempt and hand in each assignment as credit will be assigned accordingly.

6. All tests will be made up either before or after school according to county policy as listed in your student handbook unless a special circumstance merits other arrangements.

Tutoring (extra help): I will be available for help before school most everyday in room J3 from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM and after school by appointment only. A student needs to let me know that she/he will be coming in for help on a particular day so that I can be sure that I don’t have a previously scheduled meeting (parent conference/faculty meeting). Don’t wait too long to ask for help!

Moodle: I have a Moodle site which is located by going to the following internet address, http://moodle.ucps.k12.nc.us/course/view.php?id=5268 and selecting Mr. Hamilton’s Occupational English Page. You may also go to the school’s homepage and select on the side of the page teacher moodle sites, then exceptional children, and finally the link for the Occupational English Page. The enrollment key is Hamilton. This site will be where you will save your career

portfolio by uploading it to me and you will find various course materials and information.

Bathroom Policy: You will be given an individual pass. If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, you will need to present the pass and have me sign it. You will also need to sign out in the correct folder by the door. Once you have used all of your bathroom passes, you will not be permitted to leave to use the restroom. Save them and use them for emergencies—that what they’re there for. Anyone leaving class for any reason must sign in/out in the correct folder by the door.

Participation Points: Every six weeks, each student begins with 100 class participation points. These points are not earned; they are only lost. Some things that will cause a loss of participation points include not coming to class prepared, tardiness, failing to stay on-task, being disruptive, or abusing a privilege.

Grading Policy: The student’s grade will be based on observation, written tests, quizzes, homework, projects, labs and class work. All work must be turned in on time; late work will not be accepted!!! This includes projects!!!!

6 weeks will be: Tests, projects, creative writing, etc. 40%Reading Quizzes, Classwork, Homework     50%Daily Participation  10%

Semester average: First 6 weeks 25%Second 6 weeks 25% Third 6 Weeks 25%Final Exam 25%

Grading Scale: set forth by Union County Public SchoolsA: 93-100B: 85-92C: 77-84D: 70-76F: 0-69

Daily ParticipationYou will be given a grade each week based on your participation. Attached you will find the rubric by which I will evaluate you. For each infraction I will take five points off of your grade. For example, you may ask to use the restroom, but it will cost you five points from your grade that week. The same thing applies to the remainder of the categories. We will go over in class what each one means. Make sure you understand. These weekly grades end up as 10% of your six weeks grade.

Outside and Silent ReadingEveryone is expected to read a book outside of those required in class. You will be given a list of books from which you can choose. You have until February 4th to bring your book to class. After this checkpoint date, you have four weeks to finish reading the book and complete a book report. A book report is due every six weeks. You will be given more instructions about what is involved in each report. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be reserved on a regular basis for silent reading. You will be given a minimum of 30 minutes each day to read. Each silent reading day is worth points. If you don’t bring your own reading material, you lose half points. If you don’t read, you lose all points. (This includes working on homework.)

Writer’s Notebook/JournalThere will be weekly writing assignments due every Friday. Students must purchase a journal for this. It cannot be loose-leaf paper and I would suggest a cow-book, a spiral book, or something else that appeals to you. I consider this notebook to be a reflection of you—so feel free to decorate the front cover, use a sketchbook if you like to draw as well as write, etc. This notebook will be kept in my classroom on a designated shelf. The entire notebook will be turned in every week for a grade. Your writing assignments in the writer’s notebook are to become part of a semester-long portfolio. As you choose pieces of your writing each week, I will expect you to revise it and place it in your portfolio.

Late PolicyNo late work will be accepted. As school is a learning environment to prepare students for the “real world” in both college and the workplace lateness is neither accepted nor tolerated therefore it will not be allowed in my class.

Signing In/OutIf you are given permission to leave the classroom for any reason, you must sign out on the sheet on the table next to the door. You must sign when you leave and when you return. Once I agree to allow you to leave the classroom you will write out the pass completely including full name, time, date, and destination.

Tardy PolicyThe class room door will be closed and locked when the tardy bell rings. If you are not in class, you need to report to the office to receive your admit slip. The first tardy is a warning. The second one results in after school detention. This is a school-wide policy that will be strictly enforced.

Progress Reports and Report Cards: Progress reports and report cards will be issued according to the school and county calendar.

Progress Report Dates: To Be Announced

Report Cards Issued: To Be Filled in on the first day of class.

I usually give the students weekly progress reports also so they know exactly where their grade stands.

*** I also have a Moodle web page for this class which I will try to keep up to date it you want to check to see what we are doing in class and what assignments we have for the week ****

“Modifications to this syllabus may become necessary and will be done at my discretion!!”

General Comments

The beginning high school years of English—while they can be difficult—are about choices, as well as the consequences that follow decisions. For example, a student must choose whether to excel in this class. He or she must choose whether to sharpen those skills necessary for success outside of school: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. I have already made some choices that affect students—my choices to teach high school students, to help them experience academic success, to help them become better prepared for their future employment or educational trainning. But students must choose to take advantage of this situation. The consequences of every choice student's make in this class—whether it be reading the novels, revising an essay, participating in group discussion—will result in success or mediocrity.

Partnership for Success

This document also serves as a contract between teacher, student, and Parent. Please sign below, stating that you have both read and understood my expectations for this course.

Student Signature _____________________________________

Parent Signature______________________________________

Best Way to Contact you __________________________________________

Thank You!

Paul Hamiltonpaul.hamilton@ucps.k12.nc.us704-753-2810

Please return this sheet to Mr. Hamilton