ACADEMIC LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ALD) COURSE DESCRIPTION AND POLICIESPlease note that information contained in this syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be noted to students in advance.

CONTACT INFO:Erika Wanczuk, M.Ed., NBCT email: Erika.wanczuk@sduhsd.net (before 7:00 pm for same-day response)Room 450; 760.436.6136 x6271 Web site: http://teachers.sduhsd.net/ewanczuk

Sign up for a one-on-one, outside-of-class-time conferencesTHE BASICS: ALD is a course designed to help long-term English Learners succeed in both academic classes and on external measures of

academics and literacy, such as standardized tests (for example, California State Tests, CELDT, California High School Exit Exam).

One tool of the class is the English 3D curriculum. The ultimate goal of the course is to improve communication skills and academic language. The focus is on empowerment

through literacy and language. Reading makes a person a better reader and writer and communicator; it helps expand one’s vocabulary, gives a sense of

grammar and cadence to the written word to the reader. The course grade is a reflection of the student’s mastery of the material and standards; it is not necessarily a reflection of the

amount of time or effort given to the assignment. Daily class meetings are a combination of reading; writing; group work/partner work; guided discussions; teacher/student

conferences about other academic subjects in the students’ schedules, including schoolwork and homework assignments; and answering student questions.

Daily lesson agendas and assignments are posted on the class web site each day; also on the web site are due dates, and links to work and handouts (if available).

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION:

Entry Criteria (student must meet 1, 2, and 3) Exit Criteria (student must meet 1, 3, and 4)1. Enrolled in U.S. school for 6+ years 1. Overall CELDT scores of 4-5 and student meets District

Reclassification Criteria2. CELDT Overall Proficiency Levels 3-5 2. Student is Proficient in ELA CST (350 or more points)3. ELA CST scaled score is 340 or fewer points 3. English grades of C or better4. English grades of D or F 4. 80% or better in English 3D benchmark assessments5. Teacher recommendation 5. Teacher recommendation

CLASSROOM LIBRARY: Over the years, I have accumulated a collection of books to place in the classroom for the students’ reading pleasure. I hope to promote a print-rich environment and help students get excited about reading. This collection includes nonfiction, ancient and modern classics, contemporary literature, literature from various countries, cultures, and authors. I have tried to collect a wide variety of works and genres to interest every student and promote reading. Students are not required to read these books; they are available for additional reading pleasure and access to literature. Some books may contain sensitive/controversial issues; as such, parents are more than welcome to peruse the books, or contact me anytime regarding the classroom library.

TEXTS:English 3D curriculum: Issues Text and Portfolio work book

COURSE MATERIALS: all students are responsible for, and required to have, the following items each day in class: At least TWO pens with BLACK or BLUE INK. At least TWO sharpened pencils; if using mechanical pencils, make sure you have extra lead. Binder/notebook 8 ½” x 11” college ruled paper Class text and handouts from class Your highly intelligent and dedicated brain Texts, class work, and homework from other academic classes

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CATEGORIES: Percentages are assigned according to the amount of time, effort, level of academic rigor required of the grading category. Percentages are subject to change according to students’ needs. Students are required to complete the following assignments IN FULL and ON TIME and will be graded on his/her performance on the following:

Category Information Late Work Policies % of Grade

Class work

Benchmark Assessments/Tests/Quizzes

No name = no credit until claimed Must have correct heading for full

credit: name, date, period in top right-hand corner of notebook paper or handout

Most class work will be done in the English 3D Portfolio work book or handouts from the teacher

English 3D Benchmark assessments to show progress

Quizzes and tests involve homework reading comprehension and academic language skills taught in class

Classwork: No unexcused late work accepted Class work excused absences : students have

the same number of class periods to make up the class activity as they are absent. Please write “absent” on the top of the paper before turning it in.

Unexcused absences : work will not be accepted.

Tests: Excused absences: Students have 3 school

days to make up a quiz/test. If a student chooses not to make it up in the time allowed, that student earns a zero for the test/quiz. Names will be written on the board as a reminder to make up quizzes/tests.

Unexcused absences : work will not be accepted.

100%

GRADING POLICY: GRADES ARE BASED ON ACHIEVEMENT OF SKILLS. Work is graded on how well it meets criteria/rubric; in other words, how well the work is written, the correct usage of academic language, the depth of the insight and thought of the written work, and the comprehension of the reading material. I do not grade on a curve. No extra credit is offered in this course.

A = 100—90 = far exceeds standardsB = 89.99—80 = exceeds standardsC = 79.99—70 = meets standardsD = 69.99—60 = does not meet standardsF = 59.99 and below = does not meet standards/work not submitted

Grades are earned, not given. Earn the grade you want by working for it all semester. During the last couple weeks of the semester, do not ask me to accept any late work, do not ask to make up assignments you have missed, do not ask for extra credit. Do not ask, “what can I do to bring up my grade?” because my answer will always be the same: do the assigned work when it is assigned. Do not ask me to round up your grade: changing a grade at a student’s or a parent’s request is unethical, illegal, demonstrates favoritism, and is unfair to other students who accept the grades they have earned. That said, if I decide to round up a grade, it will be based on the following: turning in all work on time for the entire semester; earning check-plusses on homework/class work; going above and beyond the requirements on projects, presentations, reading assignments; participating in class discussions; coming in for help and working to improve all semester; academic improvement; and final percentage of grade.

Last minute catastrophes will be dealt with in a sensitive manner. (Catastrophe = an event that is out of the student’s control, like breaking a leg, house catching on fire, death in the family, etc., NOT “my printer ran out of ink,” etc.) If the student foresees complications with certain due dates, see Ms. W. BEFORE the due date, and she can work with the student. Communication is key.

Progress Reports and Report Cards are delivered electronically in our district and are be available via the Aeries Parent Portal. Phone calls and e-mails from La Costa Canyon High School will notify families when “official” grades have been posted. Families not having access to the Aeries Parent Portal should contact Sherrie Bender at 760-436-6136, Ext. 6006.

Expected, but not always graded, work: Copious, legible, constructive notes taken in class Reading every night for academic classes and for pleasure Constructive, intelligent, insightful thinking How to know when you need help—AND come get help from Ms. W. when you need it How to manage time effectively to accomplish assignments in a timely manner

BEHAVIOR POLICY Students are expected to behave in a mature manner at all times. Students are expected to behave in a manner conducive to an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, integrity, honesty,

kindness, and excellence.

If you are having a bad day, please tell Ms. W. so she can help you and the class will not be disrupted. Any behavior as seen as below standard (disrespectful, defiant, rebellious, etc.) will result in administrative action (referral) and

parent/student/teacher contact and/or conferences.

CLASSROOM POLICIES Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed in the classroom because of 1) their attraction to bugs and mice, 2) their ability to

distract students, and 3) their ability to stain classroom materials Bottled water is allowed. Please recycle. Electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, iPads, and other electronic devices) are not permitted in the classroom, unless

otherwise noted by the teacher. Students will keep their electronic devices turned OFF (not on “vibrate”). If I see it or hear it at an inappropriate time, or catch you texting, I will confiscate it and talk with you. Upon subsequent offenses, I may give the device to the assistant principal and contact parents.

Please raise your hand and wait to be recognized to speak in class; I will only call on people with their hands raised in the air to speak.

I give directions once, then ask for questions, so please pay attention. No unauthorized video and/or audio recording of any person, thing, or activity in class, unless noted by the teacher.

HALL PASS/BATHROOM POLICY: Students have a hall pass sheet at the back of their agendas to use for emergencies. This is a pass to get out of class for any reason; there are only five spaces, so please use your passes for emergencies only. The pass sheet must be attached to the agenda at all times for the passes to remain legitimate. No extra credit for not using the hall passes.

LEAVING CLASS EARLY: Many students must leave class early, such as for doctor appointments or sports games. If you need to leave class early, it is expected that you will exercise educational responsibility. That includes: 1) seeing the teacher outside of class time before you leave for the day (i.e. for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th period, see the teacher before school; for 5th or 6th period, see the teacher at lunch);2) writing down the class activities and obtaining class activity handouts; 3) writing down homework and obtaining any homework handouts; 4) contacting your study buddies and/or Ms. W. through email if you have questions;5) completing the class activities and homework assignments before the next class period to stay up-to-date and to earn full credit for assignments;6) In addition, if you must leave early for sports:

o Communicate absences to the teacher in advance;

o Show your early release pass on the day of your early release BEFORE class startso Create a plan of action with your teacher if you will need to leave class early on several occasions

TARDY POLICY: Don’t be tardy! This class is important! When a student is tardy in high school, he/she misses out on important information, and may feel lost, frustrated, and behind in

the work, which generally puts a person in a bad mood. In addition, it disrupts the flow of class, especially the classmate the tardy student may ask for information. It also shows the student’s character and sends the message that the student does not think the class is important.

The school’s tardy policy is strictly enforced in this classroom. The tardy policy can be found in the student agenda and on the LCCHS web site. A few highlights:

o A tardy is defined as not being in one’s assigned seat when the bell that signals the start of class rings. If one is standing in the doorway when the bell rings, they are not in their assigned seat; therefore, they are tardy.

o Tardies are both disruptive to the class and disrespectful to the teacher and to fellow students. They are considered a disciplinary issue and are dealt with as such.

PARENT/STUDENT SIGNATURES:

Student Copy: I understand the course description of, and requirements for, Academic Language Development (ALD); I also agree to comply with the policies of the ALD course. I understand that if I use any electronic device in class, I run the risk that it will be confiscated.

______________________________ __________ ______________________________ __________Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

------------------------------------PLEASE RETURN THE PAGE BELOW TO MS. WANCZUK--------------------------------------

I understand the course description of, and requirements for, Academic Language Development; I also agree to comply with the policies of the Academic Language Development course. I understand that if I use any electronic device in class, I run the risk that it will be confiscated.

___________________________________ __________ ________________________________________ __________Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

(__________)________________________________ _______________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Phone Parent/Guardian e-mail address

Please be sure that your email address is current on Aeries so you will receive emails about the class.