€¦  · Web viewHonors English 11 Syllabus. Mrs. Cook in . Room. 1606. Welcome to Honors English 11! This course is a survey of American Literature. Our class will be expected

Honors English 11 SyllabusMrs. Cook in Room 1606

Welcome to Honors English 11! This course is a survey of American Literature. Our class will be expected to read a variety of works and complete a variety of writing projects to build a foundation in reading comprehension, written expression, research, vocabulary, and grammar. These works will help to build an understanding of literary terms, analysis, and critique. Students will submit several cumulative writing pieces, ending in a comprehensive, inquiry-based synthesis project. The culmination of the course requires a project that addresses a self-chosen Big Question.

Course Goals (aligned with the State of Virginia SOL Standards) Standard 11.1 The student will make informative and persuasive presentations. Standard 11.2 The student will examine how values and points of view are included or excluded and how media influences beliefs

and behaviors. Standard 11.3 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to extend vocabulary

development in authentic texts. Standard 11.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze relationships among American literature, history, and culture. Standard 11.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts. Standard 11.6 The student will write in a variety of forms, with an emphasis on persuasion. Standard 11.7 The student will self- and peer-edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence

structure, and paragraphing. Standard 11.8 The student will analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and organize information from a variety of sources to produce a

research product.

Materials Writing Utensils: Pencils/Pens A 3-5 subject notebook with perforated edges (to take home) A composition notebook (to be left in the classroom) A sturdy folder or binder to hold work A package of large sticky notes Textbooks or assigned text Vocabulary book: Riverside High school is pleased to share with you our vocabulary enhancement program through Sadlier-

Oxford. Each student will be asked to purchase a copy of his or her grade's vocabulary book for approximately $12.00. This successful national program increases vocabulary development and critical thinking. At other LCPS high schools, juniors especially have testified that the vocabulary in the Sadlier-Oxford program appeared on the SAT. More information and an order form will be coming home in the weeks to come. RVHS will make provisions for any student who is unable to buy his/her workbook personally.

Class Expectations: The following expectations are for everyone’s safety and comfort. RESPECT all people and property in the classroom. ADVOCATE for academic and social concerns. Be absolutely honest in all academic and social matters. MOTIVATE. Get involved in classroom activities and discussions. Be in your seat on time, with your materials, ready to learn. SERVE. Be of service to classmates and the greater classroom community. Make a sincere effort to work and learn.

Grading: Grades will be primarily based on summative assessments. Formative assessments will be reported, but some may not be calculated into the grade. No assignment accounts for more than 30% of the overall grade. If you see a “Z” in Phoenix for an assessment, this means the assessment has not been completed. If you see an “X” in Phoenix, it means the assignment has been excused. The students are required to keep all of their materials once they have been returned.

Summative Assessments (90% of Overall Grade) Formative Assessments (10% of Overall Grade)Tests Warm UpsQuizzes Entry/Exit TicketsProjects In-Class Activities Writing Process, Drafts, and Finals Homework

Absences

If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for checking with the teacher as soon as possible about work missed. When a student misses a previously announced in-class assessment due to an absence, the student must communicate with

the teacher to arrange an appropriate new completion date. When a student is present for part of a day, all previously announced assignments are due that day. When a student is excused from classes for a school-related extra-curricular activity, the student must pre-arrange the

completion of work missed for those sessions prior to the extracurricular activity taking place.

Late Work: Summative assessments are due on the assigned date in either electronic or print form.

Retakes and ReassessmentsMastery is the attainment of 93% and is the cut-off for the repetition of a test. Students have 1 retake per test. Students receive the higher of the two grades. Remediation must occur before a reassessment takes place. Remediation will not act as a gatekeeper exercise designed to keep students from re-assessing; instead it is a necessary step in preparation for the re-assessment. Therefore, all required remediation must be completed before a reassessment may take place. Remediation and reassessment must take place before 2 weeks have elapsed from the date of the original test OR by the end of the next unit of study when appropriate. Teacher and student should agree on a time and place to hold the remediation session(s).

20/20 rule: All students are to be in the classroom during the first 20 and last 20 minutes of class. No passes will be issued during this time unless an emergency is occurring.

Questions and Policies: Our class fully supports and follows the mission and policies of Riverside High School. Respect, Advocate, Motivate, and Serve should be a part of every learning community. This means if you have a question about any classroom procedure, you can check classroom policies and guidelines listed in the student agenda. If you ever have a question about any classroom information or policy not listed, please ask. Curiosity is valued, and “why” is an important question. I will never be angry with you for wanting to know more.

Contacting Mrs. Cook: You may contact Mrs. Cook by email at [email protected] or by the school phone at (703) 554-8900. It may also be helpful to view to information listed on Mrs. Cook’s faculty page located on the Riverside High School site. I look forward to an outstanding year together!