11th & 12th Grade English

This class is designed to meet the California State Standards for 11th & 12th grade English. These standards include reading, writing, written and oral English language conventions, and listening and speaking skills. Students in this class will be required to read and comprehend a variety of text genres including fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. Writing assignments will consist of responses to literature, narratives, expository compositions, persuasive compositions, reflective compositions, historical investigation reports, and job applications/résumes.

In order to be successful in this class, it is imperative that you arrive to class on time and ready to work. You must be willing to voice your concerns and questions, and be able to receive feedback as a means for improving your learning. As a member of this learning community, you must be willing to participate in class discussions and help others when needed.

ACADEMICS

Your academic grade will be comprised of the following:

Assessments (Standards-Based at the end of each unit) 30%

Projects/Major Assignments 25%

Class Work (Journals / In class assignments / Group work) 15%

Independent Reading (Pages and Reading Logs) 15%

Digital Classroom (Blogs / Forums / E-mail Assignments) 15%

• Grading rubrics will be distributed for major assignments.
• Extra credit will be offered periodically and usually entails attending a school event and writing a reflection on the experience. Extra credit makes up only 2 % of the overall grade & will not “save your grade”.
• Your citizenship grade will be determined by your behavior in class and your ability to arrive on time, ready to learn!

Class Requirements

Each student is expected to bring the following items to class daily: Independent Reading Book, a 3-Ring Binder that includes a labeled section for English, Journal, and a pen/pencil.

Independent Reading (IR) – 15% of overall grade

• Independent reading will be done in class AND at home.
• Students will need to have their IR books with them at all times (in all classes!)
• Students will be required to read 900 pages every 9 weeks if they want to receive an “A” for their portion of the IR Grade.
• Once a student has completed a book, he/she will need to complete a book review sign up for a “Book Talk”, which are held on Fridays in class.
• Students will also be required to turn in a weekly reading log (signed by their parent/guardian). The log requires that students read at least 5 nights a week for 30 minutes. It is due every FRIDAY at the beginning of the period.

Late Work (Any work that is turned in after the due date and time without an excused absence is considered late).

• Minor assignments may not be turned in late.
• Reading logs may be turned in one day late for half credit.
• If a student chooses to turn in a major assignment late, his/her grade will be lowered one letter grade for every day it is late. (For example: A- to B-)

Texts - TBD

REMEMBER

All school rules apply in this classroom.

In this class, it is especially important that you respect yourself, each other, and your teachers.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding the above policies, or you have general questions regarding your education, I will be happy to speak with you.