˜ GRADING SCALE ™
|
93-100
= A 90-92
= A- 87-89
= B+ 83-86
= B 80-82
= B- |
77-79
= C+ 73-76
= C 70-72
= C- 67-69
= D+ 60-66
= D 0-59
= F |
Books: The Language of Literature Possible Novels: To Kill a
Mockingbird, Of Mice & Men, Ender’s Game, A Separate
Peace, Blood & Chocolate, Bless Me Ultima,
Speak, Big Mouth & Ugly Girl, others… Drama: “The Bear” or “Antigone” Shakespeare: “Taming of the Shrew” or “Julius Caesar” Poetry: Misc. titles… |
Participation: 10%
Attendance,
participation, and coming to class prepared are essential for meeting the
requirements of this class. Items that
will lower student’s grade:
MTardy NUnexcused Absence LNot prepared for
class DDisruptive to class
It is IMPERATIVE that students bring
their AR book and passport to class EVERY day.
Accelerated
2nd semester points due
Individual
points are based on a student’s reading level (star test). Students must pass a minimum of one book per
6 week grading period. All books must be within assigned
reading zone and passed with a 70% or better.
Students must read from both major genres each semester. Students will not be allowed to take test
without the book they read and a completed reading log. Only tests taken in my room with my approval
will count toward AR points. Classroom
novels may not be taken for AR credit.
Major Papers/Projects: 20%
The
rubric for each paper/project will be given at the time the paper/project is
assigned. There will be between three
and five of these each semester…so they are weighted very heavily. These will ABSOLUTLY
not be accepted late (some credit is better than no credit). We will be doing a MLA style research paper,
expository, persuasive, and comparison/contrast writing.
Daily Work: 20%
Points
will be assigned according to length and importance.
Areas of emphasis: the writing process, reading
practice, literary analysis, and research.
Vocabulary.
Tests/Homework: 20%
Vocabulary
tests will be given every Friday. Homework will be handed in at the beginning of class
before the test on
Friday or any time in the week preceding the test. If a student misses a test for an excused
activity or illness, the test must be made up before the following Friday or it
will be recorded as a zero. During short
weeks due to holidays, vocabulary may be moved to the day before the break. These changes will be posted on the board in
advance.
The
lowest test and homework grade will be dropped at the end of each semester.
Tests & Quizzes: 20%
Test
and Quizzes will cover all relevant materials assigned and/or covered in
class. Tests will measure comprehension,
application, and critical thinking.
STANDARDS:
HOMEWORK: BE SURE THAT YOUR HOMWORK IS HEADED PROPERLY AND
NEATLY…Who the paper belongs to, what the assignment is, and which class you
belong in must be clear.
LATE WORK: I do not accept late work and do not accept
work via email. An assignment is
considered late if it is not in my hands (or submitted electronically to
turnitin.com) at the beginning of the class period on the due date. Certain assignments, such as vocabulary (standing/weekly
assignments) and specified assignments with long lead times are due even if you
were absent on the day(s) preceding the due date. Do not wait until the last minute to do
things.
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism, or
academic dishonesty, is presenting someone else’s ideas, work, or writing as
your own. Plagiarism results in an
automatic 0 for the assignment and is reported to the principal. The second occurrence results in an automatic
F in the class.
EXTRA CREDIT: Does not exist…do not
ask.
ACCOUNTABILITY: I believe that high
school is our last opportunity to prepare you for the real world. The best way to do this is to practice being
responsible for the decisions you make and reaping the benefits/consequences of
those actions.
Classroom Rules:
1.
All
rules in the student handbook will be adhered to. (dress
code, tardiness, etc.)
2.
Be in
your seat, with your materials out BEFORE the tardy bell rings, or you will
be marked tardy.
3.
I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK.
(If there are extenuating circumstances, you MUST see me BEFORE the
deadline.) HOWEVER, don’t forget that
partial credit is MUCH better than no credit!
4.
No
food or drink in class. (I will throw it away if it comes through the door.)
5.
Cell
phones (or other electronic devices, i.e. mp3 player, palm pilot, etc.) are not
to be seen or heard…ever. First offense:
your phone (device) will be confiscated and you may pick it up after
school. Second offense: your phone
(device) will be confiscated and your parent/guardian may pick it up at my
earliest convenience.
6.
Be
responsible for yourself, respect others, and work hard!
7.
If
you are gone for any reason, you are responsible to ask for assignments and
notes. I will not remind you. “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse.
(You have 24 hours for each day you are gone to make up missed assignments if
your absence is excused.)
8.
You
may only leave the classroom using the hall pass affixed to your intact
passport. There are 5 trips on the
sticker. Use them for true Emergencies!
If a class
standard of behavior is violated, a Behavior Improvement Packet will be
assigned. Packets must be completed,
signed by the parent/guardian and the student, and returned to me before
returning to class the next day.
TEN-DAY ABSENCE RULE
The student is
responsible to attend all classes (unless excused school activity) and actively
engage in the day’s lesson. The
student’s attendance in the class is crucial to the student demonstrating
proficiency in the subject. Excessive
absences (more than 10 excused or unexcused) may cause the student to be
ineligible to earn credit in the class.
The student who
believes the absences are the result of extenuating circumstances may appeal
the credit eligibility to the Attendance Review Committee. (Please note unexcused absences are difficult
to appeal.)
*Additionally,
if a student is more than 10 minutes tardy, it will be recorded as an unexcused
absence.
{please detach
and return to Ms. Portmann}
It
is important to me that you know what your child is doing in English. Please look over the syllabus, sign below and
have your student return it to me. Questions or Concerns?
Please e-mail me at dportmann@asd5.org,
or call 532-2040 and I will return your call as soon as possible.
I
have read and understand the student handbook, as well as, Mrs. Portmann’s syllabus, and agree to comply with the outlined
guidelines.
Student:
____________________________
________________________ Date: _______________
(Signature) (printed
name)
Parent/Guardian:
______________________________ Date: _______________
(Signature)