DOWNLOAD: Syllabus 2011
9th Grade Honors Literature and Composition
Mr. Marsh (marshaj@fultonschools.org)
2011-2012
(770) 740-7000
*The best way to contact me is via email.
Please allow 24-48 hours for a response to non-emergency emails.
Classroom Expectations
Necessary Supplies: One three-ring binder (any color) with dividers to be used for this class only.
College ruled paper–plenty of it
At least 2 Pens everyday
Two pencils everyday
*Some items such as markers, glue, rulers and other project related materials will be needed throughout the year. I will notify you when you need to bring particular items. You should store these materials in your locker until the materials are needed in class.
Behavior: I expect good behavior and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in my classroom. Basically, if you make it difficult for ANYONE (including you) to learn, we will have a problem, and I will deal with it accordingly.
Late Work: I accept unexcused late work the day after it is due (only) for the price of 30 points off the earned grade. If you earn a 100, you will receive a 70 for that assignment. Rational for policy: You are young adults, and as such, you make choices. If you do not do your homework when it is assigned, you have made a choice not to complete the assignment. That choice has a consequence. You know the consequence, so there is no reason to discuss why your work is not completed on time. However, if you find yourself in a situation that you find beyond your control, please e-mail me or contact me before class begins, and I will listen. Do not take class time to discuss your personal situation. Personal situations are private, and I do not want to put you in a position where you feel have to share private information with those who do not need to know your private business. You will find I am a much better listener before and after class. Allowing you to beg, plead or argue in front of others would do you a great disservice. I respect you too much to allow you to do that to yourself.
Missed Work: If you miss school, you need to contact a friend to find out what you have missed in my class. This class will move fairly quickly, and you don’t want to get behind. If any handouts were given during your absence, they will be waiting for you when you return, or you could ask a neighbor or friend to bring them to you at home. The more proactive you are, the better off you will be.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy: Making up work due to an absence is the responsibility of the student. You have the number of days that you were absent to make-up the assignment. (Example: If you are absent for one day then you have one day to complete the missed work). If you are absent on test day, come see me immediately to schedule a time for you to take the test. Students absent on the DAY BEFORE an announced test will be expected to take the test with the class. Failure to complete make-up work will result in a ‘0’. Students who are present for any part of the day are expected to turn in assignments that are due on that day. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in the assignment to the teacher.
Course Description Ninth Grade Literature and Composition will continue to build on the reading and language curriculum established in middle school. Throughout this course, students will have opportunities to develop and expand their knowledge of literature and language and demonstrate their mastery level of new learning through a variety of performance tasks and assessments. At the completion of this course, students will take the Ninth Grade End-of-Course Test required by state law.
Textbook Info
- Title: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes (Gold Edition)
- Publisher: Prentice Hall
- ISBN: 0-13-054797-2
- Price: 60.97 (2006-2007 cost; I will update the cost when the information becomes available)
Grading Scale
A 90 and Above B 80-89 C 70-79 F 60 and Below
Grade Calculation
Final Exam(first semester) / EOCT (second semester): 1 per semester: 20% Summative Performance Assessments: 40%
Major Tests:
Projects:
Process Writings:
Formative Assessments: 30%
Gradable Quizzes
Gradable Informal Projects
In Class Evidence of Practice: 5%
Out of Class Evidence of Practice: 5%
1st six week completion grade
2nd 6 weeks completion grade
3rd six week completion grade
Recovery Policy
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
Milton English Department Recovery Policy
Any student who has completed all Unit 1 work to date and whose average is below a 75 after completion of the unit may apply for recovery for a summative assignment. The student will have up to one week after receiving a final summative assessment to request recovery for such grade. Upon receiving the request for recovery from the student, the teacher will then determine the type of recovery and the time frame appropriate for such recovery. At this point, a student/teacher conference will take place and a recovery contract will be created. The grade for the recovery summative assessment and the grade for the original unit summative assignment will then be averaged together. This average will then replace the original unit summative assignment grade. No recovery may be requested before the completion of the first semester unit or during the last ten days of each semester.
Help Hours
I am available mornings or after school by appointment whenever help is needed. Please see me as soon as possible for extra help, make-up work, grade concerns, etc.
EOCT Information
There is no EOCT for the first semester of 9th Grade Literature and Composition. However, there is a final exam which will count for 20% of the overall semester grade. The EOCT is administered in the spring. The material covered during the first semester will appear on the EOCT second semester.
Tardy Policy You are tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell sounds.
- 1st offense: warning and parent contact
- 2nd offense: warning and parent contact
- 3rd offense: private detention and parent contact
- 4th offense: referral to the office
Plagiarism
Cases of cheating and/or plagiarism are handled in accordance withMiltonpolicy. Plagiarism is the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism include, but are not limited to, the following actions: (1) using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation; (2) using the work of another student (i.e. copying another student’s homework, composition, or project; (3) using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is not acceptable. Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of the Milton Honor Code. In order to avoid plagiarism, the student must document all sources consulted or used in the preparation of a document or presentation. This includes sources from the Internet.
If you are caught cheating on any assignment, the incident will be reported to the administration and your parents. If you see or hear of anyone cheating, it is your duty to report it.
Content Standards* (From the Georgia Department of Education website):
Reading and Literature
Focusing on a study of literary genres, students develop an understanding of the way the form of a work of literature affects the meaning of that work. Students will read, interpret, and analyze informational material such as memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies. They will also analyze themes and structure in fiction, including short stories, novels, drama and contemporary and canonical poems. Through extensive reading, students will acquire new vocabulary specific to the study of literature and apply that knowledge in their writing.
Reading Across the Curriculum
To encourage students to become life-long readers, the curriculum includes standards that address both academic and personal habits of reading. Students will read approximately one million words per year from a variety of subject disciplines including language arts. In the English language arts classroom, students will learn the vocabulary of literature, writing, and listening, speaking, and viewing.
Writing
Technical writing is the focus for ninth grade; however, students will continue to produce narrative, informational, and persuasive writings. Students will practice timed writings and continue to use the stages of the writing process to develop compositions and writings that demonstrate an understanding of tone, point of view, style, organization, author’s purpose, and audience. Students will continue to use research and technology to support reading and writing.
Conventions
Students will increase their knowledge of the conventions of language in reading, writing, and speaking. They will demonstrate their control of the rules of English, focusing on clauses, punctuation, and sentence construction, and usage. They will also apply their knowledge of the conventions of format when producing technical writing, workplace writing, and research based papers.
Listening/Speaking/Viewing
Students will continue to develop their critical listening skills. Through presentations and interactions with the teacher and other students, they will apply effective speaking techniques in small and large group settings. The viewing standards will enable students to develop media literacy skills through the careful examination of contemporary texts including television, radio, film productions, and electronic media.
Name:________________
Class Period:__________
I have read the course syllabus for Honors 9th Grade Literature and Composition. I agree to abide by the policies and expectations set forth in the syllabus.
Student signature:______________________________ Date:______________________
Parent signature:_______________________________ Date:______________________
For teacher use only:
Parent Contact Log
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