2012-2013 SYLLABUS for ENGLISH 1 & 2: EMERGING IDENTITIES
Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Walker, Mrs. Brantley
“FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION”
Greetings Parents and Guardians,
I will be your child’s ninth grade English teacher for this academic year. This is an integral period in your child’s education because it is the foundation upon which success can be built or destroyed. I will need your full support in ensuring that accomplishment is the focus and ultimate goal for our students. This course is modeled off a college level literature course where students develop a broad, rich association with literature from around the world: the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The purpose is to establish a solid infrastructure for students to appreciate the diversity of literature geographically, chronologically as well as culturally. We will be examining how historical events shape the literature of that time period as well as how the genre of literature works to express the author’s point of view. Given this, we will be reading fiction, essays, speeches, short stories, poems and non-fiction accounts as well as using films as supplemental material. Please be mindful that this syllabus is subject to change relative to students’ needs and/or the New York State Standards in English. Here are some specific ways you can help your child to succeed:
ü create a safe space and time at home for your child to complete reading and writing
ü minimize time spent watching television and playing video games
ü encourage your child to complete independent reading assignments
ü engage in dialogue about what your child is learning, reading and writing about
ü spend time quizzing and questioning your child on vocabulary and other terms learned
ü set specific expectations with rewards when your child reaches and exceeds them
ü attend teacher conferences, PTA meetings and contact me when you have questions
COMPONENTS OF CLASS:
1. Projects/Essays – 30% Creative assignments that measure students’ application of knowledge.
2. Homework – 20% Daily independent reading, revision of essays, specific literary questions
3. Classwork –20% Grammar, vocabulary , do nows, and writing activities done in class
4. Tests – 20% These will cover units of vocabulary, grammar and literature read.
5. Quizzes – 10% On a regular, unannounced basis quizzes will be given based on previous lessons.
FDA GRADING POLICY SUPPLIES
1st Marking Period 20% 2 Composition Notebooks
2nd Marking Period 30% 2 Two –Pocket Folders
3rd Marking Period 30% 4 Dark Blue and/or Blue Pens
Final Exam 20% 2 Highlighters and/or Colored Pens
1 Pack of College Ruled Loose-leaf Paper
1 Flash Drive (at least 1.0 GB)
CLASS RULES:
1. Be On Time – Attendance is taken daily and lateness will mean a deduction of points from your Classwork grade.
2. Be Attentive - Participate in your education by raising your hand to ask critical, serious questions or share your thoughts on the topic being discussed.
3. Be Diligent -Apathy, complacency and laziness are abominable in this classroom so regardless of the difficulty of an assignment, make an effort.
4. Be Respectful -Speak to and about your peers and myself with respect for us as human beings and part of your academic community. No food, gum or candy; only water!
5. Be Your Best - Never do mediocre work or less than you are capable of accomplishing.
CONTACT
Please contact me via email, phone or by scheduling an appointment with your child’s guidance counselor:
A. Mr. Walker : mwalker11@schools.nyc.gov ; Mrs. Dawson: LDawson6@schools.nyc.gov; Mrs. Brantley : ebrantl11@schools.nyc.gov
C. 212-491-4107 is the main office and you may ask for your child’s guidance counselor to set up a meeting with his/her teacher.
TEXTS: Of Mice and Men, Autobiography of Frederick Douglass, To Kill A Mockingbird, Anthem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, 47, A Raisin in the Sun, The Light in the Forest, I Know Why the Caged Sings, Bless Me Ultima, Shabanu, excerpts from Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience and Prentice Hall Literature: World Literature, Advancing Vocabulary Skills, Writer’s Choice: Grammar Workbook,
POLICIES: Exams and Learning Exams and most quizzes will be given when announced. Testing days are Tuesdays and/or Fridays. Exams that are missed due to illness cannot be made up unless you have a doctor’s note from your parent or guardian explaining your absence. Quizzes cannot be retaken unless you have a note for lateness or absence. Any quiz that is missed due to excused lateness (late with a pass) or absence may be made up during school time or after school during tutorial. All quizzes, exams, and class work must be done using a dark blue or black ink pen.
Alternate Assessments Students will be required to complete a range of assessments, which may include small group presentations, individual presentations, portfolios, etc.
Homework: All homework must be submitted at the beginning of the period. Failure to follow this procedure will result in homework being considered late. Missed homework assignments must be made up within twenty-four hours of the due date. With the exceptions of students with legitimate and documented absences, students will lose 10 percent per day for all late assignments.
Lateness/Absence After an absence, a note is required on the date of your return. You are responsible for all missed work. Call a classmate. You should have at least two (2) dependable classmates’ numbers in a safe place. Lateness is not excused unless you obtain a pass from the teacher who detained you. You will be marked late, if you are not in your assigned seat with a dark blue or black ink pen, and your notebook (with the Aim written) after the late bell has rung. Students who are late are required to sign the late log and indicate their time of arrival to class. Excessive lateness will greatly affect your grade.
**PLEASE NOTE**: Late Assignments are highly discouraged and will suffer a 10 point deduction for each day they are late. Cell phones being used during class will be confiscated and sent to the Assistant Principal. Personal concerns (regarding grades, late work, etc.) should be addressed after class. Do not disturb a lesson with your complaints. Retrieve the phone numbers and emails of two peers in class so that in case of emergencies or absences you can gain the work you missed. Quizzes and tests missed can only be retaken with the submission of a note (from a parent or doctor). Excessive lateness will be detrimental to your grade.
MASTERY LEARNING: Projects will be assigned in order to achieve mastery for topics covered in English Language Arts. This opportunity is available to all students. Points accrued will be added to each marking period grade.
TUTORIALS: Students should confer with their respective English teachers regarding scheduled ELA tutorials.
· CHEATING IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC FAILING GRADE. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO TOLERANCE FOR CHEATING!
· GRADES ARE NOT GIVEN; THEY ARE EARNED!
·PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS ENTIRE SHEET TO YOUR ENGLISH TEACHER.
·DO NOT USE ANY FORM OF RECORDING DEVICE AT ANYTIME DURING CLASS.
· VIDEOTAPING AND TAPE RECORDING OF ANY KIND ARE FORBIDDEN.
·THIS COURSE OUTLINE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON INSTRUCTIONAL NEEDS.
·ALL STUDENTS MUST READ AND SIGN THE FDA HONOR CODE PLEDGE.
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I have read and fully understood the above requirements for my child’s success in this class. My signature below indicates I agree with upholding myself and my child to the highest academic standards for success in this crucial year of high school. I will be in compliance with the work ethic set forth.
________________________ ________________________ __________
Parent Name (Print) Parent Signature Date
As a student of Frederick Douglass Academy and this English Class, I have read and fully understood the guidelines written above and promise to work diligently to follow them for my own success.
________________________ ________________________ __________
Student Name (Print) Student Signature Date
