English Literature: Honors 12

Mrs. Tara White

ARE YOU READYYou must have the initial expectation that you will read, contemplate, and write about literature extensively. We will write an essay every couple of weeks (in analytical, argumentative, and expositional forms) and will read almost every day and night. You must be willing to challenge and justify your own understandings, and attempt to see other perspectives, and discuss in a mature and lively manner.

OBJECTIVESHonors/AP classes are meant to push students and provide an opportunity to earn college credit along the way. We will be working intensively on essay writing in preparation not only for the AP test in May, but for life. Those planning to attend college will be able to feel confident critically responding to literature in essay form.

Our goal isn't merely to pass a test; together, we want to learn from the analysis of texts and through considering our own truths and experiences. Collaboratively, we will better one another through both our successes and mistakes, striving to function as a community of learners.

Needed materials3-ring binder- stay

organized!One-subject Spiral

notebook – to take notes, and write for THIS CLASS

ONLYUSB flash drive- Needed

for saving papers and

I don’t lecture. We will have many discussions in which you will be expected to pay attention, and take notes in order to apply the concepts we talk about. Take notes on the major ideas we discuss in class, especially anything on the board, and make sure to keep all handouts organized.

This is an EXPECTATION. If you don’t do it, you won’t pass, nor will you be prepared for discussion. HW is only assigned when it is beneficial. I never assign busy work. If you don’t complete assignments in class, they should be completed as home work.

HOMEWORK

Note-Taking

In preparation for college and the AP Test, many different forms of writing will be required for this course. Instructions will be given in class and models will be posted in the classroom. Essays are to be word-processed, correctly documented and submitted per class instructions: Drafts of essays will be required word-processed and printed so that students can master peer editing and final copies are expected to be submitted by the required date and time. ****Essays without

WritingEssays

Books: There is not an English 12 textbook, but when school-owned copies of novels are loaned to you, you are responsible for maintaining the integrity of those books, or you will be held responsible for the repair or replacement costs. Other books needed for the year will be purchased for you to keep from the fees that you paid for the year.

Checking your Grades: Students are responsible for checking their own grades on Progress Book. If you or your parents have questions, you will also find my email address so that you can contact me. I will post up-to-date class calendars and handouts so that if you leave your notebook at school, checking online will insure that you complete your work on-time.

Absences - these can really hurt you! 1. Students are expected to make up work missed within 24 hours of their excused

absence. If you know ahead of time that you will miss class, then obtain the assignment ahead of time so you will keep up with the class. Work must be handed in on time or the student may be given an “IE” for insufficient evidence (marked as “missing” in the gradebook until the assignment is completed). Students may not receive credit for a class with an “I” grade. If projects or long term assignments are due during the period of a prearranged absence, the student will be required to turn in the assignment prior to the absence. If a student’s absence is not prearranged, he/she must submit a doctor/hospital note upon return for the assignment to be accepted by the teacher.

2. When you return from an absence any handouts that you missed will be in the appropriate day’s folder at the back of the class; get any additional needed info from Mrs. White after class. Be prepared to get notes from a classmate, on your own time.

Grading Policies: See your student handbook for complete information and wording 1. Grading: We will follow the Standards-Referenced Grading system explained in the

student handbook. Your quarter grade will be based on summative assessments (tests, quizzes, projects, essays, and some homework). Your semester grade will consist of two quarter grades (80%) and one semester exam (20%). Your final grade, which will replace your, semester grade on a transcript, will consist of the average of your two semester grades. Please note that the final exam will test the skills and knowledge acquired over the course of the year, not just the second semester.

2. Missing Assignments: Students who do not turn in a summative assignment will earn a disciplinary consequence suitable for making up the assignment (i.e., a detention, Friday school, or in-school suspension). Disciplinary action may take place earlier in the course of a long-term assignment as well, such as with a missing rough draft, in order to encourage students to catch up to and to follow the original timeline. Students are expected to “exhibit responsibility and submit assessment evidence in a timely manner.” Missing assignments will be inserted as “IE” for Insufficient Evidence (marked as missing in ProgressBook). An “IE”, if not cleared within 1 week of due date, will result in an “F” for that assignment/assessment.

3. Reassessment Policy:  Students scoring above 79% on the original summative assessment will not be able to reassess.  Only students scoring 79% or below will have the opportunity to reassess if they follow the procedure outlined in this section for reassessment.  If reassessing, the highest score a student can receive on a summative reassessment will be 80% (Note: During reassessment, the higher of the two scores will be used as the final grade for that assessment).  Students must complete interventions assigned by the teacher before reassessment.  Students will have 1 week and 1 opportunity to reassess (Clarification: within 1 week of the date the original assessment was returned to the student). 

The Fine Print stuff

4. Some assignments, particularly long-term project assignments, have opportunities for formative and/or summative assessment built into the process of completing the assignment. In the case of these assignments, students will receive feedback and reassessment opportunities (formal and informal) BEFORE submitting the final product on the final due date. Therefore, students will not always have the opportunity to reassess these assignments after the final due date.

5. We will abide by all school policies including the cell phone policy. Your phone should only be brought to class with you on the days outlined on the calendar. It should go directly back to your locker after this class. When I allow you to bring it, we are intending to use it for educational purposes only. Using this as an excuse to post to twitter, continue your snapchat streak, or otherwise take advantage will not be permitted and you will lose the privilege of having it in my class at all.