Academic English 9 SyllabusMrs. Cook in Room 1606

Welcome to Academic English 9! This course is a survey of multi-genre works to examine essential, thematic questions. Our class will be expected to read a variety of works on a daily basis and complete a variety of writing projects to build a foundation in reading comprehension, written expression, research, vocabulary, and grammar. These works will help to build an understanding of literary terms, analysis, and critique.

Course Goals (aligned with the State of Virginia SOL Standards) Standard 9.1 The student will make planned oral presentations independently and in small groups. Standard 9.2 The student will produce, analyze, and evaluate auditory, visual, and written media messages. Standard 9.3 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to extend vocabulary development in

authentic texts. Standard 9.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and

drama. Standard 9.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts. Standard 9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes. Standard 9.7 The student will self- and peer-edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and

paragraphing. Standard 9.8 The student will use print, electronic databases, online resources, and other media to access information to create a research

product.

Tentative Class Outline and Major Works (Subject to Change)Course Essential Question: Life is a journey. What do we learn from experience?

FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTERQUARTER 1

How can one overcome tragedy?What does it take to be a survivor?

Speak by Laurie Halse AndersonSleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

QUARTER 3How do decisions shape a person’s identity?

What creates moral change? How can we change society?The Odyssey by Homer (in textbook)

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (in textbook)

QUARTER 2How accepting is society of others?

How do you define a person’s identity?What is empathy and how does it teach us about ourselves?

The Glass Castle by Jeannette WallsThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

QUARTER 4What does it mean to come of age?

What causes a loss of innocence?To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Materials Writing Utensils: Pencils/Pens A 3-5 subject notebook with perforated edges (to take home) A 1 subject notebook (to be left in the classroom) A sturdy folder or binder to hold work A package of large sticky notes Textbook or assigned text (Students are encouraged to purchase their own copies of works not in the provided textbook) Vocabulary book: Riverside High school is pleased to share with you our vocabulary enhancement program through Sadlier-Oxford. Each student

will be asked to purchase a copy of his or her grade's vocabulary book for approximately $10.00. This successful national program increases vocabulary development and critical thinking. At other LCPS high schools, juniors especially have testified that the vocabulary in the Sadlier-Oxford program appeared on the SAT. More information and an order form will be coming home in the weeks to come. RVHS will make provisions for any student who is unable to buy his/her workbook personally.

Class Expectations: The following expectations are for everyone’s safety and comfort. RESPECT all people and property in the classroom. ADVOCATE for academic and social concerns. Be absolutely honest in all academic and social matters. MOTIVATE. Get involved in classroom activities and discussions. Be in your seat on time, with your materials, ready to learn. SERVE. Be of service to classmates and the greater classroom community. Make a sincere effort to work and learn.

The use of profanity or making fun will not be tolerated. Students will follow all Riverside High School behavioral and dress code policies. An infraction of appropriate classroom behavior may result in a call home, school detention, or referral to the office for disciplinary action. Do not be late to class; it is unprofessional and disruptive to classmates.

Grading: Grades will be primarily based on summative assessments. Formative assessments will be reported, but some may not be calculated into the grade. No assignment accounts for more than 15% of the overall grade. If you see a “Z” in Phoenix for an assessment, this means the assessment has not been completed. If you see an “X” in Phoenix, it means the assignment has been excused. The students are required to keep all of their materials once they have been returned.

Summative Assessments (90% of Overall Grade) Formative Assessments (10% of Overall Grade)Tests Warm UpsQuizzes Entry/Exit TicketsProjects In-Class Activities Writing Process, Drafts, and Finals ParticipationSocratic Seminars/Oral Presentations HomeworkDialectical Journals

Absences If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for checking with the teacher as soon as possible about work missed. A reasonable time for students to complete missed work from a one-day absence is by the end of the subsequent next two class meetings

after the student’s return to school from the absence. When a student has a prolonged absence, special consideration will be given. When a student misses a previously announced in-class assessment due to an absence, the student must communicate with the teacher

to arrange an appropriate new completion date. When a student is present for part of a day, all previously announced assignments are due that day. When a student is excused from classes for a school-related extra-curricular activity, the student must pre-arrange the completion of

work missed for those sessions prior to the extracurricular activity taking place. In other words, the student who misses classes for a school-approved extracurricular activity has the same responsibilities for all material missed in those classes on the day(s) of the event as if he/she were present in school. Assessments missed on such occasions must be scheduled for make-up prior to the extracurricular activity as well. FAILURE TO MAKE-UP WORK WITHIN THE TIME ALLOWED MAY RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE. Make-up work completed on time is graded on the same basis as other schoolwork.

Questions and Policies: Our class fully supports and follows the mission and policies of Riverside High School. Respect, Advocate, Motivate, and Serve should be a part of every learning community. This means if you have a question about any classroom procedure, you can check classroom policies and guidelines listed in the student agenda. If you ever have a question about any classroom information or policy not listed, please ask. Curiosity is valued, and “why” is an important question. I will never be angry with you for wanting to know more.

Contacting Mrs. Cook: You may contact Mrs. Cook by email at stephanie.cook@lcps.org or by the school phone at (703) 554-8900. It may also be helpful to view to information listed on Mrs. Cook’s faculty page located on the Riverside High School site.

Receipt Acknowledgement: Please sign and return the bottom of this page to acknowledge receipt of this syllabus by Tuesday, September 1st.

I look forward to an outstanding year together!

RVHS Academic English 9 Syllabus Receipt Acknowledgement

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