Honors English I by Suzanne Reed

Contact Information

reeds@k12coffee.net

School website: http://ccra.coffeecountyschools.com

Classroom Google (for students): Type in code uonm50 at classroom.google.com

Overview

Honors English I is an accelerated world-literature based course that integrates language, literacy, and composition skills. Historical and cultural elements are explored in relation to literary selections from various genres: fiction (short story, novel), nonfiction (informational texts, biography, autobiography, essay), poetry, and drama. Grammar usage and mechanics are emphasized as well as writing skills, research, and documentation. The goal of this course is to provide an in-depth curriculum which prepares students for upper-level advanced courses.

Curriculum and Exams

According to Tennessee’s Department of Education, “The English language arts standards outline the reading, writing, language, speaking, listening, and research skills students will need to succeed in college and the workforce. With a renewed emphasis on the close reading of complex texts, especially literary nonfiction, the ELA standards require all students to graduate ready to read and respond to the academic and technical texts they will encounter throughout their adult lives.”

We will have writing assessments periodically throughout the year as well as multiple choice and multiple response exams to prepare for this year’s end of course assessments. In April, students will take an exam consisting of a writing portion plus three multiple choice subtests. These tests count together for one grade. This score will be included in their average. You can find more information at http://tn.gov/assets/entities/education/attachments/tnready_blueprints_ela_grade_9-12.pdf.

Required Materials for English I

One 3-ring binder
Notebook paper (preferably not spiral)
Set of dividers
Pens (blue/black, red for editing) and pencils
Index cards
Highlighters (three colors)

Other

Donations to room: tissues, post-it notes, reams of copy paper
We will read To Kill a Mockingbird. Our library has several copies, but you might prefer to purchase your own.

Texts

Holt Elements of Literature, Third Course (replacement cost approximately $75)
Anthem by Ayn Rand (check out from CCRA Library)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out from CCRA library or purchase your own; replacement cost approximately $15)

Attendance Policy

Please see the CCRA Student Handbook for the school’s attendance policy. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for missed work and to turn in makeup work ASAP. Students should check the appropriate folders for handouts, etc., as well as classroom.google.com.

Standard Discipline Procedures (includes tardiness)

1st offense: a warning (unless otherwise specified; for example, you will be sent to the office for dress code violations and extremely disruptive behavior)
2nd offense: a teacher consequence (grammar activities, writing)
3rd offense: a teacher consequence and a parent contact.
4th offense: referral to the office

Classroom rules/procedures/expectations:

You must follow the student handbook at all times (dress code, cell phones, etc.)
Bring your supplies to class every day. Be prepared.
Cell phones may be used only with permission and for English I purposes. See handbook for rules.
Bullying or disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated.
Please do not talk when I am talking. I encourage classroom discussion, but you must be polite.
Unless it is a dire emergency, you will not be able to leave class more than twice per semester. You will sign a log each time you leave.
Please bring only water into the classroom. (No food or other drinks.)
We will work from bell to bell. Start the bell work or silent reading as soon as you come to class. If you finish the day’s work early, read a novel or work on other assignments.
Stay on task. No sleeping, playing cards, or playing beauty salon in class.
This is a “no perfume” zone. Certain scents make me very sick. Please be considerate.
Students are not allowed to use my refrigerator or microwave.
You may check out books from my personal library at school. However, I ask that you take care of the books so that others may enjoy them also. If you destroy or lose one of my books, please replace the title with another copy.
You are responsible for your own learning!

Grading

A: 100-93

B: 92-85

C: 84-75

D: 74-70

F: 69 or below

Semester/quarter exam: 20%
Major Tasks (tests, projects, and essays): 40%
Daily, quiz grades, homework: 30%
Quick checks/Warm-ups: 10%

Honors classes are graded on a 103-point scale. (Three points are added at the end of each semester by administration. I cannot make your grade over 100 at the end of each quarter.)

Ten points will be deducted each day for late assignments.

You will be given log-in information for Inow, which will allow you to keep up with your progress.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated! Unintentional plagiarism can be corrected for partial credit (70%). Intentional plagiarism (e.g. copying from the internet) will result in a zero. You may redo the assignment for partial credit (55%).

Renaissance Reward Program

This program rewards students at the end of each semester. Please see the student handbook for a detailed explanation. (Freshmen begin earning this now to be used during semester 2.)

Red card (all As): 5 points added to a single grade (not average)
Black card (As and Bs): 3 points added to a single grade (not average)
Silver card (GPA improves .5 or remains 4.0): drop lowest daily grade which is not a zero
White card (No absences, tardiness, and discipline referrals): drop lowest daily grade which is not a zero

Tentative Instructional Calendar

Objectives

To provide an overview of the major types of literature (short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and informational texts)
To improve and enhance the students’ writing ability by teaching POW+TIDELL and other writing techniques
To improve and reinforce students’ grammar usage and mechanics
To improve students’ reading ability, comprehension, and fluency by reading various works during class and independently
To improve and refine students’ speaking ability both in small groups and whole class discussions and presentations
To promote deeper thinking and insightful problem solving through the components of this class, such as teaching writing, reading complex literature, researching to dig deeper, and presenting the students’ conclusions
To promote college and career readiness

Tentative Topics and Standards

Please review 9th grade ELA standards at https://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/sbe/attachments/4-15-16_V_B_English_Language_Arts_Standards_Attachment.pdf

Quarter 1 |

9-10.W. TTP. 2, 3, PDW. 4, 5, 6, RBPK. 9, RW. 109-10. L. CSE.1, KL.3 | Introduction to Writing and Practice using POW+TIDELL; practice narrative and informational writing
9-10.RL. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 69-10.L. VAU. 5 | Short Stories
9-10. R.L. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 5, 6, IKI. 7, 9, RRTC. 10 | Novella: Anthem
9-10. RL. KID.2, 39-10. L. KL. 3, VAU. 4, 5, 6 | Literary terms, vocabulary enrichment, plot structure
9-10. RL. CS. 49-10. L. CSE. 1, 2, VAU. 4 | Grammar
Major Assignments: |

9-10. S.L. CC. 1, 3, PKI. 4, 69-10. L. CSE. 1 | Novel project: Presentation
9-10. W. TTP. 2, 3, PDW. 4, 5, 6, RBPK. 9, RW. 109-10. L. CSE. 1, KL.3 | Essays

All blueprint standards | Benchmark examArticles of the Week
Quarter 2 |

9-10. R. L. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 5, 6, IKI. 7, 9, RRTC. 10 | Romeo and Juliet
9-10. R.L. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 5, 6, IKI. 7, 9, RRTC. 10 | Epic Drama: The Odyssey
9-10. L. CSE. 1, 2, KL. 3 | Grammar
9-10. L. KL. 3, VAU. 4, 69-10. R.L. CS. 4 | Vocabulary enrichment
Major Assignments: |

9-10. S.L. 1, 3, 4, 6 | Novel project: Presentation
9-10. W. TTP. 1, PDW. 4, 5, 6, RBPK.9, RW.109-10. L. CSE. 1, KL. 3 | EssaysWriting Portfolio
All blueprint standards | Benchmark examArticles of the Week
Quarter 3 |

9-10. R.I. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 5, 6, IKI. 7, 8, 9, RRTC. 10 | Literary Nonfiction and Rhetoric
9-10. W. TTP. 1, PDW. 4, 5, 6, RBPK. 7, 8, 9, RW.10 | Argumentative Writing
9-10. R.L. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 5, 6, 7, IKI. 9, RRTC, 10 | Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird
9-10. L. CSE. 1, 2 ,KL.39-10. W. PDW.5 | Grammar
9-10. R.I. CS.49-10. L. KL.3, VAU. 4 | Vocabulary enrichment
Major Assignments: |

9-10. S.L. CC. 1, 3,PKI. 4, 5, 6 | Novel project: Presentation
9-10. W. TTP. 1, PDW.4, 5, 6, RBPK. 9, RW.10 | Essays
9-10. S.L. CC. 1, 2, 3, PKI.5, 6, 9-10. L. CSE 1 | Speech Presentation
All blueprint standards | Benchmark examArticles of the Week
Quarter 4 |

9-10. R. L. KID. 1, 2, 3, CS. 5, 6, IKI. 7, 9, RRTC. 10 | Oedipus Rex
All/most missed standards | Preparation and review for end of year exam
9-10.R.L. KID. 2, CS. 4, 5, 6, IKI. 7, 9, RRTC. 109-10. L. VAU. 5 | Poetry
W. TTP.1 or 2, PDW.4, RBPK.7, 8, 9, RW. 10 | Genius Hour Research
All blueprint standards | Articles of the Week
Major Assignments: |

9-10. S.L. CC. 1, 2, 3, PKI. 4, 5, 6 | Novel project: Presentation
9-10. W. TTP. 1 or 2, PDW. 4, 5, 6, RBPK. 9, RW.10 | EssaysWriting Portfolio
9-10. W. TTP.1 or 2, PDW. 4, RBPK. 7, 8, 9, RW.109-10. S.L. CC. 1, 2, 3, PKI. 4, 5, 69-10. L. CSE. 1 | Research project

At the end of each semester, students will take a cumulative semester exam.

Accessing Instructional Materials

Instructional materials for Honors English I are available at Coffee County Raider Academy. Please email me or call the school at (931) 723-3309. Please leave a message for me, and I will return your call ASAP. A copy of this syllabus is on file at the Coffee County Board of Education.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to adjust the syllabus as needed.

I look forward to working with both students and parents to have an exceptional school year. Let’s go above and beyond.

HONORS EXPECTATIONS:

The high expectations that are set for students in this Honors class are based on the belief that all students can learn and benefit from this material if the appropriate effort is applied. EVERY student can succeed, but it should be noted that Honors courses stress academic habits as well as ability. Mature and courteous behavior is expected from all students in order to establish a positive atmosphere fostering mutual respect. I care about your success in this course and I believe you can reach and exceed a high set of standards. I will work with you to achieve these goals, but it is ultimately your responsibility to put forth the effort needed for success.

Teacher Expectations

Teachers will use iNow and keep it current.
Teachers will maintain and communicate deadlines for assignments.
Teachers will provide clear and explicit expectations along with rubrics and model work.

Student Expectations

Students will complete independent work outside of class and know that the pace of learning will be faster than in non-Honors classes. Students understand that a high level of independent study is required on their part.
Students will bring needed materials to class daily (please speak with me privately if you need help obtaining these items).
Students will meet deadlines for assignments.
Students will maintain regular attendance and participate in all class activities.
Students will seek extra help when needed.
Students will approach coursework with open minds and positive attitudes.

If a student cannot perform these requirements, then the principal, parents, counselor, teacher, and student will work together to diagnose the cause of the issue, and determine if the student will benefit from this Honors class or would be better suited to a non-Honors class.

English I Student Information Sheet and Agreement

Name __________________________________________________

Class Period _________ Home Phone ________________________

Address ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Parent Name ____________________________________________

Cell Phone _____________________ Email ___________________________________

Parent Name _____________________________________________

Cell Phone _____________________ Email ___________________________________

Do you ride a bus to/from school? ____________ Bus number(s)? ___________________

Do you have fairly reliable internet outside of school? _________________

Are you able to work on a computer, laptop, tablet, etc. outside of school?__________________

What books did you read last year?

What can Mrs. Reed do to make this class successful?

What will you do to be successful in English I?

I have read and understand the Honors English I syllabus.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Student’s signature Date

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s signature Date

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