English 10                                                              

Instructor: Ms. Stefanie Reistad-Schwartz Classroom Phone: (360) 283-4367

Email: sreistad@gfalls.wednet.edu                        Website: http://reistad-schwartz.tripod.com

Office Hours: 10:40am – 12:05 pm                        Classroom: 112

Course Objectives*
In reading students will…

v      use vocabulary (word meaning) strategies to comprehend text.

v      build vocabulary through wide reading.

v      demonstrate evidence of reading comprehension.

v      understand and apply knowledge of text components to comprehend text.

v      think critically and analyze author’s use of language, style, purpose, and perspective in literary and informational text.

v      read different materials for a variety of purposes.

v     

Supplies List ·         Composition Books (no spiral bound) – 1 per quarter ·         College Ruled Notebook Paper ·         Highlighters ·         Post-It Notes ·         Black or Blue Pens ·         #2 Pencils ·         Self Stick Write-On Tabs

assess reading strengths and need for improvement.

v      develop interests and share reading experiences.

In writing students will…

v      write clearly and effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.

v      develop ideas and organize writing.

v      know and apply appropriate grade-level writing conventions.

v      understand and use the steps of the writing process.

v      analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of written work.

In communication students will…

v      use listening and observation skills to gain understanding.

v      communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

v      use communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others.

v      analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of formal and informal communication.

*Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs)

Independent Reading

·         Two hours of independent reading (reading done at home) must be documented in the student’s Reader's Response Journal every Monday or the first day of the week. Journal entries should also include a weekly reading goal, two interesting or new words and definitions, and a written response. Students may choose their reading and may include up to an hour of required reading from another course (history or science text, current events, etc.).

·         Each quarter students must read a minimum of one book (fiction or non-fiction) appropriate to his/her reading level and complete one of six book project options. Students may only do a project once and must choose a different option each quarter. Students will receive a copy of the book project options, and rubrics for each project are available in the classroom as well as online on our classroom website.

·         Book lists for suggested reading are available on our classroom website and 500+ books of all reading levels and interests are available in our classroom lending library.

Expectations

Students are expected to have respect for themselves and others and demonstrate their respect through their actions and their words. Any student who prevents other students from learning and/or interferes with the safety of other students will not be allowed in the classroom. Students are not to have cell phones turned on or to use their phone during class time. If I see a cell phone I will confiscate it until after school. If it should happen a second time, I will give the phone to an administrator and a parent will have to come and pick it up. Other electronic devices are not to be used during class time as well.

Course Grading

Assessments are comprehensive, graded activities (essays, exams, tests, projects, presentations) that allow students to demonstrate their learning of unit objectives. Assessments may not be turned in late. However, students may redo an assessment or take a parallel evaluation for a better grade after first completing a required reflection. All redo work must be turned in by the assigned due date, typically within one week of the date the assignment was returned to the student. All due dates are posted in the classroom and on the website and should be noted in students’ calendars.

Reflections are an important part of learning. Students will be given many opportunities to reflect on what they have learned, how they learn, what needs clarification or more practice, and how their behavior in class and at home affects their learning. Reflections will come in the form of brief weekly learning logs and more comprehensive unit or quarter writing assignments. As students reflect, they will use specific examples from their work as evidence of their learning. Reflections may not be turned in late.

Learning Activities consist of daily classwork, homework, quizzes, and participation. Although it is greatly discouraged, late classwork or homework is accepted within reason (one or two weeks) but with a penalty (see Timeliness). I would much rather a student try his/her best and make mistakes and/or not finish than to not turn his/her work in. I use learning activities as a way of assessing how my students are doing and use this feedback to make changes to my instruction. If I don’t receive any work, it is difficult for me to know what my students need. If a learning activity is turned in on time but needs correction or completion, students may do so in a timely manner and receive full credit upon completion.

Timeliness only refers to late learning activities, as assessments and reflections may not be turned in late. For every learning activity, students will receive a point for turning his/her work in on time. If a student turns his/her work in late, he/she will not receive the point.

Percentages of Grade

70%    Assessments – projects, essays, presentations, tests

15%    Reflections – weekly, quarterly

10%    Learning Activities – classwork, homework, quizzes, participation

   5%   Timeliness – classwork, homework

Grading Scale   A – Above Standard                  100 – 94 A 93 – 90 A -                                     89 – 87 B + B – Meets Standard                   86 – 84 B 83 – 80 B - 79 – 77 C +         C – Progressing                         76 – 74 C 73 – 70 C -                                                 69 – 67 D+ D – Below Standard                   66 – 60 D                                                 63 – 60 D - F – Does Not Meet Standard       59 and below