Washington County High School 2019-2020

“Commanding Excellence For All”

Teacher: Christa CarpenterClass: Pre-AP English ILocation: Room 217

Phone: 859-336-5475 (room 217)E-Mail: christa.carpenter@washington.kyschools.us

Course Description (What is this class?)Pre-AP English I: This is an advanced course. The course is designed to present a wide range of reading experiences with print and non-print materials that have literary, informational, persuasive, and practical purposes. The course also requires students to use the writing process and criteria for effective writing to demonstrate their abilities to write in a variety of forms and for multiple audiences and purposes. Students use writing-to-learn and writing-to-demonstrate-learning strategies to make sense of their reading and thinking experiences. Speaking, listening, and observing skills are used to communicate information for a variety of authentic purposes. In addition, students continue to integrate inquiry skills and technology to communicate ideas. Prerequisite: English Teacher Recommendation & Appropriate Benchmarks met on the Reading and/or English MAP. See Summer Reading Policy.

Course Objectives (What will I be able to do after I complete this class?) Learning Objective 1: Students will demonstrate the ability to listen and speak competently in a

variety of communication contexts, which may include public, interpersonal, and/or small-group settings.

Learning Objective 2: Students will demonstrate the ability to find, analyze, evaluate, and cite pertinent primary and secondary sources, including academic databases, to prepare written texts.

Learning Objective 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate statements, assumptions, and conclusions representing diverse points of view, and construct informed, sustained, and ethical arguments in response.

Learning Objective 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, revise, practice, edit, and proofread to improve the development and clarity of ideas.

Learning Objective 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to make logical inferences; summarize key details and ideas; analyze individuals and events; interpret words and phrases to comprehend a complex text independently.

Students will also be able to: ● Design and deliver messages appropriate to various audiences and purposes. ● Communicate a clear thesis and purpose. ● Research, evaluate, and incorporate supporting material. ● Construct and deliver organized texts with well-developed introductions, main points, conclusions, and transitions. ● Understand and apply the rules of standard English usage.

Daily Required Materials (What do I need to bring to class?)

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A class notebook/folder or binder (You will need notebook paper every day, and you also need to keep all handouts, worksheets, and graded assignments together in one place.)

A pen or pencil Any textbooks that I give you for class A positive attitude

Borrowing Supplies (What if I need a pencil or paper?) You should always aim to come prepared with your notebook and a pencil, but if you forget one

or the other, you can borrow from my class supplies. If you borrow something to write with, be sure to return that item before you leave the

classroom. If my pens and pencils start disappearing, I will ask you to leave a personal item behind in place

of the pen or pencil so that you will remember to return what you borrowed.

Taking Home Books (What if I need to take home a textbook?) If you want to take home a textbook, first check with me, and then sign your book out on the

book checkout log. Be sure to avoid damaging or losing the book; it is school property. Return the book to class.

Handling Classroom and School Supplies/Property You should always treat any classroom supplies and school property with respect; don’t damage anything, and don’t waste anything. (That includes whiteboard markers; doodle on your notebook with your own utensils!)

Behavior Outside of the ClassroomWhenever we must leave the classroom together (for an assembly, a drill, a trip to the library, etc.), you should be on your best behavior. Walk and sit quietly, and do whatever is asked of you. Any misbehavior outside of the classroom can lead to your daily participation point being taken away.

Student Code of Conduct Abide by the Student Code of Conduct, which can be found on the school’s website. Breaking the Code of Conduct will lead to the following actions.

First offense: Warning Second offense: Parent or guardian contact Third offense: Write-up/referral

Food and DrinkPer school policy, you are not allowed to have food or drink with you in class unless you have a medical reason and have received permission from the school to do so.

TardinessTo avoid being counted tardy, you should be in the classroom by the time the bell rings, signaling the start of class. If you are constantly tardy, you may be given a referral.

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Classroom Procedures (What am I expected to do during Ms. Carpenter’s class?)

Before class starts: Come prepared. This means you

should have all of your class supplies, and you should also have any assigned homework completed and ready to go.

Use the restroom, and get water

L ISTEN TO AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.

E NTER PREPARED AND ON TIME.

A LWAYS TRY YOUR BEST, AND DO ALL OF THE WORK. R ESPECT YOURSELF, OTHERS, THE SCHOOL, AND EVERTHING IN IT. N O EXCUSES.

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Classroom Procedures (What am I expected to do during Ms. Carpenter’s class?)

Before class starts: Come prepared. This means you

should have all of your class supplies, and you should also have any assigned homework completed and ready to go.

Use the restroom, and get water

L ISTEN TO AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.

E NTER PREPARED AND ON TIME.

A LWAYS TRY YOUR BEST, AND DO ALL OF THE WORK. R ESPECT YOURSELF, OTHERS, THE SCHOOL, AND EVERTHING IN IT. N O EXCUSES.

Have a growth mindset, and I will do the same.

Acknowledge that you will make mistakes, and choose to learn from those mistakes.

Be willing to learn, grow, and improve.

Understand that one failed attempt does not mean you cannot succeed. Get up and try again.

Classroom CultureOur class, like our school, will be one of respect and courtesy.

Watch your language ; even if you use cuss words outside of school, you shouldn’t do so in class, just as you wouldn’t do so at a place of employment.

Do not bully or harass others in any way. This behavior is 100% unacceptable, and I will not tolerate either one.

Types of Assignments (How will my grade be determined?) Formative assessments : These are assignments and activities that monitor learning throughout a

unit. They are minor assignments that are assigned low points or no points; they may be graded for correctness or simply for completion. Examples of such assignments include but are not limited to the following: quizzes, short writing activities in class or outside of class, group work, group projects, writing process assignments for major papers, etc.

Summative assessments :These are assignments that evaluate learning at the end of a unit. They are major assignments with high point values. Examples of such assignments include but are not limited to end-of-unit exams and final drafts of major papers.

Miscellaneous: (notebook, independent reading, and other non-categorized grades):

Notebook: You will take lots of notes, complete many activities in class, and receive many handouts; your notebook/binder should include everything that we do. To make sure that your notebook is up-to-date and includes all of our notes, activities, and materials, we will have notebook checks throughout the year. They may be random and unannounced, or they may be routine, scheduled, and announced. The points may vary, as may the person grading your notebook; we may do partner grading, or I may check it myself.

Independent Reading: You will need to have a book of your choice (fiction or non-fiction) with you at all times. This can be a library book (school or public), a book that you own, a book that you borrow, etc. It just cannot be a textbook from another class. Find something that interests you. Grades associated with independent reading may include but are not limited to the following: book checks (ensuring that you have a book with you), book discussions, writing logs/responses, etc. The goal is just to encourage you to read more. When you finish a book, move on to a new one. If you need help finding something that you like, let me know, and I will try to help. I may provide more structure/guidelines to the independent reading as the year progresses.

Grading (All the questions!) How will my work be graded? As I noted previously, I will grade different kinds of assignments

in different ways. For instance, certain informal assignments may be graded for completion, meaning if you do all of the work, you get full credit. Other assignments, like quizzes and exams, will be graded for correctness. Major papers (papers that you work on over time and develop through the writing process) will be graded according to how well you meet the rubric’s criteria. You may also complete activities in class that are not graded at all, but by completing them, you are working on your participation grade for the day.

Who will grade my work? I will almost always be the one grading your work; however, as I mentioned before, there may be times when another student grades your work.

What about extra credit? If I offer extra credit, the entire class will know about it; I do not offer extra credit on an individual basis.

What is the grade range? A 90%-100% B 80-89%

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C 70-79% D 60-69% F 0-59%

Print and Digital Submissions (How Will I Turn in My Work?): Most of your assignments will be print copies that you hand in, but you may also have assignments, like major essays, that I have you submit digitally. Just follow the submission directions for each individual assignment.

Absences (What should I do if I miss class?) When you are absent, it is your responsibility to do the following.

1. Update your notebook. Borrow someone’s notes, and write down any lecture points that you missed. Gather any missed handouts, and put them in your notebook/folder. (There will be a

designated folder or drawer for each class; I will put handouts and materials from each day in that location.)

Make up any missed bell ringers by answering one of the questions on the “Missing a Bell Ringer” sheet on the bulletin board.

2. Complete any missed activities, homework, assessments, etc. For missed quizzes and exams, you will need to make arrangements with me about

coming in to take the assessment either before or after class. You may also take the quiz or exam during one of your other classes as long as you are caught up in the course material and your teacher gives you permission to do so; in that event, have your teacher write me a note giving you permission. If possible, try to take the missed quiz or exam on the day that you return to school.

For any other kinds of assignments or activities, you will have the same number of days to make up the work as the amount of days that you missed.

See the High School Student Handbook for more details.

Late Work (What happens if I don’t turn in my work on time?) If I give you homework to complete, you’re expected to turn that work in by the deadline. If you miss the deadline, then I will deduct 10% from that assignment grade for each school day

that it is late. If the assignment is five school days late, then you will get a zero. With this policy, I will not count weekends, holidays, or other non-academic school days against you.

If you are experiencing an emergency or other serious life event that is beyond your control, then we can discuss a possible extension on the assignment deadline.

Extensions (What if I need more time to complete the assignment?) Extensions allow you extra time on assignments; I grant them sparingly and only when I believe

they are most needed. If you need an extension on an assignment (for a good, logical reason), you should contact me

and request an extension ahead of the deadline, not after the deadline. In the event of an emergency, contact me (or have your parent or guardian do so) as soon as you’re able.

Once I approve an extension, I will set a new deadline for the assignment. If the assignment is not submitted by the new deadline, you will receive a zero on the assignment. For instance, if we agree on two extra days for your assignment, but you take three days to work on it, that assignment will get a zero. Extensions will not receive the same 10% a day deduction as the standard late work policy because you have already been given extra time.

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The Rebound Option (What if I’m having a difficult time outside of school and fall behind in class?)

In the event that life happens, and you fall behind in the class work, we can discuss something called “The Rebound Option.” This policy gives you a chance to explain what has been going on, to ask for help, and to possibly earn some points for missed work.

This policy is not for students who have just decided not to do the work; rather, it’s for students who may find themselves in a difficult life event or facing a challenge that has caused him or her difficulty in completing their assigned work.

This policy is not guaranteed; you must explain your situation and ask if I will allow you to make up some points.

This policy also is not one-size-fits-all. My decision and plan of direction, including which assignments will be completed, how many points are possible, how much time is granted, etc., will depend on the student and their individual situation.

If I grant you the Rebound policy, then you should follow our plan of action and meet all of your new deadlines. If you do not meet your new deadlines, you will receive a zero on those assignments.

Email (What are the rules for emailing Ms. Carpenter?) When emailing me, you should use your student email account rather than a personal email. You can email me at any time, but if you have a question, don’t wait until the weekend to ask

since my response may be slower on weekends compared to the work week. Email etiquette: Be courteous when writing emails. Practice your writing skills, and make sure

your tone is appropriate. Consider your audience, your message, and your purpose. Parents and guardians, please email me from your own email account rather than from your

child’s email account.

Phones and Smart Watches (Can I use my phone during class? What happens if I do?) Phones are not allowed during class unless I have given you permission to use them. (This

includes using smart watches as well.) If I have not given you permission and I see your phone out, for whatever reason (unless you

have a special circumstance and have discussed it with me [e.g. family emergency], you will be asked (and expected to comply) to place your phone in the “phone time out” box. You can then collect your phone at the end of class.

If I have given you permission to use your phone, you may do so quietly and in a non-distracting way, but you must immediately put the phone away once I resume the lesson or activity. If you fail to do so, your phone will go in the “time out” box. See explanation above.

If you refuse to cooperate and comply with the “phone time out” policy, then your device will end up at the front office till the end of the day.

(If this policy is not effective at addressing the issue of phone usage, I will develop a new plan of action and will implement it immediately.)

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Laptops and Tablets (Can I use my computer or tablet during class?) Laptops and/or tablets are allowed only during workshops/conferences if I give you permission to bring them. They are not allowed during regular lessons due to the distractions they cause.

Restroom Policy (What if I need a restroom break?) Things you must do:

o Ask permission first. o You must take the restroom hall pass with you (only one student out at a time). o You must use the sign out sheet on the door; sign out and back in.

Things you should try to do: o Make a concentrated effort to use the restroom before or after class begins. o If you must use the restroom during class, you should avoid doing so during lectures, if

possible. o You should aim to be gone for no longer than 6 minutes.

If I notice a frequent pattern of certain students repeatedly signing out of class, I will speak to them individually to address the problem. If the issue continues, I will contact the parent/guardian.

Running Errands (What if I need to leave the room for another task?) Follow the same guidelines for the restroom policy, but take the plain hall pass instead of the restroom hall pass.

Teacher Absence (Ms. Carpenter is absent. Now what?)In the event that I am absent and you have a substitute teacher, you should be on your best behavior. Complete your work as you normally would, and act like I’m there. I will ask all subs to leave feedback about how the class behaved. If there are no complaints, then I may reward the class with some form of a treat (does not have to be food related). However, if I receive word that the sub dealt with various issues (EX: students not working, being loud, being disrespectful, sleeping, etc.), then I will determine an appropriate consequence for those actions.

Public Writing (Will anyone else ever see my work?) I frequently use anonymous examples of student work to demonstrate strengths and areas for improvement. If you do not want me to potentially use one of your assignments as an anonymous example this year or in a future class, please provide me a written note or email indicating that you do not give me permission to use your work as an example.

Challenging Topics Reading and writing are about communicating and connecting with other people about all human experiences. As such, we will often discuss, read, and write about topics that are challenging, highly debated, and controversial. As we discuss these topics, we will strive toward the following goals:

• Listen to all perspectives.• Respond to others respectfully. Think before you react. • Consider other viewpoints.

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• Learn that we don’t all have to agree; our differences make us who we are. • Practice critical thinking skills.

Academic Honesty (What does it mean to be honest in my work? Is cheating really that serious? What is plagiarism?)

Academic honesty means completing one’s work independently (if so assigned) and with integrity (demonstrating strong moral character). An example would be writing your own answers on a worksheet rather than copying someone else’s answers.

Academic dishonesty involves cheating and plagiarism in all forms. All incidents of academic dishonesty are serious offenses.

Cheating means breaking the rules to locate the answers or to falsify information. Examples of cheated include but are not limited to the following:

• Discussing test answers with a student from a previous class period who has already completed a test that you’re about to take

• Sneaking a look at your notes, your phone, or another student’s answers during a quiz, exam, or on-demand essay

• Sharing answers with someone else on an assignment that is supposed to be completed individually

• Obtaining access to a graded assignment and altering the score Plagiarism means using someone else’s intellectual property (words, ideas, creations) as your own without providing due credit. In writing, plagiarism occurs when one quotes, summarizes, or paraphrases a source without properly crediting and documenting the source. It involves stealing a person’s words, ideas, and even their sentence patterns and the organization of their writing.

How to avoid plagiarism• For papers that don’t require sources, you just need to do your own work, and you’ll be fine. • For papers that require research, you will need to document your sources properly; this means

that all quotations, summaries, and paraphrases should be incorporated and cited correctly. We will use MLA Documentation, which requires two forms of citations: in-text citations and full citations on a Works Cited Page. We will discuss how to avoid plagiarism and how to cite sources, so there will be no excuse for plagiarized assignments.

• Below is a link to the webpage “Purdue OWL: Avoiding Plagiarism.” On the left side of this page, you can access more information about plagiarism and how you can avoid it. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/

***Consequences of academic dishonesty***

Students who are caught cheating will receive a zero; if the cheating incident involves more than one person, all people involved will receive a zero.

Plagiarized assignments may receive a point deduction equivalent to the severity of the case, or they may be given a zero on the assignment. In the very least, plagiarized work will immediately

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drop 10%; that is for very minor cases. If I detect plagiarism after an assignment has been graded, I will go back and revise that grade to reflect the level of plagiarism committed.

In sum, just do your own work, and be honest. When it’s time to use sources, follow the rules.

ELA Standards (What will I learn in this class?)We will cover the following 9-10th grade English Language Arts academic standards throughout the year. For more details about each standard, visit this link: https://kystandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/KAS-for-Reading-and-Writing-FINAL.pdf .RL. 9-10.1RL. 9-10.2

RL. 9-10.3 RL. 9-10.4RL. 9-10.5RL. 9-10.6RL. 9-10.7RL. 9-10.9RL. 9-10.10RI. 9-10.1RI. 9-10.2RI. 9-10.3RI. 9-10.4RI. 9-10.5RI. 9-10.6

RI. 9-10.7RI. 9-10.8RI. 9-10. 9RI. 9-10.10C.9-10.1C. 9-10.2C. 9-10.3C. 9-10.4C. 9-10.5C.9-10.6C. 9-10.7L. 9-10.1L. 9-10.2L. 9-10.3L. 9-10.4L. 9-10.5

Video statement: At various points throughout the semester, we will watch videos related to the readings and academic standards.

Tentative Status: This is a tentative list of units and written texts that we will read in this class. Depending on the pace and needs of the class, I may add or remove texts.

Unit 1: Real vs. Fake News • Various non-fiction articles

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Unit 2: To Kill a Mockingbird (Should be read by the end of August)• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Unit 3: Short Stories • “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray

Bradbury• “The Most Dangerous Game” by

Richard Connell• “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar

Allan Poe• “Thank you, Ma’am” by Langston

Hughes• “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst• Chapter 1 from The Shipping News

by Annie Proulx• “The Ambitious Guest” by Nathaniel

Hawthorne• “The Necklace” by Guy de

MaupassantUnit 4: Narrative Essays• Various examples of narrative essays• Examples of “This I Believe” essays

Unit 5: Reading Arguments • “George W. Harkins to The American

People” and “Andrew Jackson’s Speech to Congress on ‘Indian Removal’”

• “Nelson Mandela’s Nobel Peace Prize Lecture” and “Elie Wiesel’s ‘The Peril of Indifference’ Speech”

• “What Do You Want (Really, Really Want) Out of Your College Education?” by Richard Gunderman

and “Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail” by Angel B. Perez

• Various video clips to demonstrate rhetorical strategies

• Student argument examplesUnit 6: Writing Arguments • Examples of student arguments

Unit 7: Lord of the Flies • Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Unit 8: Poetry • “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe • “Titanic” by David Slavitt • “American Gothic” by John Stone • “Root Cellar” by Theodore Roethke• “Spring” by Edna St. Vincent Millay • “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou• “Love is a Place” by E.E. Cummings• “Hope is a thing with feathers” by

Emily Dickinson• “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore

Roethke• “The Road Not Taken” by Robert

Frost • “The Seven Ages of Man” by William

Shakespeare • Excerpt from “Spoon River

Anthology” by Edgar Lee Masters• “Theme for English B” by Langston

Hughes Unit 9: Drama• “Romeo and Juliet” by William

Shakespeare Unit 10: Analysis Essay• Example analysis essays

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Syllabus Disclaimer: If adjustments are needed for the benefit of the class, I reserve the right to revise any information in this syllabus. If I do make changes, I will inform the students and will post a revised copy to my website.