Syllabus

School Phone: (42= 5) 431-6149 = ; =

Email: ankcornd@edmonds.wednet.edu

Office Location: = C-100 & E202 &nb= sp;

Office Hours: 3rd

EWHS Credit: .5 &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp;

Enduring Understa= ndings

The readings and compositions for this yearlong course r= evolve around mastery of the framework requirements and creating an informed acquaintance with our own identities and the many cultures and perspectives= of the world. We will work on development of skills in effective reading, writing, and communicating. Over the course of the year, we will read a variety of poems, novels, plays, sho= rt stories, and essays. Emphasis will be on thoughtful and critical reading of texts from a variety of cultures. Written and oral assignments will ask students to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

For this course, we will also focus on these specific enduring understandings:

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Communication enables us to gain and share information about self, others, and the world.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Communication can influence or be influenced by society and environment.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Communication influences understanding and relationships among diverse cultures/groups.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Effective communication requires the use of conventions.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Elements of communication forms can be combined= and manipulated to express ideas and create effects.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Audience and purpose influence choices in conte= nt, style, and organization.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      Writing, reading, and researching are processes= used to construct new understanding and meaning.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      People use analysis to look deeply into ideas in order to fully understand their meaning and structure.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      People use arguments to persuade, establish credibility, clarify beliefs, solve problems, and test ideas.

<= span style=3D'font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-fa= mily: Symbol;color:windowtext'>Þ      People use narrative to preserve history and pe= rsonal identity, and interpret the past.

Essential Questio= ns and/or Learning Targets

During the course, our work will be guided by a = daily set of Essential Questions, such as: What is effective communication? How d= oes an author use words to convey ideas? How does self-reflection contribute to effective writing? How does literature and other media express life experiences? Why is the writing pro= cess as important as product?

Content Outline <= o:p>

Sensitive Materials=

One of the goals of = English Language studies is to expose students to a variety of perspectives and cultures within society. Thus, it is possible that students may read or be exposed to something that they might find objectionable. We encourage stude= nts to individually discuss with us material that they find objectionable; in s= ome cases, alternative assignments may be assigned.

Films=

When films exist that help us to understand topics studied by the entire class, students will view them.&nbs= p; Most films incorporated for viewing by the entire class bear unrestricted ratings. However= , many were filmed when another rating system existed. Let me, then, be clear: I select f= ilms carefully. All films used, regardless of rating, have special relevance to this curriculum. Parents may request alternate view= ing assignments if they feel that the material is inappropriate for their individual child. If that occ= urs, an alternate assignment will be created.

Assessments:<= /span>

During the course, the following Common Assessments and/or Anchor Tasks will be completed at mastery level in order to pass the course:
§Comparison= /Contrast Essay (*)

§Literary Analysis (*)

= §         State Assessments, Midterm, Final Exam  = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;       (*) Department Anchor Task

Students always have the opportunity to redo a major assessment not completed successfully the first time.&nbs= p; It is the student's responsibility to arrange for this in a timely manner. At the end of each semester, I will set a final “drop dead date” for the completio= n of all work. <= /p>
Beyond the major assessments students should expect a variety of other assessments including frequent quizzes, grammar exercises, short answer worksheets, class discussion, group projects, journal entries, short essays, presentations, and end of the unit tests and projects.   There is no extra credit wor= k in this course.

Format / Turnitin.com

All work done in cla= ss should be neat and legible. A= ll assignments prepared outside of class must be typed and spellchecked unless told otherwise. Work that is = not spellchecked and proofread will be returned, ungraded (and due dates will not be extended). The staff at EWHS = uses turnitin.com as a resource when grading; students must open an online accou= nt and submit work to turnitin.com prior to grading. Work is late if it is not submitte= d to turnitin.com by the due date.

Grading

Grades are based on = a point system with letter grades at the end of each grading period awarded on a percentage basis. Rubrics wil= l be distributed with assignments. Students and Parents are expected to track grades on Skyward. The Grading Scale for EWHS is:

93% - 100% =3D A            =            83% - 86% =3D B&= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;          70% - 72% =3D C-

90% - 92% =3D A-             &n= bsp;         80% - 82% =3D B-       =             &nb= sp;         &= nbsp;   67% - 69% =3D D+

87% - 89% =3D B+=             &nb= sp;         77% - 79% =3D C+=             &nb= sp;            =          60% - 66% =3D D

        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;         &= nbsp;   73% - 76% =3D C =                    &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;   Below 60% =3D F

Personal and Academic Honesty:=
Students are expecte= d to do their own work. The Edmonds-Woodway definition of cheating includes (but is= not limited to):

1)      = Copying or lending assignments

2)      = Communicating, in any way, during a test, or qu= iz

3)      = Using notes in a situation where notes are not acceptable

4)      = Plagiarism (the intentional or unintentional fa= ilure to give clear credit to the author of any words/ideas nor your own) in any = form (individual/group work)

A first offense will result in a zero for the assignment with no possibility of makeup.&= nbsp; A second violation of cheating, regardless of date or previous grade= s, will result in a loss of semester credit for the course. Parents will be notified at both the first and second offense and official documentation of each incident will be placed in the student’s file.

Students who turn in undocumented work products (in any form) will be charged with plagiarism and will receive a zero for the assignment. Remember: NOTHING matters more than your honor.

Attendanc= e

Due to the fact that English courses are heavily discussion and seminar based, consistent attendance is crucial to a student’s achievement. More than five (5) unexcused absences in a semester will lead to an “I” (Incomplete) grade because of insufficient evidence to support assigning th= at student a grade. Teachers are not required to allow students to make up mis= sed assignments and/or discussions when they have an unexcused absence.<= b>

Late Work= /Make Up Policy

If daily work assign= ments are missed because of an excused absence, students will be given one class = day to make up the work for full credit. If work is turned in within a week, it can receive 50% credit. If work is turned in more than one= week late, it will receive no points/credit. If daily work is missed because of = an unexcused absence, the student cannot receive points or credit for that wor= k.

As per department po= licy, major assessments that are turned in late are penalized 10% per calendar da= y, with a maximum deduction of 60%. As mastery of frameworks is paramount, each and every anchor task or unit assessment must be completed to standard in order to pass this course. Major Assessments will be identifi= ed by the instructor and rubrics will always be provided.

It is the student= 217;s responsibility to arrange to make-up missing work. Due dates are absolute unless prior arrangements have been made.

Common Sc= hool Expectations

Students are expected to follow all school rules which are stated in the EWHS student planner and online at our school websi= te, www.http://school.edmonds.wednet.edu/ewhs.

Classroom= Rules

1. = Help your classmates and yourself by respecting= the rights of all students to learn.

2. = Bring your materials to class everyday.

3. = Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed and I will confiscate them per school policy,

4. = Sunglasses, hoods, and food are not allowed. (W= ater is allowed)

5. = Please avoid use of scented lotions, colognes or perfumes in my class. I have allergies and most scents result in headaches and grumpiness.

6. = You will receive 6 bathroom passes per semester= . You may only leave my class if you have a pass so plan your passing time accordingly. The passes will be worth bonus points at the end of the semest= er

7. = Be on time for class. (Class begins when the bell rings,= you are tardy if you arrive later)

8. = Be prepared to do your best in class each day by completing your homework. All work must be turned in a neat and legible fashion.

9. = Courtesy, cooperation and respect are essential components of the classroom community. No tolerance will be given for abusi= ve, degrading or harassing behavior. Keep your language clean – you are in English class and we are working on proper language use.

Materials needed for Course

Everyday you will need:

v&nb= sp;     A section = of your three ring binder for keeping track of assignments, handouts, lecture notes, quizzes and tests.

v&nb= sp;     A journal = of at least 80 pages (This journal will be kept in class)

v&nb= sp;     Pens and p= encils

v&nb= sp;     Books and additional readings

v&nb= sp;     Any other relevant materials

Communication / Conferences

Students are encouraged to ask questions and I am available for conferences. If there are any concerns that I s= hould be aware of, or if you need to contact me at any time, please call 425-431-6149. I will return y= our call as soon as possible. Fee= l free to email me at ankcornd@edmonds.wednet.edu with questions or concerns.=

Sincerely,

Denise Ankcorn<= /o:p>

SIGNATURE SHEET<= o:p>

Student Contact Information:<= /p>

Name: &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;            _____________________________________

Cell Phone:&nbs= p;            &= nbsp;     _____________________________________<= o:p>

Email Address:&= nbsp;           &nbs= p; _____________________________________

Please return this signature sheet to your teac= hers as soon as possible. Your signatures below acknowledge receipt and understanding of the course outlin= e.

We have read and understand the course rules/st= andards and the Personal and Academic Honesty sections of the syllabus. I (student) will abide by the rules/standards and consequences established in these materials.=

_______________________________        &= nbsp;         ______________= _______________

Student Signature            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;                    =   Parent/Guardian Signature

Primary Parent Contact Information

Name: &nb= sp;            =             _= ____________________________________________

Address: &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;         _________________= ____________________________

  &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;        ______________________= _______________________

Best Day Phone:=            _______= ______________________________________

Best Night Phone:          ________________= _____________________________

Email Address:&= nbsp;           &nbs= p; _____________________________________________

When the following are excessive, what do you want to be contacted abou= t?

¨ Tardies  &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;      ¨ Absences

¨ Late Assignments&nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;    ¨ Missing Assignments

¨ General Behavior&nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;      ¨ Other: ____________________________________________