MS English 2017-2018
2nd Block
Throughout the year, we will cover a variety of concepts. Many of the concepts we discuss build upon each other, therefore, regular attendance and active participation are important! Some of the concepts we will explore include:
Rules and Expectations:
Grading Scale:
A 93-100 C 73-76
A- 90-92 C- 70-72
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 83-86 D 63-66
B- 80-82 D- 60-62
C+ 77-79 F 0-59
Homework and Assignments:
Students will usually not have homework in this class. If a student has homework, it will typically be an assignment that they did not complete in class. Feel free to contact me if questions arise while your student is working on their homework. Emailing me is probably the easiest way to get in touch with me. Students will have (2) two weeks from the date an assignment was given to turn in that assignment. If an assignment has not been turned in after (2) two weeks, the student will receive a zero for that assignment. Assignments must score at least a ‘3’ on the following rubric before it will be graded.
2nd Block
Throughout the year, we will cover a variety of concepts. Many of the concepts we discuss build upon each other, therefore, regular attendance and active participation are important! Some of the concepts we will explore include:
- Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
- Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
- Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).
- Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history
- Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
- Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
- Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
- Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
Rules and Expectations:
- Students may sit where they are comfortable, as long as their choice does not inhibit their performance or the performance of others.
- Come to class prepared and on time. Make sure you have all needed supplies with you when class begins (Paper, Pencil, Planner, Pen, Highlighter, Headphones, etc.).
- Food and drink are allowed in class, as long as they do not require the use of a utensil. Students are expected to clean up after themselves (clean up spills, throw away wrappers, etc.)
Grading Scale:
A 93-100 C 73-76
A- 90-92 C- 70-72
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 83-86 D 63-66
B- 80-82 D- 60-62
C+ 77-79 F 0-59
Homework and Assignments:
Students will usually not have homework in this class. If a student has homework, it will typically be an assignment that they did not complete in class. Feel free to contact me if questions arise while your student is working on their homework. Emailing me is probably the easiest way to get in touch with me. Students will have (2) two weeks from the date an assignment was given to turn in that assignment. If an assignment has not been turned in after (2) two weeks, the student will receive a zero for that assignment. Assignments must score at least a ‘3’ on the following rubric before it will be graded.
Late Work:
Assignments that are not turned in on time, without prior approval from the teacher, will reflect a subtraction of 10% of the total points earned. Students will have (2) two weeks from the date an assignment was given to turn in that assignment. If an assignment has not been turned in after (2) two weeks, the student will receive a zero for that assignment.
Participation:
Active participation in class discussions and activities is expected each day. Attitudes and behaviors that are not supportive of an active learning environment will primarily be addressed in the classroom. If necessary, additional steps to address a concern will be taken, such as contacting the office or a parent.
Paragraph of the Week:
During the first three marking periods of the school year, students will be assigned a one-paragraph writing assignment on a bi-weekly basis. Each paragraph assignment will involve a rough draft, a revision (based upon peer-editing feedback), and a final draft. More information about these writing assignments, including due dates, can be found at mrstaal.com. Paragraphs will be scored using this rubric:
Assignments that are not turned in on time, without prior approval from the teacher, will reflect a subtraction of 10% of the total points earned. Students will have (2) two weeks from the date an assignment was given to turn in that assignment. If an assignment has not been turned in after (2) two weeks, the student will receive a zero for that assignment.
Participation:
Active participation in class discussions and activities is expected each day. Attitudes and behaviors that are not supportive of an active learning environment will primarily be addressed in the classroom. If necessary, additional steps to address a concern will be taken, such as contacting the office or a parent.
Paragraph of the Week:
During the first three marking periods of the school year, students will be assigned a one-paragraph writing assignment on a bi-weekly basis. Each paragraph assignment will involve a rough draft, a revision (based upon peer-editing feedback), and a final draft. More information about these writing assignments, including due dates, can be found at mrstaal.com. Paragraphs will be scored using this rubric:
Interactive Notebooks:
Students will use Interactive Notebooks when reviewing concepts related to grammar and reading informational texts. The purpose of the interactive notebook is to enable students to be creative, independent thinkers and writers. Interactive notebooks are used for class notes as well as for other activities where the student will be asked to express his/her own ideas and process the information presented in class. Interactive Notebooks will be scored using this rubric:
Students will use Interactive Notebooks when reviewing concepts related to grammar and reading informational texts. The purpose of the interactive notebook is to enable students to be creative, independent thinkers and writers. Interactive notebooks are used for class notes as well as for other activities where the student will be asked to express his/her own ideas and process the information presented in class. Interactive Notebooks will be scored using this rubric:
Grading:
Textbooks / Novels:
- Assignments (70% of Grade) – Homework makes up a large part of your grade in this class. When homework is assigned, it is due the following day of class (unless otherwise noted). It is expected that homework will be completed prior to your arrival to class. Late work will result in a 10% deduction of points earned. Certain assignments completed in class will also be placed in this category.
- Tests, Quizzes, and Projects (30% of Grade)
Textbooks / Novels:
- Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Holes, by Louis Sachar
- My class website is mrstaal.com. Everything you will need to be successful in this class can be found at this website (assignments, due dates, test review activities, links, etc). Please make a habit of checking this website for updated information!