English 10 Syllabus

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English 10 Syllabus

School Year: 2017-2018                                                                       Instructor: Crystal Pate
Olympia High School                                                                         Phone: (360) 596-7000
School URL: http://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/                 Email: [email protected]

During this course, we will:

  • Refine and improve our writing, reading, critical thinking, group discussion, inference, and research skills
  • Read and discuss short stories, poetry, plays, academic essays, and novels
  • Analyze and discuss additional forms of print and visual media, including newspaper articles, graphic novels, artwork, and films

Supporting Text:

  • MyPerspectives by Pearson.
    • Text is a workbook with perforated pages; includes a companion digital component we will use from time to time and can also be accessed online in the event of an extended absence

Detailed Learning Objectives:

By interacting with literature and non-fiction texts as well as exploring the structure of language through grammar and punctuation practice, students will be able to:

  • Determine the theme/central idea of a piece of writing.
  • Understand and be able to identify plot development over the course of a storyline and the contributing factors therein.
  • Analyze the development of complex characters, their interactions with other characters, and how they advance the plot over time.
  • Identify as well as understand the use and value of literary devices in a written piece.
  • Determine the literal and figurative meaning of words and phrases in context.
  • Analyze the power behind specific word choice and how word choice contributes to plot development, tone, and author’s purpose.
  • Make sophisticated word choices in writing to communicate their ideas more precisely, including using figurative language.
  • Write analytical arguments, referencing multiple points of evidence from texts provided, to demonstrate understanding of a text or idea.
  • Verbally convey analysis and ideas and engage in meaningful and productive discussions in both small and large group settings.
  • Engage in independent, small group, and whole group activities and projects, which provide opportunities to demonstrate knowledge through a variety of media.
  • Assess the reliability and credibility of source materials to support student research writing.

Policies and Procedures: 

Late work

  • In-class work and general homework assignments: Half credit (50% of earned credit) will be given unless absence is excused.
  • Essays, projects, and other major assignments: Reduced one letter grade for each day late unless absence is excused.
  • If there is an extenuating circumstance preventing you from turning in an assignment, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail or make an appointment to talk with me about the assignment and the circumstances.

Attendance

Regular attendance and active participation in daily classroom activities are important factors contributing to success in this class. However, I understand occasional absences are realities of life for us all.

In the case of an excused and unavoidable absence (Examples: illness excused by a guardian, family emergency, school field trip, family vacation):

  • Students are responsible for collecting all work assigned during their absence.
  • Work assigned before an excused absence is due on the day he or she returns to class. Students are allowed one day for each day excused absent to make up work assigned during the absence.

Personal Electronics

During group instruction, discussions, presentations, movies or videos, group or partner work, or any other time indicated by the instructor, use of phones or other personal electronic devices is not permitted.

  • 1st Offense: Warning given; discipline infraction documented in Skyward
  • 2nd Offense: Documented in Skyward; removed from class for the day (ISD); call home
  • 3rd Offense: Three days in ISD; referred to administration for discipline conference

Grading and Assessment:

Grades will be broken down into the following categories:

  • 60% Summative Assessments
    • 30% Writing - Essays and other formal written assignments
    • 30% Content Knowledge – Quizzes, tests, short and long-term projects
  • 30% Formative Assessments - Daily in-class work, homework
  • 10% Classroom and Community Perfomance (See attached rubric) 

Expectations of Students:

 1. Students will be expected to display the characteristics of a scholar.
  • Cell phones, tablets, iPods, and any other personal electronic devices must be on silent and kept in your bag during group instruction and discussion time.
  • Sweatshirt or jacket hoods must be off during class time.
  • Passes to the bathroom will be given only during appropriate times and trips must be kept appropriately brief—excessive trips or trip length can result in revocation of bathroom privileges for individual students.
  • No personal grooming in class—this means no lotion, nail polish, hair brushing, or the use of any scented products.
  • Please keep food or beverages in class to a minimum. Individual students will lose food/drink privileges in the event they cause a distraction or leave a mess behind.
  • You are expected to be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings—repeated reminders to be in your assigned seat at the start of class will result in disciplinary action.
  • If you are not in the classroom when the bell rings you will be marked tardy—no exceptions. Discipline for repeated tardies will follow school-wide policies.

    2. Students will be expected to make positive contributions to a safe and supportive classroom community.

  • Show respect to the speaker. Whether the speaker is the teacher, a guest speaker from the community, or a peer, when someone is speaking everyone else should be actively listening and engaged.
  • Come to class prepared to learn and contribute every day.
  • Value your classmates as important resources of information and ideas.
  • Respect the unique and varied opinions and perspectives of others.
  • Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated—this room will be a supportive environment in which all students feel safe and are treated as valued members of the learning community.

Office Hours:

I am generally available before school from 7:15 until 7:45 and after school until 3:00. As I am teaching in two separate classrooms this year (rooms 114 and 316), e-mail is the fastest and most reliable method of reaching me. If you would like to meet with me in person, please e-mail me so we can set up an appointment.

Students are encouraged to make appointments with me during Bear Time (section A or B) on Fridays if they are in need of additional help or have any concerns about their performance in this class.