English Composition / PSAE Prep – Syllabus
Mrs. Marks – Room 10
General Introduction
The one semester
course is going to focus on writing and grammar and preparation for the ACT and PSAE tests which are given to all juniors
in May. We will work on prewriting,
drafting, proofreading/editing, evaluating, and publishing. The majority of the
class will focus on the persuasive style of writing. This class will focus on
how to improve writing not just for the PSAE and ACT, but also on writing for college courses.
In addition to writing you will be taking numerous practice tests for the English and Reading tests as seen on the
ACT.
Expectations
A lot of time
goes into preparation for any course, with English being no exception. Many hours
will be spent by the teacher not only in teaching the lessons, but when writing each lesson and grading all of the assignments. I will be putting forth a lot of effort, and I will expect the same from each of you.
I will expect you to come to class on time every day. I will also expect you to bring all of your materials. This
includes books, paper and pen/pencil. I also expect you to turn in all assignments
when they are due. This will not be a class where you can wait to the last minute
to do the work. Writing is a multiple step process and for us to work as a class
you must do the work when it is assigned. Getting behind (even just a step) could
costly. If you have a problem completing an assignment you need to talk with me. Finally, if you have a question, please
ask it. If questions are not asked, then I will assume that you know the material
and I will move on to another lesson. There is no such thing as a dumb question!!! I
want for you to be successful in this class, but your successfulness will depend on the effort you put in to the class.
Classroom Procedures
- Be in your seat when the bell rings
(excessive tardiness will result in detentions)
- see student handbook for further description
- Have all materials out and ready to go (do not forget things in your
locker)
- Listen and follow directions carefully
- Keep working until directed otherwise
- Stay in your seat unless given permission to be up
Grading
Homework/Rough
Drafts (25%) – Completing your homework and giving your best
effort is one easy way to be successful in my classes. If I am going to take
the time to grade the homework, then I expect you to do the homework. Failing
to complete your homework can easily cause your overall grade to drop. Not all
assignment will be graded based on the number of correct answers. Some assignments
will be graded on whether or not you completed the assignment.
Journals (15%) – For every story/article we read, you will be asked to respond in your journal. You must write for the entire time period. Typically, you will be given 5-10 minutes to write in your journals. Since I will be providing you with the journals, they are not to leave the room. Also, you are not to tear pages out of them or draw in them unless directed to do so
Projects (10%)
– Each quarter, you will be given a project assignment for
the quarter. We will try to provide some class time to work on these projects,
but you will need to do some outside work as well. The main focus for the projects
will be writing, but you will also have an opportunity to be creative as well.
Tests/Quizzes/Essay
Final Drafts (50%) – Each test will vary in format. We will have a review for each test, and at that time I will tell you the format of
the test. I will use different types of questions on the tests. If the test contains an essay question, you must answer the essay question in order to get credit for the
rest of the test. This means that if you do not answer the essay question, you
will get a zero on the test.
Extra Credit
During each quarter,
there will be different opportunities for you to earn extra credit. In order
for you to get the credit, the directions must be followed exactly; otherwise no extra credit will be given.
Homework
We will do a
variety of assignments that will be considered homework. Some of the assignments
will be done in class and some will be assigned to be completed at home. If you
do not complete the assignments, there will be consequences. Turning in a late
assignment will result in a loss of points. If the assignment is not turned in
when it is asked for, it is considered late. If you are absent for any reason,
it is your responsibility to get with me about the work you have missed. I will not track you down to give you the assignments!!! Unexcused
absence work is worth 50%.
All assignments
must contain the following in either the left or right hand corner of your paper:
First and last name
Class and hour
Title of the assignment and/or page number
Date assigned
Failure to include this information will result in a zero for the assignment.