Course Description

Because of the flexibility of English Language Arts course offerings at the high school level, the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for grades 9 through 12 is organized into grade bands comprised of 9-10 and 11-12. The 9-12 Standards define what students should understand and be able to do by the end of each grade band. As students progress towards the successful culmination of their high school careers, they will consolidate and internalize all the skills instilled through the full progression of the GSE. High school students will employ strong, thorough, and explicit textual evidence in their literary analyses and technical research. They will understand the development of multiple ideas through details and structure and track the development of complex characters and advanced elements of plot such as frame narratives and parallel storylines. Student writing will reflect the ability to argue effectively, employing the structure, evidence, and rhetoric necessary in the composition of effective, persuasive texts.

Course Outline 

Throughout the school year, we will be studying both literature and composition. Reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar will be a part of each learning unit.

Materials/Supplies:

• Access to technology and Internet
• Mask required (if you aren’t feeling well for the safety of others)
•  Textbooks Pearson: Common Core Literature: We will go over this process during the first week of school.)
• 3 ring binder (2 inch)
• Composition notebook
• Loose-leaf paper
•  Pens – blue or black
• Highlighters (multi-color)
• Dividers or notebook sections for the following:

1. Academic Vocabulary- Definitions for literary terms

2. Context Vocabulary- Words from reading used in context

3. Literature Notes- Information from various literary works

4. Grammar- Information/examples of grammar, usage and mechanics.

5. Writing- Information/notes on academic writing.

  Classroom Norms and Expectations

It is expected that you will do your part to maintain a respectful, productive online learning environment every day.

1. Be on time. Be Prepared.
2. 10/10 Rule: Students are not allowed to leave the first 10 minutes of class nor are they allowed to leave the last 10 minutes of class. This allows the halls to be clear the first and last ten minutes of class.   
3. Be respectful.  This includes respecting yourself and others. Follow instructions in a respectful manner the first time they are given, minimizing distractions of yourself and others, working diligently every day, and participating in a positive way.
4. Grammar and spelling matter. In an educational setting, keep your language formal.  Your written communication should be professional and reflect proper writing style.  

***You are expected to follow all school rules and regulations***

Make-up Work and Late Work

It is the student’s full responsibility to submit work on time. Assignments and the due dates are posted in Canvas each week.

Academic Honesty                                                                   

All students must complete their own work. If caught cheating, a grade of ZERO will be entered and flagged in the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus. Copying or photocopying another student’s work is cheating. Using another student’s notes or answers on a test or quiz is cheating. Referring to and/or copying from an online resource is cheating. Students will not be allowed to re-submit the assignment(s).

Grading Scale/Evaluation:

Major Assignments: essays, tests, projects 40%

Minor Assignments: class work, quizzes, homework 60%

 90-100% = A    80-89% = B   75-79% = C    74-70%= D   Below 70% = F

Parent/Teacher Communications:

It is important for parents, students, and teachers to work together to achieve success. To that end, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or questions that may arise. My email is located above. 

   There are so many things that you need to remember. Be calm. Do not fear. Keep this syllabus in front of your notebook and refer to it whenever necessary. I anticipate excellence from my students and have set high standards for them. I do this only because I have discovered that they always rise to the occasion when they truly make an effort. My suggestion to you is to keep up with your assignments and attend class sessions regularly.  

I look forward to a great year! Please feel free to contact me at any time throughout the year.

 I have read, downloaded, or taken a picture of this syllabus and have a way to maintain it for my own records.

Students please complete and have your parent/guardian complete. Then email or upload a picture of this page.

Student Signature:

Student Email:

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Parent/Guardian Email:

Parent/ Guardian Contact Number