9Th Grade English Course Overview

Mrs. Maxson 9th Grade English Room 120 716-933-6000 ext. 1120 [email protected]

Mrs. Maxson [email protected]

9th Grade English Course Overview

2016-2017

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this 9th Grade English course, you should be able to:

 Closely read and analyze informational texts  Write responses that are supported by text-based claims  Connect literature, novels, poetry, and plays to life and the “real” world  Evaluate & critique grade level or higher literature thoughtfully  Respond to others’ work orally and in writing  Use the elements of good writing  Recognize and demonstrate an understanding of revision  Write to a variety of audiences and purposes  Understand writing as a process  Develop factual, interpretive, and evaluative questions for further explorations of the topic (s).  Present research-based information and/or opinions through public speaking using learned skills & multi-media  Expand vocabulary through reading and context clues  Identify and use proper grammar and mechanics in writing and speaking  Cite others’ work using MLA guidelines

Supplies You Will Need for 9th Grade English

3 Ring Binder w/ 5 dividers or more (2 inch or larger) Either a spiral notebook or composition filler paper in your binder Pens & Pencils (Blue or Black - no red or green please) 3x5 Index Cards (1 Pack) Post It Notes in both smaller and larger sizes (2 or 3 packs any colors) Agenda Laptop Everyday! Mrs. Maxson 9th Grade English Room 120 716-933-6000 ext. 1120 [email protected]

Content:

The 9th Grade English Curriculum at PCS is the New York State Curriculum Modules.

The content of the modules can be viewed at www.engageny.com

Attendance: I believe strongly that your success in English depends upon your active participation in class in all respects. Students who miss classes are not going to be able to pass the course; sooner or later your absences will catch up with you. I want you to understand that you cannot expect to just drop in and out of class and still keep up with what is often an intensive work load. If you miss a class, you are still responsible for the work due. You need to see me before a planned absence so that you are prepared for class upon your return. You also need to see me after every absence to see what you missed/need to make up and show me work that was due when you were absent so that you receive credit; I will not chase after you! I expect that you should be prepared for all classes—this means that you should have all materials necessary for class with you in class, including writing utensils, and when turning in papers, you should have a hard copy of your paper; do not bring a disk or email it to me. Not being prepared for class might as well count as a class absence. Preparation and organization are extremely important.

Know the following policies:

1. One day’s absence before a scheduled test does not constitute an excuse to not take that test. Also, after short absences, students have as many days as they were absent in which to make up tests, quizzes, assignments, etc. that they have missed.

2. Failure to come prepared to class chronically will result in disciplinary action.

3. LATE WORK: You have now entered high school. Deadlines matter. You must plan accordingly and learn to manage your time. In that light, late work will not be accepted as a general rule. If there are mitigating circumstances, then this rule may be adjusted in specific circumstances. Mrs. Maxson 9th Grade English Room 120 716-933-6000 ext. 1120 [email protected]

Grades:

Weight: Tests (30%) This can include unit tests, mid-unit assessments, end of unit assessments, etc.

Quizzes (10%) Can include pop quizzes, vocabulary, oral, etc.

Quick Writes (20%) This will include short assignments, conferences, in class work, homework, and longer papers.

Classwork/Participation (15%) This will include short assignments, conferences, discussions, group work and other in class work.

Homework (10%) When completed and turned in on time you will receive full credit. Any late work is reduced by 30% and can only be turned in up until the final assessment of a unit.

Projects (15%) Can include hands on, online, or group work.

****Comprehensive Final Exam: This counts as (1) quarter grade and will be given at the end of the year.

Assignment/Homework Policy

All work must be turned in on the due date! You are now in high school. It is time to get organized and make sure that you turn in all assignments on time. If you miss a class, make sure you get the work you missed. In 9th grade teachers will not “babysit” you – in other words, it is not our responsibility to chase you around to get work from you. Be proactive – use your agenda and keep up! Mrs. Maxson 9th Grade English Room 120 716-933-6000 ext. 1120 [email protected]

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS DURING CLASS INSTRUCTION

RESPECT - The golden rule. Treat others as you want to be treated. Your rights end where someone else’s rights begin. Simply put, I expect my students to respect themselves, others, myself and other staff members, and the classroom as a learning environment. The great thing about respect is the more you give, the more you earn!

Report to your seat BEFORE the bell rings. No food or drink (except clear water bottles) in class! No headphones in class.

Each day, note the day’s objective and any homework assignment expected.

Cheating & Plagiarism:

Cheating in any form (i.e. taking OR supplying answers, copying OR supplying homework, plagiarizing, etc.) OR talking during any quiz, test, or graded assignment will not be tolerated. A zero will be given for the work and appropriate action will be taken according to the Code of Conduct. In addition, students will NOT be given the opportunity to retake/redo the work. Simply stated, do your own work! Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated!

Keep in mind that plagiarism is the unacknowledged borrowing of ideas, facts, phrases, wordings, or whole works, either through direct quotation, indirect quotation, paraphrasing or summarizing, without appropriate documentation. You must cite anything that is not your own—this applies to all course materials (papers, drafts, presentations, exams). Every effort will be made to be sure you understand what constitutes plagiarism – we will spend time discussing and practicing proper citing techniques. In keeping with PCS’s policy, students will be severely penalized for any instances of plagiarism that are blatant – at the discretion of the teacher. Mrs. Maxson 9th Grade English Room 120 716-933-6000 ext. 1120 [email protected]

Conferences and Teacher Contact Information:

I encourage you to meet with me outside of class when you need help. There may also be instances when I insist on conference time. I will be available during my prep periods or after school. My email address is listed in the heading of this syllabus if you need to contact me electronically.

Miscellaneous Resources:

Online Writing References:

Webster’s Dictionary & Thesaurus www.webster.com

Columbia Encyclopedia www.infoplease.com

Online Grammar Guide:

Blue Book of Grammar & Punctuation www.grammarbook.com

Using English Student References www.usingenglish.com

Eleven Rules of Writing www.junketstudies.com

Online Citation Help:

Purdue’s MLA Style Guide www.owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html