In addition to providing a foundation for higher level English courses, this course will prepare students for the STAAR End of Course exam and the PSAT. English 1 focuses on developing students' reading and writing skills in two 9 week periods. Students will read selections from many genres and will focus on expository writing tasks. Reading and writing tasks become more complex in the second 9 weeks.
Grading Policy
Breakdown of grades:
Major Grades = 60%
Minor = 30 %
Daily = 10%
Reassessment Policy
If a student earns a failing grade on a major assessment, the student may make use of the reteach/reassess option to earn a maximum grade of 70. The student must attend tutorials and complete a new assessment within one week of receiving the failing grade. The student is responsible for scheduling tutorial and assessment times.
Late Work
Eligible minor assignments will be accepted 1 day late with a deduction of 30 points.
Participation type assignments (class discussion, some writing, etc.) will not be accepted late.
Work will not be accepted beyond 1 day late.
Absent Work
Students have one day to make up work for each day they are absent.
Exceptions: This does not apply to assignments in which the student was present during the class when the due date was announced. For example, if a student knows the due date of a major project and is absent any time during the run of the project, the project is due on the original due date. If a student is absent on the due date, the project is due the very next day. This also applies to routine weekly assignments such as vocabulary. If a student misses the Monday assignment, because they have access to all vocabulary materials, they are expected to turn in the assignment on Thursday. Additionally, if a student is absent on a Thursday they will be expected to complete the quiz on Friday.
Missed tests and quizzes:
Students that are absent on the day of a quiz or test will receive a zero in the grade book until they have scheduled a time to make up the missed assessment. Students will have one week to make up the missed assessment.
Academic Honesty
In the event a student is caught cheating in any way (copying off of another student, cutting and pasting info from the internet, buying papers, dishonest grading, etc.), an office referral will be written, and a notification of academic dishonesty will be recorded. The student will be required to complete the assignment or an alternate assignment for reduced or no credit.
Talking and/or having technology visible with out permission during testing will be considered cheating.
Technology
Students are expected to have appropriate technology available and charged during each class. If a student is not participating in the 1:X technology program, it is expected that they check out a lap top from the library when needed.
Ipads and lap tops are the appropriate means of techology for the majority of our assignments. Cell phones are not ideal for our assignments.
At times, students will be required to place their cell phones in designated areas on the table and will not be allowed to access them. Class time is not the appropriate time to text or check voicemail.
Behavior
Students are considered tardy if they are not in their seats working on their warm-up when the tardy bell rings, and will be sent to the attendance office for a tardy slip.
Repeated use of technology during non-designated time will result in an office referral and limited or no personal technology use in class.
Disrespectful behavior towards adults or students will not be tolerated.
Consequences of minor nature will escalate from a warning, to a detention, or an office referral with each continued offense.
Consequences of a more serious nature will be immediately issued an office referral and handled according to the code of conduct.