English I Honors Syllabus
Mrs. Williams
http://teacherweb.com/TN/EastLiteratureMagnet/MrsWilliams/
English I Honors is a course based upon the Tennessee Department of Education
standards for language, communication, writing, research, logic,
informational text, media, and literature. Our work will adhere to these
standards so that all students can be confident and competent in these
areas. Throughout the year, students will read a variety of materials,
practice writing in different styles and for many purposes, and improve aural
and oral communication skills to meet these goals. Freshmen take an End-of-
Course test in English I in May. The course also is geared to prepare for
this assessment.
Following is an overview of my expectations for English I Honors this year.
Each week, students should expect to
• Read independently and be read aloud to (articles, short stories,
novels, plays, essays)
• Write informally (journals, essays, “freewrites,” stories, etc.)
• Discuss ideas and concepts as a class and in smaller groups
• Demonstrate reading comprehension and test-taking strategies on short
quizzes
At least biweekly, students should expect to
• Study and demonstrate understanding of grammatical concepts and
vocabulary
At least once within the nine weeks, students should expect to
• Read, respond, and be assessed in formal (tests, projects) and
informal (class discussion, journaling, study guides) ways to a work of
literature
• Write a formal essay
Grading
I grade using a point system. Assignments, tests, papers, etc. each will be
allotted a specific number of points according to their significance in the
course. Students and parents will have access to Gradespeed to keep track of
their current average. Details about passwords and accessing the site will
be provided ASAP. Students will have opportunities for extra credit, paper
revisions, and binder grades, which can help boost nine-week grades. I am
glad to work with any students who would like extra help: please let me know,
and we can determine a convenient time to work together.
I take cheating very seriously; if students cheat on a test either by giving
or receiving information, they will receive a zero. Plagiarism carries an
equivalent penalty.
Guidelines for Turning in Assignments
• On assigned due dates, be prepared to turn in your work at the
beginning of class. Late assignments receive 10% less credit per day they
are overdue.
• Use a full heading - name, class period, and date
Homework
Homework will be assigned as needed. This work may include reading,
completing written exercises, writing essays, studying for tests, or working
on long-term assignments.
Tests, Papers, Projects, and Major Assignments
All tests will have advance warning, though quizzes may not. Papers,
projects, and other major assignments (at least 50 points) must be turned in
on the specified date for full credit.
Make-up Policy
Each STUDENT is responsible for completing all work missed during any absence
from class. Upon return to class after an absence, students are to look at
the weekly calendar on the board, pick up all class handouts from the
appropriate tray, and copy any notes from a classmate. Students are
responsible for making arrangements to complete make-up work according to the
time frame established by the teacher. A student’s absence must be excused
to receive full credit; for each day it is late, the assignment loses 10%
credit. If a student leaves school early or knows in advance he or she will
be absent on a due date or test day, the assignment must be handed in or the
test taken before departure for full credit.