Course Syllabus and Grading Policies
Teacher Contact Information
Name: Margaret Brown
Extension (in school): 5256
Cell Phone: 596-9656
Email: mbrown@bradfordareaschools.org
Web: http://www.teacherweb.com/pa/bradfordareahighschool/mrsbrown/Table1.stm
Prep (Best Conference Time): 7th Period
Preferred Method of Contact: email or cell phone
Textbook
Globe Fearon Literature (Green Edition: World Literature)
"Julius Caesar", by William Shakespeare
Night, by Elie Wiesel
Other Resources & Materials
Materials Required Daily for Class: Pencil, Binder or Folder for Papers
Computer Needs/Access: Blackboard, Teacherweb, Study Island, Internet
Websites: Listed on the Teacherweb page or embedded in lessons
Blackboard Access: Use BASD's Website for Link and Sign-in
Supplemental Materials: Library Resources (for reading materials and research)
Course Information
General Course Description:
All Basic English classes will use the Globe Fearon Literature Textbook series. Each level is grade-appropriate literature adapted for accessibility. Students
will
complete
lessons in grammar, spelling, writing and vocabulary from the
Globe Fearon Basic English Text and Resource Worksheets. All students
will
work to improve vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension skills
through the use of Basic English Text, Worksheet exercises, and Study
Island. Benchmark assessments will be given twice each quarter.
Sophomoress will continue to work to improve research skills, writing,
and
literary analysis. In addition to their text, they will read Night and current non-fiction articles.
Topics to be covered: Novel, short story, poetry, plays, essays, writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
Course Objectives
Learning Goals:
Students will improve improve reading comprehension and writing skills.
Knowledge / Skills Students will Gain:
Vocabulary,
spelling, using context clues, finding the main idea, approaches to
reading fiction and non-fiction, organization, paragraph structure,
essay structure
Instructional Philosophy
Expectations for Student Performance:
Participation
is a must. Students must be on time in order to gain all
participation points. Students need to bring materials to class, and
not leave to go to lockers. All assignments must be completed on time.
Students must make up missed work within two days following absence.
Emphasis: Assignments, Projects, Benchmarks, Tests and Quizzes
Collaboration: Individual Work, Group Work
Course Policies
Attendance:
This course is heavily weighted on classwork and homework. Students are
best served by participating in class and beginning or completing work
with the assistance of the teacher.
Late Assignments: 5 point deduction per day
Make-up work due to absence:
Two days from the date of an excused absence. Five points will be
deducted for assignments turned in later. Incompletes are assigned at
the discretion of the teacher.
Homework: Unfinished classwork, projects, Study Island, studying
Academic Dishonesty: Zero point value assignment
Tutoring and Other Academic Assistance
I am available by appointment 2nd Period, 7th Period, or after school.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Format of Class:
This course uses a textbook as a framework with integrated activities
on blackboard, other internet and media, and hands-on projects including publishing.
Required Activities: Participation in class, projects, reading, research, writing, exercises (including use of internet and computer), Study Island.
Predominant Strategies Employed: Jigsaw, script reading, games, KWL, wordplay.
Course Outline
Play, Short Story, Poetry, Biography
Sentences, Paragraphs, Essays, Research Papers
Journaling, Creative Writing
Forms, Letters, Templates
Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary
Applied Technologies for Language Arts
Grading Procedures / Assessment Plan
50% - Assignments: Classwork and Homework ("Daily" Grade Category).
20% - Projects ("Point System" Grade Category).
10% - Benchmarks ("Final Exam" Grade Category).
20% - Tests and Quizzes ("Exam" Grade Category).
____
100% - Total Points
