English 12

English 12

Course Description:

This course is comprised of five components: writing, literature, grammar, speech and vocabulary. Students will write to inform, persuade and describe as well as narrate personal experiences. A research paper is a course requirement. Also, students will experience many forms of literature, including short stories, novels, drama and poetry. Students will also be reading works of non-fiction. Students will work on the application of grammar and punctuation, applying the skills directly to written work. Vocabulary words may be taken from reading assignments or randomly selected.

Several books will be issued to each student. The numbers and conditions will be recorded and students will be responsible for the care and return of those books. These books should be kept covered. Students will receive The Language of Literature, School to Work and several other novels/paperback books.

Course Information:

Quizzes and exams make up a large portion of the grade. Occasionally, open notes quizzes may be given, so taking good notes is important. Some quizzes will be unannounced; others will be announced ahead of time. Exams will always be announced in advance.

Writing assignments are another large part of the grade. Many will be worked on during class time; however, there will be assignments to complete outside of class. Students will work through all stages of the writing process, and on some of the assignments opportunity for revision will be given before a final grade is recorded. Most will be graded for overall quality, including organization, grammar and mechanics. On some occasions specific grammatical or mechanical skills will be graded.

Homework will be assigned regularly. Assignments should be completed neatly and handed in at the beginning of the period on the day the work is due. Homework turned in after class is considered to be one day late. Late homework will be accepted the following day for 1/2 of the possible points. No homework will be accepted after that time.

Participation and preparation are essential elements of this course. Students should be prepared for every class. Students should bring books, notebooks and a pencil/pen. Working in groups will be part of the course and appropriate participation is required for students to do well.

Notebooks are a requirement. Notes folded in half and put in the book do not count as a notebook. Students must have notes dated and organized in a folder or book of some sort. Students may want to buy a ruled notebook. Notebooks can also be provided for students should they so desire. Notebooks will be checked on occasion and points will be awarded.

Extra credit work will not be assigned. DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA CREDIT. Students who do their best on the assigned work and turn in homework on time will find that extra credit will not be necessary.

Absences:

Students who are absent are required to make up missed assignments immediately upon returning to school. If a student is absent for one day, he or she have one day to make up the work. If a student is absent for two days, he or she will have two days to make up the work. Extended absences will be dealt with on an individual basis. Students who are absent for athletic events, field trips, club meetings, school activities or family trips should notify the teacher before the absence occurs and get the work for the day or days he/she will miss.

Making up missed work is the student’s responsibility. When a student returns from an absence, he or she should check the assignment book to determine what was missed. He or she should copy the notes from a classmate. Teacher will not remind students to turn in work. Failure to turn in work will result in a zero for each missed assignment.

Grading Policy:

Please be aware, grades are not curved. If a student earns a 50%, he or she gets a 50% on the report card. If he or she earns a 24%, the student gets a 24%. There are no exceptions made. A 69.4% is a 69%.

Grades will be figured on the basis of points earned out of possible points. Quizzes, tests, speeches and writing assignments count for 64% of your final grade. The other 16% is earned through participation, journals, homework and notebooks. This will be factored in with the standard 20% for Accelerated Reader.

Grades are available through Edline or may be obtained from the teacher. Updates are done weekly. Writing assignments may take longer than one week to grade and record.

Paper Heading:

All papers and assignments should have the same heading.

ASSIGNMENT

STUDENT NAME

CLASS AND PERIOD

DATE

If a student was absent on the day something was originally assigned, please note under the heading that the work is being completed as a make-up assignment. Provide the date the assignment was missed.