course description

Academic participation: In addition to the points you receive on assignments, a portion of your grade will be based on points you receive for academic participation. I often evaluate your involvement in discussions and group activities. A portion of the grade you get for a group project, for example, will be based on your level of involvement and contribution to the project. In addition, I will occasionally give you a grade (10-25 points) based on your participation during the previous one or two rotations. (See “Academic Participation Rubric” below.)

Academic Participation Rubric
A Consistently self-motivated; actively participates in all class activities and discussions; always focused on task at hand; contributes to a stimulating learning environment; treats everyone with dignity and respect; is always on time and prepared at the start of class; understands and obeys class rules and procedures.

B Self-motivated; almost always on-task during class time, but may occasionally need encouragement; participates in discussions and activities; contributes to a positive learning environment; treats everyone with dignity and respect; knows and obeys class rules and procedures.

C Limited self-motivation; sometimes off-task during class time; may tend to socialize instead of work on task at hand; participates when called on; treats most classmates and the teacher with dignity and respect; usually prepared at the start of class, but may sometimes not have materials; usually obeys rules; may have several tardies or absences.

D Rarely self-motivated; often off-task during class; attention drifts from class discussion or activities; participates reluctantly or inappropriately; doesn’t always give respect to classmates or teacher; often unprepared at start of class -- without materials and/or assignments; may often be tardy or socializing; may have unexcused absences.

F Never self-motivated; is not involved in class activities or discussions; does not pay attention; uninterested; may sabotage class activities; is rude and disrespectful; defies rules.

Citizenship grade: I expect that you will abide by my policies and procedures outlined in this document. Irresponsible and disrespectful behavior will affect your citizenship grade.

Keeping track of your grade: My hope is that you will work hard this year to become a more sophisticated writer and reader and that you will NOT be obsessed with your grades. However, I know that it is helpful to track your progress. You may see your scores online throughout the year by following the links on my website (mshill.net) or by going to the English department page on the PHS website (piedmont.k12.ca.us/phs/). I’m extremely careful about making grades fair and accurate, but occasionally I may make an error. Please let me know if you see something that doesn’t look right. My goal this year is to update grades at least every two weeks.

Independent Reading : Every "F" day is Independent Reading Book (IRB) day.
We read differently for different purposes. The shared texts we read together in class will be read critically and analytically, which requires careful, close reading. The reading you do independently is closer to “pleasure” reading, which doesn’t usually require the analytical work we will be doing in class. (Of course, you are welcome to read challenging texts for IRB if you want to.) My hope is that my system will help you to expand and deepen your reading experience.

My goals for this project:
1) To make independent reading truly independent.
2) To put the focus on reading and not on a book report or project.
3) To promote a love of reading.
My system:
-You choose what you read.
-Read a minimum # of pages (not books) per quarter.
-Each “F” day, record pages read since the previous IRB day and reflect on what you read.
-Participate in IRB activities (small group discussions, book talks, mini-lessons, conferences)
-Read silently for part of each “F” day.
-Make specific reading goals each quarter.
-Write a reflection paper about your reading at end of each quarter.
A few guidelines:
-I expect you to read books you haven’t read before.
-Don’t keep reading a book if you’re hating it! I’ll give you “credit” for the pages you read, then start another book.-Read books that are “appropriate” for school and your reading level.

I-Search Project
What is the I-Search project?
The I-Search is a multiple-step search for information on a topic of your choice, approved by me. While part of this project involves research in the library, much of your research will come from primary sources -- people and situations that you will personally interview and observe.

This assignment requires you to be a reporter -- getting out in the real world talking to real people. Your reflections on what you uncover are as essential an ingredient as the “hard facts” themselves. The project contains several short papers that you draft and revise, each of which teaches different skills.

How long does it take?
We will devote almost all of one quarter (10 weeks) to this project -- most likely third quarter.

What are the components?
•Proposal – a paper introducing your topic and explaining how you became interested in it and what you hope to uncover in your investigation.
•Book Report – about a 200+ page book that is related to your topic.
•Media Search – that summarizes, paraphrases and quotes information you find from a variety of secondary sources
•Interview – a paper that tells the story of your interview with an authority on your subject
•Observation Report – that describes a site visit you conduct, in detail
•Poll/Survey Report – that analyzes the results from a poll or survey you conduct in the community.
•Last Words – a paper in which you reflect on your findings.

• • • CLASS PROCEDURES, POLICIES, & EXPECTATIONS • • •

Summary of the procedures, policies, and expectations outlined on this and the next page:
•Homework is due at the beginning of the period. I don’t accept late work (unless it is a paper).
•Papers may be turned in late with 10% off for each school day late.
•Bring these materials to every class meeting: English notebook, 3-ring binder (with 3 section dividers: literature, writing, documentary), unit text, pen/pencil, paper.
•You may not leave the classroom unless you receive an office slip or you give me a “Take 5” pass.
•You must come see me at the designated times to get makeup work for excused absences.
•Be in class on time. [3+ tardies within a quarter = a “U” in citizenship]
•Cheating and plagiarism have consequences. Be familiar with PHS’s Academic Integrity Policy.
•There is no eating in my room, unless you’re meeting with me at lunch. [Closed container beverages are ok.]
•Be attentive and involved. [You may not use electronic gadgets (iPods, MP3 players, cellphones...) in my classroom. If I see it, I will take it.]

PROCEDURES

Homework
Homework is due at the beginning of the period in the basket designated for turning in assignments. Soon after I’ve announced, “last call for homework,” I will not accept any more work. This means that I will not accept work later in the period or day because you “forgot” to turn it in earlier.
If you have an excused absence, you will have more time to turn in homework assignments. (See “Make-up Work.”)

Materials
You are responsible for acquiring a notebook to be used ONLY for this class. (See “Notebook” for details.)You must also have a 3-ring binder in which to keep all assignment sheets and work-in-progress. It should include three section dividers labeled: literature, writing and documentary. (This may be your general binder that you use for your other classes that has an English section.)
Bring all course materials every day. These materials include: your English notebook, 3-ring binder, the unit text, pen and/or pencil, and paper. I will occasionally check to see that you have your materials with you.

Notebook
You will use your English notebook often and for a variety of assignments: vocabulary lists, homework assignments, notes, reflective responses. You must bring your notebook to class every day.
Periodically you will turn in your notebook for credit and you will receive three to five points for each complete entry. A complete entry will be at least 3 quarters of a page long and demonstrate that you’ve done some real thinking about the topic. I will not check your notebooks for spelling or grammar.

This is not a private journal or diary and you will often be expected to share what you write. You may write about your life or personal thoughts and opinions, but keep in mind that some notebook entries will be read or heard by others.

Leaving Class for Personal Business
   I expect you to take care of personal matters outside of class time. This includes restroom visits, drinks of water, telephone calls, going to your locker, turning in books to the library, printing essays, taking care of business at the attendance office or with administrators, etc. Brunch, lunch, and before and after school are appropriate times to take care of these things.
   I realize that emergencies do occur (especially for the restroom!) and so I am providing you with four “Take 5” passes each semester. You may use these passes whenever you need to and you will have five minutes to take care of your business. If you’re gone for more than five minutes there will be a consequence at my discretion.
   Your passes are on the last page of this packet. DO NOT MISPLACE THEM! I will not give you another copy and you may not leave class promising me you’ll give me your pass when you get back.
   First semester passes may be used second semester; however, unused passes will not be “worth” anything (extra credit, homework pass, etc.) at the end of the semester.

Make-up Work
You are responsible for getting your makeup work after an excused absence. I will not discuss makeup work with you during class time, however, you may fill out a “Makeup Work Request” form and I will do my best to return it to you by the end of class. In addition, you may come see me outside of class time to get your work. I will be available in my classroom:

   - Immediately after school - every day in portable 4
   - Tutorials - G days in portable 4
   - Brunch and lunch - most days in portable 4
     (To be sure that I’m in my room at brunch or lunch, you may make an appointment with me.)

Please use these times to get makeup work, get help or clarification on assignments, or to discuss concerns. Due dates for make-up work will be discussed when you meet with me.

POLICIES

Tardies/Unexcused Absences
Arriving late to class is disrespectful to me and disruptive to the class. I do keep track of tardies. If you have three tardies within a quarter, you will receive a “U” in citizenship, and may be assigned a detention for further tardies. Excessive tardies will inevitably affect your academic grade as well.
Two unexcused absences within a quarter will also result in a “U” in citizenship.

Academic Integrity
I expect that you will abide by PHS’s “Academic Integrity Policy.” I will enforce it. Please be sure that you read over and understand the entire policy found in your planner. We will discuss the details of the policy that pertain to this class, but in general, if you cheat or plagiarize on an assignment:
•1st violation = 0 points, lowered citizenship grade, report on discipline record, call to parent
•2nd violation = negative points, “U” citizenship grade, report on discipline record, parent conference

Other Policies
•Food and drinks
You may not eat in my classroom unless you are meeting with me at lunch. This is a schoolwide policy.
You may drink from beverage containers with closable tops (water and soda bottles with screw tops are ok, soda cans are not) and I don’t mind if you chew gum as long as you properly dispose of the wrappers and gum.
If you eat in my class your citizenship grade will be affected and you may receive a detention.

•Electronic gadgets
You may not listen to/use any electronic gadgets in my classroom. This is a school-wide policy. Keep your walkman, cellphone, iPod, MP3 player, earphones, etc. in your backpack, locker, or at home.

If I see one of these gadgets in my class, I will take it from you and keep it until the end of class or the end of the school day. If there is a repeat offense, I will give your phone/iPod to an administrator. Violations will affect your citizenship grade.

Late Work - Homework
I will abide by the English department late work policy for homework, which means I will not accept late homework. Excused absences are, of course, another issue. See “Makeup Work” on previous page.

Late Work - Essays
   Papers are due on the due date given.
   Papers are the only assignments I will accept late with 10% off for each school day beyond the due date it is turned in. “Each school day” indicates each day after the due date, even on days the class does not meet.
   To turn in an essay on a day that your class does not meet you may either stop by my classroom to give it to me or you may put it in my mailbox in the school office.

Computer/Print Problems
“But my printer ran out of ink, Ms. Hill! Can’t I turn it in tomorrow without being late?” If your printer doesn’t work or your computer crashes or you lose your flashdrive, you are still responsible for turning your work in on time. Here are some things to do to avoid “technical difficulties”:

•If your printer doesn’t work, save your work on a CD or flashdrive and print in my classroom or the computer lab, OR e-mail the paper to me the night or morning before it is due [dhill@piedmont.k12.ca.us]

•If you need a computer, use the computers in the library, or labs during lunch or after school

•As a last resort, handwrite your essay VERY NEATLY [In general I expect all of your essays to be typed, but if your computer crashes the night before a paper is due, I will accept it handwritten.]

Turnitin.com
You will be submitting your writing assignments to (and getting much of your feedback on) turnitin.com this year. Occasionally, I will ask you to print out a hard copy of the paper to bring to class for peer feedback, but much of our communication about your writing will be through the turnitin website. Details about how to submit your papers are on the “Writing Tools” page on my website (mshill.net).

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS