Mrs. Davis-English 11
2018-2019 Syllabus
Welcome to English 11! I am excited to share this important year of learning with you. Our focus will be studying the wonderful authors found in American Literature while preparing to successfully complete the New York State Common Core Regents Exam. The exam will be offered in January and June. We will focus on a recurring theme using novels, plays, short stories, poetry, informational text, and more. We will also direct our attention for preparation of the SAT Exam as well as meeting the standards of the New York State Common Core Curriculum. Our curriculum will include incorporating Project Based Learning throughout the school year.
Texts:-Our anchor texts we will study include, but are not limited to the following:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
We will incorporate short stories, poetry, speeches, non-fiction, and a fourth novel or play to be determined.
Grading:
Your grade will be based on the following each marking period:
Writing (article reflections, quick writes, essays, short compositions, Articles of
The Month, etc.) 35%
Homework 10%
Tests/Projects/Group work 25%
Quizzes/Class work 20%
Bell ringers/Class participation 10%
*Class participation will be based on effort, attitude, behavior, and coming to class prepared.
Class Materials:
3-ring binder 2 inch or larger
5-8 dividers
Two packs of loose leaf paper
A one subject spiral notebook or composition notebook
Pens/pencils- **Please bring these items each day to class.
Homework/Makeup Work: Homework is an essential component of strengthening and reinforcing what we learn in class, therefore please plan on having homework assignments three to four times weekly. I will ask that you respect all due dates. If you are absent you will be responsible to check the absent folder to see what work you missed and to complete any homework assignments. All quizzes, tests, and projects will be expected to be made up. Please feel free to check with me on any questions, concerns, or clarifications you may have on makeup work. Homework will not be accepted late. Please talk to me if you have any issues/concerns regarding homework due dates. Remember you are responsible to complete this work. The lowest homework grade will be dropped each marking period. Extra credit will be available throughout the year.
Project Based Learning/Writing-Throughout the year we will be participating in Project Based Learning. Project Based Learning motivates learning and improves retention of information. Project Based Learning supports collaboration and critical thinking skills. Students will be assessed individually and collaboratively. Rubrics will be provided for each project. Students will be provided class time to work on projects but some completion will be expected outside of the class. Project Based Learning provides opportunities to apply skills in real life situations. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Writing is a large portion of the English 11 curriculum, NYS Regents, and SAT assessments. Therefore, you will have frequent writing assignments throughout the year. These assignments are critical to your success in English 11. Failure to complete writing assignments will result in a possible failure of the marking period or course.
Classroom Expectations:
English 11 can be a challenging and busy year however it can also be an inspiring and an innovative year of learning. In order to achieve success we all need to demonstrate respect and responsibility. Please remember to:
- Demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning, yourself, and others
- Come to class prepared, on time, and ready to learn.We will have bell ringers each day(three late arrivals can result in a teacher detention)
- Show respect to your peers, your teacher, and your classroom
- Remember you are in a classroom and demonstrate appropriate language and behavior
- Cell phones and iPads are not to be out during class time.They will be turned in to me until the end of class if they are present.Exception: Sometimes you will use your phone for class activities
- Honesty and integrity are nonnegotiable points in English.Plagiarism or copying of work is considered cheating and will result in a zero and possible disciplinary actions
Discipline Plan:
In order for you to achieve success the classroom expectations must be met. If your behavior violates a class expectation the following consequences can be expected:
1st Verbal reminder of rules
2nd Teacher conference with student either at seat or in hall
3rd Teacher detention
4th Referral to office and/or contact with a parent/guardian
New York State Common Core ELA Standards:
We will focus our learning on the Common Core Anchor standards for reading, writing, language, speaking and listening.
Moving forward:
I look forward to helping you achieve success and increasing your knowledge and interest in English. We will meet the challenges of English 11 together and in the process have an enjoyable fun filled year of learning.