CAHSEE English

Syllabus 2010-2011

Note to student:  Welcome to the class.  I am extremely honored to have you as a student.  You will be interested to know that materials used in this class are aligned with the California Reading/Language Arts Content Standards.  These are the standards that the state of California requires all students to know.  In early October you will have the opportunity to take the CAHSEE and apply your knowledge of the standards.

I am committed to serving you to the best of my ability.  If at any time you need extra help or just need to talk, I will make myself available to you at break, lunch or after school.  My home phone # is 846-6194.  Please feel free to call.  

Student will: 

• Build vocabulary, spelling, and grammar skills though reading and writing.
• Learn reading strategies to increase understanding and comprehension.
• Read many genres of literature including:  informational articles, editorials, poems, short stories, and a novel.
• Write, edit, and revise sentences, thesis statements, paragraphs, and essays.

Goals:

• Appreciate the written word and become a proficient reader and writer.
• Pass the High School Exit Exam.
• Be reclassified as a Fluent English Participant (if you are an EL).
• Be prepared to successfully participate in mainstream English classes in the future.

Materials:

Pens, pencils, paper, a 2 inch 3 ring binder with 5 dividers labeled VOCABULARY, WRITING TOOLS, CONVENTIONS, READING, and OTHER will be necessary to bring to class daily.  You will also need a composition book that will be left in class for sponge activities at the beginning of each day.

Homework: 

• Research shows that doing homework is a critical element for the success of the student. 9^th graders should do 90 minutes of homework at least 5 days a week (Sun. – Thurs.), 10^th graders should do 100 minutes 5 days a week, 11 graders—110 minutes a week, and 12 graders—120 minutes a week.  A portion of that time should be devoted to this class.
• Although there will not be written homework every night, you can review your reading assignment, notes, or vocabulary; edit and revise writing; study for upcoming tests or quizzes.
• Make it a HABIT to do at least 90 min. of homework for your classes daily.  You will be amazed at how much better you do in school.

Grades are based on the following:

• Class assignments and homework
•  sponge activities
• Tests/quizzes
• essays

Classroom procedures:

Beginning of Period:

0. Enter classroom quietly.
0. Get composition book and do sponge activity on board.
0. Place completed homework or class work face down on desk.

End of Period:

0. Put all materials away 1 minute before bell rings and complete exit activity (ticket out the door).
0. Throw away all trash on, under, and near your table.
0. Sit quietly in your seat until I dismiss you.

THE BELL DOES NOT DISMISS YOU!  I DO.

Classroom principles: “Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Healthy.”

0. Come prepared with materials ready to do all assignments.
0. All school rules will be obeyed in my classroom. (Water bottles are allowed.)

Note:  All electronic devices including cell phones and ear devices must be turned off and put away during class time.

0. Mutual respect for teacher and classmates is a priority.
0. Put downs, hurtful criticism, and foul language are strictly forbidden.
0. Grooming (i.e. brushing hair, putting on make-up, etc.) must be done before coming to class.
0. Putting your head down on the desk or sleeping in class sends a negative message and will not be tolerated.
0. Get plenty of rest at home and eat nutritious food to help you attend school regularly and stay focused in class.

Hall Passes:

  Students will be allowed 2 passes per semester, so use them wisely.  A sign-up sheet on the clipboard will keep track of the amount of times a student has left class.  Only 1 student at a time may use the clipboard.

Make-up Work:

  Following an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to ask his/her learning partner what was done in class during his/her absence.  Complete all make-up work within 1 week and place it in my briefcase.  Do not hand it to me!!!  It could get lost that way!! J

I look forward to an extraordinary year and promise to work very hard for you.

Sincerely, Mrs. Sligar