Ms. Brittany Strong

bstrong@jeffco.k12.co.us

A109 

Year at a Glance - Major Texts and Writing Tasks:

Essential Skills:

Identify how the author’s use of literary terms affects the reader. 

Identify tone, mood, and voice in the text  Identify the author’s purpose

Identify the theme of the text

Grading Scale:

A= 100-90%   B= 89-80%    C= 79-70%   D= 69-60%   F= 59% and below

Gradebook:

The gradebook functions on a continuous point-based system, and all assessments are broken into the following two categories:

●          Reading: analysis of texts

●          Writing: demonstration of learning through essays/written word 

●          Speaking/listening: demonstration of learning through presentations or lectures

Late Work/Makeup Work Policy:

All work must be submitted by the assigned due date. Any work not submitted will be marked as missing in the gradebook until it is received. Late work is accepted on the following conditions:

●          Summative assessments, or major assignments such as essays or projects, are accepted at a 10% deduction per school day (not per class meeting day). Deductions will not go below 50%.

Absences:

●          Please turn in any work missed during an absence as soon as you return to school. Also, it is your responsibility to check your teacher’s website to see what you missed during class and to speak with your teacher upon return.

Commitment: 

●          As this is an elected class, we expect the utmost dedication and focus this semester. It is designed for those interested in exploring the contemporary literature genre; the rigorous curriculum will reflect that goal. There will be homework and essays that are expected to be completed on a timely schedule.             Class Expectations:

●          Be prepared- Come to class on time, in appropriate clothing, with the required materials and ready to learn. Class will begin with silent reading and end when I dismiss you.

●          Be present- Once in class, be in class- both physically and mentally. That means you may not leave the class- barring emergencies- or have your phone out. Class is 90 minutes, be there for all of it.

●          Be a listener- Our class is discussion based. Every person in the room is expected to listen, with respect, whenever the speaker is talking. Whether that is me giving a lesson or your classmate sharing an idea, listening with respect is demanded. Put downs, name calling , gossip or any other harmful language will not be tolerated.

Materials Needed:

●          Composition Notebook

●          Folder for handouts, or section within a binder

●          Pens, pencils

●          Highlighters and Post-its are suggested - not required

●          Independent reading book

●          Class assigned novel