English Department

Welcome To CPJH English Department Website

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SYLLABUS

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  English I is a course that prepares students to be successful in their future careers and on the English II subject-area test.  In this course, the students will gain the skills necessary to read, write, and speak for a variety of audiences.  The students will also learn how to work in groups to complete various assignments and activities.  These assignments will require the students to use the skills learned in other courses such as Technology Discovery, Social Studies and math.

TEACHING FORMAT:  The teaching formats will consists of lectures, class discussions, reading, writing, group work, presentations and research.  This is to make sure that students master the skills learned and will be able to use them in specific situations within and outside of the classroom.

TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES: The students will need the following items daily for this class:

Two (2)  folders (one for notes and one for journal entries)
Pens (red, blue, and black) and pencils

Textbooks will be provided by the school.  Students will have projects that require the use of a computer for Internet research and to type projects.

GRADING CRITERIA: Each student is graded according to the Indianola School District’s grading policy.  Your grade will be based on how much and how well you complete your work.  Each nine weeks grade is broken down into the following percentages:

25% for daily work which will include classroom participation, homework, and classwork
50% for major work which will include quizzes, papers, projects, book reports, presentations, and tests  
25% for your nine weeks exam
 
MAJOR/MINOR ASSIGNMENTS:  To view examples of major assignments and projects for the year, please refer to the pacing guide which you have for each nine weeks.

ATTENDANCE  AND MAKE-UP POLICY: Students should attend class daily; however, when a student is absent, the following procedures will be taken for missed assignments:

Students that are absent one (1) day should check the assignments box/crate to get the assignments from the previous day.  The assignments should be completed and turned in on the next day. For example, if a student is absent on Monday, he/she will get the assignment on Tuesday to be turned in on Wednesday.

Students who are absent over a three day period for a serious illness or family situation (flu, severe cold, chicken pox, death of a loved one) will be given all missed assignments.  The assignments should be completed within one (1) week of his/her return to school.   For example, if a student is absent for several days and returns to school on a Wednesday, he/she will have until the following Wednesday to complete and turn in the missed assignments.

Students who know that they will be out of school ahead of time for surgery or some other major illness must make arrangements in the office to receive their weekly assignments.  The assignments must be completed during their stay at home and returned during the following week.  Additional assignments will be given once the original assignments are returned.

Students who fail to turn in an assignment on the due date will have three (3) days to turn in the assignment before the grade turns into a zero (0).

ALL assignments should be turned in on the due date.  However if they are not, the following grades will be given:

Assignments one (1) day late will receive a grade of 75 if the assignment is completed correctly.
Assignments two (2) days late will receive a grade of 70 if the assignment is completed correctly.
Assignments three (3) days late will receive a grade of 65 if the assignment is completed correctly.

Please realize that if the assignment is late and not completed correctly that your grade will be even lower than those given above.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN ENGLISH I: These are some helpful tips that if you often will make your year in English a successful one.

Use reading time wisely.
Review notes daily.
Begin assignments in a timely manner to make sure the assignments are completed by the due date.
Use the library and computer lab after school to complete assignments.
Ask questions when you do not understand.
Keep a jump drive to save assignments.
Keep a well-organized notebooks each nine weeks.
Keep necessary school/classroom supplies.
Attend assigned remediations, study groups, and/or tutoring sessions.
Complete ALL assignments given by the teacher.
Write down important dates and assignments.
Encourage your parents to pick-up all progress reports, report cards and to visit your classes often.
Visit the school’s website for information from your English teacher.

PACING GUIDES:  You will be provided a pacing guide for each nine weeks.  The charts give you information on what things will be taught in your classes and when they will be taught.  The charts also give you the major assignments for each nine weeks.  If you use these charts wisely, you will be on target with your class and homework.

FLEXIBILITY STATEMENT: Please be aware that assignment deadlines may be changed to help meet the needs of the students in the classroom.