ENGLISH 9

ENGLISH 9English Department Gwynn Park High School 2009-2010Website: www.pgcps.org/gphsInstructor: Sheila PhillipsPhone: (301) 372-0140E-mail: sheila.phillips@pgcps.orgCourse DescriptionsEnglish 9:This required course will help students develop strategies for reading comprehension and will improve their vocabulary,language usage skills, and writing skills. Students will also use critical reading and thinking skills to analyze fiction and nonfictionliterary genres from world literature. The 9 th grade Literary Unit, Responding to Challenge, The study of Narrative, isdesigned using selections form the core anthology, Language of Literature. A large portion of the work is devoted to reading, rereading,discussing, and writing about the selections in order to respond to the unit’s overarching questions. Generalcomprehension and text-specific guiding questions help students comprehend and interpret text, while additional questions areincluded to support analyses of each author’s style.Throughout the unit, students will read, talk about and write like the text, while keeping Reader’s/Writer’s Notebook to capturetheir work. Students will use their understanding about what makes a literary analysis effective, plus their writing in theirReader’s/Writer’s Notebook, to develop their own literary analyses.English 9 Accelerated Learning (AL):This course provides students with additional instructional support to ensure that they are successful on the required Englishassessment.English 9 Honors:This course is designed for identified selected highly able students who have met the prerequisites. The course will furtherdevelop student reading and writing skills (See English 9) by enhancing the depth and complexity of the core curriculum.Students will use critical thinking skills in analyzing advanced/above grade level texts. Course work will include advanced novelstudy, a research/essay paper, and preparation for AP English. Students will have extensive opportunities to respond to SelectedResponse questions, and to write brief constructed responses and extended constructed responses reflective of the format andcontent of the required English assessment.

Statement of PurposeThe purpose of the English Department at Gwynn Park High School is to develop students’ oral and written communication skillsin order to enhance their career and academic life goals. By fostering an academic environment where students are continuouslyengaged in exploring and deepening their appreciation in classical and contemporary literary works; by developing andstrengthening students’ analytical and critical thinking skills; and by providing a solid foundation in the rules of Englishgrammar and usage, Gwynn Park High School prepares students to meet the challenges of post secondary schooling as well as allareas of their lives where strong communication skills are critical.TextbooksEach student receives the following textbook and supplemental materials:• The Language of Literature (9th Grade - Hardback); McDougal Littell**The InterActive Reader Plus (9th Grade - Consumable); McDougall Littell**Grammar, Usage and Mechanics (9th Grade - Consumable); McDougall Littell** Language Network — Grammar (9th Grade - Hardback); McDougal Littell**Classroom set; not to be taken home**Textbooks are to be used at home and returned at the end of the year or upon withdrawal.. On the inside cover of the bookshould be the student’s name, teacher’s name, issued school year with teacher’s initials. Report any lost book immediately. Youwill be charged $70.00 for any lost book as soon as a replacement book is issued.

Grading PolicyThe goal of grading and reporting is to provide the students with feedback that reflects their progress towards the mastery of theindicators and objectives found in the Reading/English Language Arts Curriculum Framework Progress Guides.Classwork: This category might include all work 25%begun and/or completed in class,class discussions, group activities,student journals, warm-ups, and Quick-Writes, Write-Abouts, Write-Likes, participation, vocabulary and grammarHomework: This category might include all work 25%completed outside of the class setting.Assignments might include readingsand/or accompanying tasks,essays, Reader’s/Writer’s Notebook, practice assignments, Quick-Writes. SR’sAssessments: This category might include tests, 50%(Oral and Written) quizzes and quarterly assessments.Some may be written, oral and performance based. Some include SR’s and CR’sPresentations Write-Abouts, Write Likes, Culminating Projects, Research projectsStudent AttendanceStudents must be in class on a regular basis.According to PGCPS Administrative Procedure 5113, Pupil Attendance and Absence, “5 days of unlawful absence per semester ina semester course, or 10 days of unlawful absence in a full year course shall result in an “E” grade for the course.”When lawfully absent, a student has 48 hours in which to bring in a note that excuses him/her for the absence.For excused absences, the student is responsible for acquiring his or her make-up work.According to PGCPS Administrative Procedure 5121.2, Assessment and Grading for All Secondary Schools Programs, “studentswho are considered lawfully absent from school will have the opportunity to make up missed work in a timely fashion.” Thenumber of days allowed to make up assignments is equivalent to the number of days absent. Students who fail to complete missedwork in a timely fashion will receive a 50% grade for those assignments.Students are responsible for notifying teachers ahead of time if their absence is due to a school sponsored activity.

Classroom GuidelinesBe in your seat and begin warm-up by the time the final bell rings.Have all needed materials when you enter the class roomRaise your hand and wait to be recognized before you begin to speak.Be respectful towards, self, others and class environmentStay in your seat unless you have permission to get up.Chewing gum, food and drinks are to be consumed elsewhere.Cell-phone should be off and other electronic equipment is not allowed.Consequences:Verbal warningStudent teacher conferenceParent phone callAdministrative referralActs of gross misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct will result in an immediate PS-74.NOTE: Use of cell phone or other electronic equipment (i-pods, mp3’s, PSP’s etc.) will result in a grade of zero for the day andconfiscation. Any confiscated materials must be picked up by a parent.Approved: _________________________________ (Tracie Malone, Assistant Principal)Approved: _________________________________ ) Carletta Marrow, Principal)

English Department Gwynn Park High SchoolWebsite: www.pgcps.org/~gphsSheila Phillips, InstructorStudent FormI have read and understand the English Department grading guidelines and classroom procedures.Student Name (Print)Student SignatureTeacher: __________________________________Period: _________Date: _____________________________________Parent FormI have read and understand the English Department grading guidelines and classroom procedures.Parent/Guardian Name (Print)__________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________________________________________Home Phone: ___________________________Alternate Phone: _________________________E-mail Address: _________________________________________Date: _____________________________________