Sophomore English A
Fall 2015
Instructor: Ann Henson
Classroom: D107
Overview and Targets
This course is designed for sophomores to develop their writing and comprehension skills as a
continuation of skills learned in English 9. Writing techniques will be learned and practiced with a
variety of assignments including expository, creative, and persuasive. Students will explore several
types of literature, which include short stories, novels and poetry. In addition, all students will work
on speaking and discussion skills. A moderate amount of homework is required on a regular basis,
and students are expected to complete all assignments. Students will prepare work samples for their
graduation requirement.
Learning Targets (Common Core):
Characterization
Claim/Thesis
Conventions
Speaking/Listening
Summary
Vocabulary
Word Choice
Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or
conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact
with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or
opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear
relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Participate effectively in collaborative discussions with diverse
partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
and persuasively.
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over
the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and
refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning
words and phrases based on grades 9-10 reading and content,
choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the
complexity of the topic.
Classroom Expectations
Respect both people and materials. No disrespectful language or behavior will be tolerated.
Academic honesty is expected from all students.
Respect the process of learning. Do not give up and always do your best.
Respect the moment. Be on time and prepared and use every minute of class for learning. OCHS
school-wide cell phone policy will be followed in the classroom. See your handbook for details.
Readings and Materials
Students will be required to read the following texts:
 Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
 Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
 Supplemental informational texts
 Selected short stories
Students will need the following materials:
 A 100-page spiral notebook
 Writing utensils
 Highlighter
I recommend students have access to glue sticks and scissors in addition to the above list.
Grading:
This course is evaluated based on the above
learning targets. 90% of a student’s earned
grade is based on the evaluation of these targets.
Students will be given multiple structured
opportunities at each target throughout the
trimester. The MEDIAN score will be used to
determine a student’s final scores.
Learning target scores may be revised at the
teacher’s discretion and student request within a
seven-day time frame. You may not revise your
work if you did not complete the target
assessment.
The final exam is correlated to learning targets,
cumulative, and is required of every student. As
such, a student who does not complete the final
will not earn a passing grade in the course.
A
90-100%
4 - Mastery
B
80-89%
3.5 – Exceeds
C
C-
70-79%
68-69%
3 – Proficient
D
60-67%
2 – Needs
Improvement
F
0-59%
1 – Does not Meet
0 – No Evidence
The remaining 10% is made up with the student notebook. A wide variety of in-class and homework
activities will be evaluated, and may be collected at any time. Students need to carry notebooks
every day to class.
Contact and Other Information:
Occasionally portions of PG-13 films, which relate directly to the unit of study, may be viewed in
class. Please contact me if you have concerns by phone or email.
I have regular office hours to assist students after school until 3:30pm. Please contact me if you
need help at another time.
Ann Henson
503-785-8870
ann.henson@orecity.k12.or.us