ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
ENGLISH 11—AMERICAN LIT.
Mrs. Steffen
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to English 11—otherwise known as American Literature. As we begin the
new school year together, I would like to set up a few preliminary course objectives and
roughly outline for both students and parents what to expect throughout the course of the year.
Our textbook offers a chronological approach to American literature. This year, we will be
approaching the literature chronologically—we will cover the major movements in American
literature: Colonial, Revolutionary, Romantic, Realism, Modern and Contemporary as related to
the texts. Discussions will include how the historical events surrounding each literary
movement helped to shape our American identity. We will not only focus on the reading and
comprehension, but also the history surrounding each author and time period. I also hope to
enable each student to become a better writer. Each member of the class will gain confidence
in expressing ideas efficiently on paper and through oral communication. I understand that
each student has individual needs and I am more than willing to work with any student who
expresses an interest in help outside the classroom. I am available during preparation periods
(Mods 12-13) in room 004 as well as before and after school by appointment. I would like to
encourage students and parents to contact me should there be any questions about the course
or for help throughout the year. I can be reached best through email.
Maggie Steffen
Maggie.steffen@copley-fairlawn.org
I. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
 To develop reading comprehension skills on all levels—literal, interpretive,
analytical and critical.
 To analyze author’s style and technique
 To discover and explore the concerns of American writers throughout history
 To deepen the student’s appreciation of our literary heritage
 To create a portfolio of each student’s writing through which the student will learn
to free write, revise, edit and publish a final piece of writing.
II. EVALUATION
 Evaluation of student work will be based upon the following and scored on a point
system. Grades will be determined using the school-wide grading scale available in
the Student Agenda:
 Writings—both formal and informal pieces of writing will be assigned
throughout the year. Students will be expected not only to respond to
readings but also to analyze literature on various levels.
 Research projects—a variety of research techniques will be utilized by
students including group projects.
 Socratic Seminars—graded discussion in which student responses are
categorized and given point values based on the level of comprehension
and analysis
 Tests—a variety of tests and quizzes, including comprehensive semester
and final exams.
 Homework—students will be expected to complete all daily assignments.
 Daily Discussion—students will be expected to participate in class in order
to assess understanding insight, and analysis.

Extra Credit—is not a given. It maybe offered (usually attending a school
play or musical) but will only be available to students who have all
assignments turned in on time.
III. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
I believe that the classroom environment is created through cooperation between
teacher and student. Listed below are my expectations for the classroom.
1) Students are to be in the classroom and seated when the bell rings.
If you are tardy, your first offense is a freebie…after that, you will be serving a
detention with me after school. After 4 tardies, you will be referred to your
principal.
2) Show respect and courtesy for others opinions and property.
3) Take responsibility for obtaining assignments missed during an absence. Students
will not be permitted to make up work missed if the absence is unexcused. This
includes tests and quizzes. Please arrange make up obligations with me as soon as
you return to class. If an in-class presentation is missed, you will be expected to be
prepared the day you return to school. If not, you will lose one letter grade. ALL
WORK IS DUE ON TIME. LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED—NO EXCEPTIONS.
4) FOOD AND DRINK ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM AS PER SCHOOL
RULES.
5) I expect that you will keep track of all of your assignments in your agenda
6) Student grades can be accessed anytime using Progressbook.
If you choose to become a discipline problem in my class, you will be disciplined as
follows:
 1st offense: Verbal reprimand
 2nd offense: detention with Steffen
 3rd offense: referral to principal
IV. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
Throughout the course of the year, you will need the following:
 a notebook (either 3 ring binder or traditional)
 your literature book –IT MUST BE COVERED IF YOU WANT TO STORE
IT IN THE CLASSROOM AND IF YOU DO STORE IT IN THE
CLASSROOM, IT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF
YOUR BOOK IS LOST OR STOLEN FROM THE ROOM.
We will also supplement the textbook with both assigned novels and student selected
novels. It will be your duty to obtain copies of these books—you need not purchase a
copy; just check one out from the library, but I highly recommend you purchase the
book so you can take notes, mark passages, etc.