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Ninth-Grade Academy
Honors English 1
2010 – 2011 Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Mrs. Gault
pgault@lcdoe.org
(931) 433-6156 (school telephone)
Room: 204
Course Name: Honors English 1
Text books used:

Prentice Hall Literature, Grade Nine.

Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar Communication in Action Gold Level.

Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop, Level D
(Purchased by individual student).

Supplemental materials via handouts.
Note: A literature book is issued for exclusive home use. A classroom set is used daily at
school.
Course Description
Tennessee English Language Arts Standards are implemented via textbooks, handouts,
and audio/visual aids. A copy of State Standards is sent home to be signed by a parent. PSAT
and S. A. T. standards will soon be available.
Class Design and Projects
Students will have on their desks at all times their copies of state standards, Word Wall
(SPI’s noted), English Department’s Pacing Guide, and soon PSAT/S.A.T. standards. Given a
prompt, a content segment of the lesson, students will provide the general category and
specific standard of the State Performance Indicator (SPI). Key words (note taking) are
highlighted by students in advance to make locating easier. A + 5 points can be added to the
next daily grade thus students compete against themselves and others when they make
connections and new applications and are rewarded while doing so. +5’s may be earned in
many ways. Nothing in this class exists in isolation. By design the class is a construct that is
always building upon itself.
Genres covered: Short story, Non-fiction, introduction to poetry and drama. Short story
is underlined not only because it is the beginning but also, in Whole Learning applications, the
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Short story can be defined by what it is not, non-fiction. Whole Learning also recognizes that
thirty-odd SPI’s do apply to non-fiction, poetry, drama, and the epic when they tell a story, and
therefore should not be isolated, not to one genre nor to one selection from the text.
Crossovers and connections and differences will be pointed out. Non-fiction, as it relates to a
fictional work, will be included. An example follows: Students will decide if there is enough
evidence to support the theory that E.A. Poe died of rabies by evaluating a publication from
NIAD (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) entitled “Rabies” and compare it
with the findings of a cpc (clinico-pathological conferences) report issued by the University of
Maryland Medicine, specific to the death of a man with the initials E.A.P, later to be revealed as
E.A. Poe. Students visit given web sites, looking for updates. Most are amazed to learn the
progress of the disease to its fatal conclusion is quite different in man that in an animal. Other
theories as to the cause of Poe’s death abound. Students are encouraged to research at least
one other alternative. Extra credit and curiosity go hand-in-hand. The student will
support/defend his final conclusion in a notebook journal entry or in a formal paper. Note:
notebook journal entries will reflect student reactions to what they’ve read and discovered…
less feeling and more thinking.
Second semester the cumulative short story, non-fiction, introduction to poetry
construct becomes a base for the serious study of poetry (Romeo and Juliet and epic poem The
Odyssey). More independent study is expected second semester. First semester’s slackers find
it nearly impossible to catch up. Read the homework handout and follow its rubrics regarding
active listening and study skills.
Until S.A.T. Vocabulary work books arrive (expect a rubric), students using Xeroxed
DOL’s will correct two sentences per day. Test dates will be announced. Unique to Honors are
prompts in left column as to corrections students are expected to make in flawed sentences in
the right column. The day before the test, students will self-correct their own DOL’s and
“dispute.” Note: DOL’s will resurface during school wide EOC remediation.
Xeroxed handouts of Greek and Latin affixed words and roots workbook pages will help
students decode word meanings. A manipulative to keep track of affixes and roots will be made
and checked (Study aid). Students will self-check workbook pages and be tested. Material is
cumulative.
Outside reading, covered by handout given at the end of last year, is an important part
of Honors. If your copy was misplaced, request a new one. Be sure your student reads/listens
to the unabridged version of the book. Cliffs notes are useful and provide background and
analysis. Students who have relied too heavily on cliffs rarely make above a 60 on the test.
Note: “30 new words defined in context” done correctly will result in a 100 as a result in 100
as a third of grade composite and will be considered as extra credit. I enjoy checking “30 new
words” and think of the good use students, now acquainted with them, will put to them, but I
remember exact duplications across my classes. I cannot abide cheating, another word for
lying. Note: Unless Mrs. Wallace decides otherwise (usually transfer student), students will take
summer reading tests as scheduled even if they have not finished the book. Some titles have
videos which may be checked out after testing is complete for the purpose of
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comparison/contrast, book to movie. Lost videos must be replaced. From time to time, you
will be asked to sign a new handout or rubric. I know you want to be involved.
Teacher Availability
Contact NGA’s guidance counselor to set up an appointment with me between 7:54 and 8:55. I
can be reached through e-mail (pgault@lcdoe.org)
Make-up Policy
Literature tests are generally not scheduled. This practice encourages students to become
active listeners, good note takers, responsible for studying nightly. I follow NGA's absentee
policy found in the agenda.
Homework Policy
The Homework Policy has been sent home, returned signed for check off in grade book, and
returned home to be kept to hand.
Grading
Tests
67%
Dailies
33%
Classroom Rules and Expectations
1. Obey all school rules.
2. Bring all materials needed for class.
3. Be in your seat when the bell rings.
4. Follow all directions the first time (Active Listening).
5. Do not speak out. Raise your hand; WAIT to be called upon (unless you’re on fire).
6. Do not call attention to yourself by creating DISTRACTIONS.
7. Do not talk while someone else is speaking.
Consequences
1st violation- verbal warning.
2nd violation- break detention
3rd violation- office referral or ASD
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Required class Materials (besides $10.00 S.A.T. Workbook)

1 2inch 3-ring notebook (yearly notes and abundant handouts).

Pencils (handheld sharpener in room).
Optional

1 3-ring pencil punch or large zip lock bag to hold small handouts.

Large pack notecards (cut in half). If student has trouble with paper manipulatives. We
make “flash-cards.”

Metal ring that opens and closes> single hole punch in card can be threaded through
this ring. (Easier to use and keep up with).
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Parent Comments:
I have read and understood all of the above requirements, policies, and expectations for
Honors English 1 (PSAT/S.A.T. Standards to follow).
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Student signature _____________________________________ Date ______________
Parent signature ______________________________________ Date ______________
Parent e-mail address ______________________________________________________