DeBakey High school for health professions
Course Overview Syllabus
English Language Arts II Magnet
Conference: A2 and B3
2013-2014 Academic Year
Email: mostrovs@houstonisd.org
Instructor: Mr. Ostrovsky
Tel: 713-741-2410
Room: 213
This course continues the development of writing skills started in English I, and focuses on
writing a wide variety of papers, emphasizing critical analysis and careful attention to language.
Grammar and punctuation skills are refined through written work. Through the literature being studied,
emphasis will be placed on preparing students in the skills of critical thinking, argumentation,
documentation, and research; these elements form the backbone of the sophomore curriculum.
The main goals for this class are:
 Write in a variety of forms including personal, literary, and persuasively for various audiences
and purposes.
 Use conventions and mechanics of written English, including the rules of grammar and usage,
to write clearly and effectively.
 Acquire an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic word study.
 Read extensively and intensively for different purposes in varied diverse selections using a
variety of strategies.
 Analyze elements for their contributions to meaning in literary texts and express and support
responses to various types of texts.
 Listen attentively for a variety of purposes and analyze and evaluate oral performances and
presentations.
 Speak clearly and effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.
You will be pushed harder and further than you ever have been before and be stronger for it.
Yet, you will not be alone. We will reach our goals as a team. This will be a year of survival and
success for all of us. Our success is dependent on our attitudes, so it is expected that you will behave
with maturity and complete respect for yourself, your peers, and me. It is only with a positive attitude
that our work can be accomplished.
This syllabus contains a lot of information, which you will be required to read, sign, and keep
in your binder at all times.
SUPPLIES:
1. black or blue pen, red pen, highlighter (any color), post it notes
2. 3 ring binder (any color) with loose leaf paper
3. Dividers labeled as follows:
a. Vocabulary
b. Grammar
c. Literature
d. Research
e. Journal
4. Required Textbooks: Elements of Language, The Language of Literature, MLA Handbook,
and Vocabulary Power Plus
5. Other Reading Selections: Eli Wiesel’s Night, and William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
Additional novels may be assigned and at least two weeks advanced notice will be given.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1. Tardiness is unacceptable. You must be on time for class.
2. Be prepared for each class. This includes bringing your required supplies and all materials
needed to participate.
3. Come to class with a positive attitude. Time is short and we have much to learn. Forgive me
my mistakes as I make them, and I will forgive yours as you make them.
4. Keep the room clean. Please be courteous of your peers who will enter the room after your
class.
5. No rude comments. Rude comments including complaining, whining, and swearing.
Making derogatory comments towards classmates or different groups of people will not be
tolerated.
CONDUCT: – an “S” in conduct will be given for any of the following:
1. excessive talking
2. disrespectful to teacher, peers or guests
HOMEWORK: The daily average for homework will be 30-45 minutes. Students are often assigned
reading or long-term projects that require them to plan their time carefully so that they are not
overwhelmed by deadlines. Developing self-discipline in the areas of time management is a goal of
this class. Homework will be posted on the board every day and on my Edmodo website.
MAKE-UP:
1. Make-up work will be given for excused and unexcused absences. An excused and
unexcused absence will be given 3 school days (not class days) for completion.
2. Upon returning to school, collect your make-up assignments from a classmate, or see the
teacher before or after school, before or after class or at lunch. It is the student’s
responsibility to collect his/her make-up work.
EXPECTATIONS ABOUT READING:
1. Assigned reading is done outside of class most of the time.
2. Discussion of outside reading is most often done after the entire work is read.
3. Students may be reading one book or play in class and a different book outside of class.
4. Students are expected to read the books required – not depend on Cliff’s Notes or class
discussion for understanding.
RETAKE and LATE WORK POLICY: will be followed by the guidelines set by the department
(see separate handout).
RESEARCH PAPER: If a student lacks citations (plagiarism) in his/her rough draft he/she will
receive a 70. If the citations are not corrected on the final copy, he/she will receive a 0 on that portion
of the research paper.
CHEATING POLICY: If a student is caught cheating on any assignment (homework, test, quiz,
essay, project, etc.) that assignment will be given a 0, a conduct cut will be issued and a disciplinary
form will be turned into the office.
ESSAYS: Writing is an integral part of every English class. Students will be required to write process
papers of varying lengths throughout the year. In class, timed essays will be assigned. Papers written
outside of class must be typed. Students are, of course, expected to turn in original work. Plagiarism,
like other types of cheating, results in a 0 for the assignment and notification to the office. Plagiarism
includes using any or all portions of someone else’s work, including papers found on the internet. In
addition, each student is responsible for maintaining his or her writing portfolio by placing graded
essays in the folder and each student is encouraged to refer to his or her portfolio to help with his or
her growth as a writer.
TEST RETURN POLICY: Copies of the test may not be taken from the classroom. A student or
parent may come before school, at lunch, or at another prearranged time to discuss and go over the test,
test results, and answers.
CYCLE GRADING:
Summer reading Test
End of Cycle Exam
Major Assessments (exams, essays, extensive
projects, research papers)
Assessments (vocabulary tests, quizzes, activities)
Minor Assessments
1st Cycle 2nd/4th/5th
Cycle
30%
N/A
25%
25%
30%
50%
3rd/6th
Cycle
N/A
N/A
(tested on
final
exam)
60%
10%
5%
20%
5%
30%
10%
My goal is for every student to learn and build confidence through their many successes. It is in the
student’s best interest that we work together. I will forward notes and progress reports. In addition,
phone calls will be made during school hours, if necessary. Please sign below indicating that you have
read and understand the expectations for English II.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.
__________________________
STUDENT NAME (PRINT)
______________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE
__________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________________________
Date
__________________________
Email
______________________________
Phone