2009-2010
Grading Policies…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Six Weeks and Semester Average…………………………………………………………………….2-3
Parent/Teacher Communication and Student Grades……………………………………3-4
Academic Dishonesty/Cheating/Plagiarism………………………………………………………….4
Pre-AP/Advanced Placement……………………………………………………………………………….4-5
Teacher Conference Periods……………………………………………………………………………………6
Homework and Absences………………………………………………………………………………………6-8
Reading Counts……………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Required Reading Points……………………………………………………………………………………………9
Heading for English Papers……………………………………………………………………………………10
Outline Format…………………………………………………………………………………………………….11-12
Writing……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…12-13
Reading Lists…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
i
Important Test Dates…………………………………………………………………………………………….15
PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Dates and Programs…………………………………………………15-17
College/Scholarship Opportunities………………………………………………………………..17-18
Databases for Writing and Research…………………………………………………………..18-19
Software Programs……………………………………………………………………………………………….20
Research Paper and Essay Websites/Sources………………………………………….20-21
Suggested AP Reading Lists………………………………………………………………………………..22
Signature Page………………………………………………………………………………………………………..23
ii
Welcome to Van High School!
The Van High School English Handbook is designed to provide VHS students
and parents with information that is pertinent to all grade levels of English
at the secondary level.
The Van ISD Mission Statement
Van ISD is dedicated to
developing the total well being of
all students by maximizing their potential.
Grading Policies
Students will be given at least seven (7) daily grades each six weeks which
will count as 50% of the six weeks average. Teachers may drop up to two (2)
daily grades. Students should check with his/her teacher to see what that
teacher’s policy is on the dropping of grades.
Reading Counts tests will count as one (1) test grade. At least three (3) test
grades each six weeks will be given which will count as another 50% of the
six weeks average. Test grades will be given for not only Reading Counts but
also essays, six weeks tests, unit tests, and benchmark tests.
Six Weeks and Semester Averages
At the end of each three-week period progress will be sent out in all
subject areas. If your child’s grade is below a 70 or if you have other
concerns, please call or email to set up an appointment with your child’s
teacher. Each teacher’s conference period is listed below.
2
At the end of each six weeks, reports will be sent out the following
week. The dates for the end of each six weeks period are shown on the Van
ISD calendar included in this packet.
Each teacher will weigh daily grades, homework, quizzes, minor essays,
etc. as 50% of the six weeks average. Reading Counts, tests, major essays,
six weeks tests will be counted as 50% of the six-weeks grade. At each
individual teacher’s discretion, one or two of the lowest daily grades may be
dropped. Check with your child’s teacher to determine what his/her policy is
on the dropping of grades.
The semester grade will be determined by the following calculations:
1. Add the three six-weeks grades and the comprehensive final exam
together.
2. Divide that sum by four.
Example:
1st six-weeks grade
2nd six-weeks grade
3rd six-weeks grade
1st Semester Exam
72 (1) Average of first three-six weeks grades: 331
83 (2) Divide by four (4): 331/4 = 82.75
92 (3) Semester Average: 83 (anything over .5 will
84
be rounded to the next higher number)
331
*Note: All students must take the mid-term and final exam unless they are
eligible to be exempt. Passing the TAKS or receiving a commended score on
the TAKS does not exempt a student from taking exams; however, passing
the TAKS may count as a test grade for the final exam.
Teachers are only allowed to give the mid-term and final exams on the dates
scheduled by administration. Exams are not to be given early except under
special circumstances. Please see the student handbook for exemption
policies.
Parent/Teacher Communication and Student Grades
Parents should direct initial questions to the student who should in turn be
encouraged to speak with the teacher. While teacher to parent
communication is critical to student success, we encourage student initiative
and personal responsibility for their academic success. Parents can assist by
encouraging students to be active participants in the communication and
3
problem solving process. As a final step, parents should contact the teacher
directly. If a mutual understanding cannot be reached or if further
assistance is needed regarding English Department policies, Ms. Wallace,
English Department Chair, may be reached at (903) 963-1961 or by email at
wallaced@van.sprnet.org
Academic Dishonesty / Cheating / Plagiarism
Academic dishonesty - cheating or plagiarism - is not acceptable. Cheating
includes the copying of another student’s work – homework, class work, test
answers, etc. – as one’s own. Plagiarism is the use of another person’s original
ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author. A student found to
have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to loss of credit for the
work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student
Code of Conduct.
Note that plagiarism or dishonesty in Concurrent English or any dual credit
course will result in a penalty not only at the high school but with the college
the course is being offered through as well. Penalties vary depending on the
course and the severity of the act but could entail receiving a “0” on the
assignment, test, or exam or possibly loss of credit for the course.
Pre-AP/Advanced Placement
Admission to Advanced Placement courses will be open. The following will be
the Recommended criteria:
• The previous class average should be 85 for a regular class, 80 for
honors.
• The student must have passed TAKS.
• Teacher recommendation.
Criteria for removal from Advanced Placement course:
• If a student drops below an 80 average for two consecutive 6 weeks
they will be removed to a regular class.
• If a student fails any six weeks they will be removed to a regular class.
Criteria for denying honors credit for an Advanced Placement course:
• If a student drops below an 80 average for any two six weeks he/she
has the option of going into a regular English class or staying in the AP
course and not receiving the 10 extra weighted points.
• If a student fails the last six weeks.
4
Note: The student will receive credit for the course; he/she will not
receive honors credit.
5
TEACHER CONFERENCE PERIODS 2006-2007
Michael Brown
Jennifer Davis
Anna Maples
Melissa Mitchell
Lisa Page
Donna Wallace
English III AP/English III 12:05 - 12:55 p.m.
English I
12:59 - 1:49 p.m.
English IV, Con. English 1301. 1:53 - 2:43 p.m.
English I
English II Pre-AP/English II 8:49 - 9:39 a.m.
English II, English III, ESL 12:05 - 12:55 p.m.
Con. English 1302/SAT Prep 2:47 - 3:37 p.m.
Homework and Absences
Routine and In-Depth Makeup Work Assignments
For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup work based
on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of
the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in
meeting subject or course requirements as long as that student has an
excused absence.
A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work
in a satisfactory manner. Students have the same number of days as they
were consecutively absent to make up work. For example, a student is
absent on Monday and Tuesday and comes back to school on Wednesday and
receives his missed work from his teacher. That student has until Friday to
turn all missed work in. Work turned in after that date will receive a “0.”
The Van High School English Department does not accept late work. A
missed assignment (other than for an excused absence) will go down as a “0”
in the grade book. Late work is any work that was assigned by the teacher
and given a due date that was not turned in at the beginning of the class in
which it was due. Work turned in anytime other than at the beginning of
English class is late.
Exceptions: English Department teachers may accept major
essays/research papers turned in late with a penalty of a minimum of ten
(10) grade points per day deduction not to exceed a total of thirty (30)
points deducted each day. Check with your English teacher for his/her
policy.
6
A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by
the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment. The grade for
make up work after an unexcused absence shall be a zero.
Students who miss a class on the day an assignment is due must turn that
assignment in the first day they come back to school. Additionally, students
who miss their English class but attend other classes during the day are still
expected to turn in homework, essays, research papers, daily work, etc.
Failure to do so will result in a “0.”
How to Report Absences
Parents of ALL students must telephone the school Attendance Hotline at
(903) 963-3117 stating the reason whenever it is necessary for a student
to be absent, arrive late or to be dismissed early during the school day. This
phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but it is preferable to
make these calls as early in the morning as possible. The teachers take
attendance each period, and the names of absentees are reported to the
school office. ANY ABSENCE NOT REPORTED OR VERIFIED BY THE
PARENT/GUARDIAN BY THE TIME THE STUDENT RETURNS TO
SCHOOL WILL COUNT AS AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
• Death in the student’s immediate family
• Illness of student
• Doctor and Dental Appointment
• Court Appearance
• Observation of religious holy days
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
Absences for all other reasons are unexcused and shall be treated as
truancy. Some examples of unexcused absences are oversleeping,
car/transportation problems, work, job interviews, baby-sitting, running
errands for self or parents, or as deemed as not excused absences or
7
excused tardies by the principal. Unexcused absences will be counted as a
zero when calculating student grades.
CONTINUOUS ATTENDANCE (LEAVING THE CLASS WITHOUT
PERMISSION)
Once a class has started, students are not to leave the room without
permission from the teacher in charge. Students who walk out of a room
while a class is in session without the consent of the teacher in charge are
subject to disciplinary action. Students who miss school due to a cocurricular or extracurricular activity are responsible for checking with each
of their teachers at least one day before they miss their classes to get
assignments and makeup work.
Reading Counts
All students enrolled in regular, Pre-AP, and AP English Classes are required
to complete reading outside of the classroom for a test grade each six
weeks. Only students in enrolled in Concurrent English IV may be given the
option of completing reading counts points to count as an extra test grade
for extra credit. Reading Counts grades will be given based on the
percentage of points the student read from the required reading points. For
example, if a freshman student only reads 13 points out of the required 15
points, then he will receive an “87” for his Reading Counts grade for the six
weeks.
Students are NOT allowed to take Reading Counts tests over novels studied
in English class for the current year or in a previous year. Reading Counts
tests are to be outside reading of a novel never before read or studied. We
encourage students to not only read for pleasure but to also endeavor to
read more challenging works from the classics. A list of suggested AP
reading is included in this handbook.
NOTE: STUDENTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO TAKE READING COUNTS
TESTS IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS/HER TEACHER. STUDENTS ARE NOT
TO TAKE READING COUNTS TESTS IN THE LIBRARY UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES UNLESS THAT STUDENT’S TEACHER IS PRESENT.
8
Required Reading Points:
Freshmen:
English I – 15 points
Pre-AP English I – 15 points
Sophomores: English II – 20
Pre-AP English II – 20 points
Juniors:
English III – 25 points
AP English III - 25 points
Seniors:
English IV – 30 points
Concurrent English IV - 25 points (Optional Credit). Will
count as a test grade for each six weeks at the high school
level when tests are taken. If 75 points are read by
midterm, this will equal a test grade for TJC class credit.
*NOTE: To check to see if a particular book is a Reading Counts book that
has a test for it, students can either check the hardcopy list of books in the
library, check the spine of the book they have selected to see if it has a
Reading Counts sticker on it along with the point value of the book, or go to
the Van ISD website at www.vanschools.org. Our website is currently
undergoing renovations. The list of Reading Counts books will be online for
parents and students to review from home in the near future.
9
Heading for English Papers:
For daily work, homework, in-class assignments, etc., please either print (do
not use all caps style) or write in cursive the following in the upper right
hand side of your paper:
John Smith
English I-5
October 1, 2008
Note: Failure to endorse your paper with the proper heading will result in
losing 3-5 points from your essay or assignment!
For typed essays and research papers, we will be using the MLA format. All
essays that are typed must adhere to the following guidelines:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Double-spacing
Times-New Roman
12-point font
One-inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides
Headers will be ½” from the top of each paper
Example:
(Header is 1/2” or three lines from top of paper)
Smith 1
John Smith
Mr. Clark
(teacher’s name)
English II – 3
14 August 2006 (the date goes in this order with NO punctuation!)
10
Outline Format
Creative Title
(Title should be the same title as that of your essay/research paper)
Thesis statement: (ONE sentence should be given which state the purpose
or main idea that will be proven in the paper)
I.
A.
1.
2.
B.
II.
A.
1.
2.
3.
B.
C.
1.
2.
III.
A.
B.
Important Rules When Outlining
*Remember that only the BODY of the essay is outlined—never the
introduction or the conclusion!
*The outline should be either a topic outline or a sentence outline. Ask
which one your English teacher prefers for you to use. Topic outlines do
not have periods at the end of each line; however, a sentence outline will
have period at the end.
*The first letter of the first word anywhere in the outline is always
capitalized.
11
*In a topic outline, all Roman Numerals should be grammatically parallel and
all subtopics should be parallel.
*When typing or writing an outline, be sure that all of the periods under the
Roman Numerals are in line with each other and that all of the subtopic
periods are in line with one another.
*Avoid beginning an outline with the word “the.”
*If an “A” is used in the outline, then a “B” must be used. If a Roman
Numeral I is used, then a Roman Numeral II must be used. Everything goes
in pairs in the outline.
Writing
At VHS we believe that frequent writing improves not only writing skills but
critical thinking skills as well. Students in each grade level will keep a
portfolio of major essays that will follow them through their high school
career. Portfolios will contain major essays, research papers, and benchmark
tests as well as “failure to do work” sheets and other writing assignments
such as prewriting and rough drafts that may be placed in the portfolios at
each individual teacher’s discretion.
Major Essays and Research Papers
Below are types of writing that students will be working on throughout
the school year. Each student at Van High School has a portfolio that is
begun his freshman year and follows him throughout his high school career.
Students will be given their portfolios towards the end of the senior year.
Each six weeks, students will be given multiple writing assignments with the
intent and purpose of refining and building upon the writing skills learned the
year before in preparation for college level work and TAKS.
Freshmen
Descriptive writing/reflective
TAKS essay paragraphs and crossovers from critical readings
Topic sentences/evidence/blended quotes
12
ETS Criterion
Sophomores Descriptive writing/reflective
TAKS essay paragraphs and crossovers from critical readings
Juniors Descriptive Essay
Reflective/Personal Narrative
Comparison/Contrast Essay
Definition Essay
Practice TAKS/Personal Narrative
Argumentative Research
Persuasive/Argumentative Essay
TAKS open-ended responses and crossover paragraphs
TAKS narrative/reflective essays
Seniors Descriptive Essay/Reflective
Comparison/Contrast Essay
Literary Analysis Research Paper
Classification Essay
Definition Essay
Persuasive/Argumentative Essay
13
Reading Lists and Units for English 9-12
Below are books that have been determined to be appropriate for students
to read at Van High School. From time to time other books may be added or
substituted with Principal and English Department Chair approval only.
9th Grade Pre-AP/Regular
11th Grade AP/Regular
Animal Farm
When the Legends Die
Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
Of Mice and Men
Cry, the Beloved Country (Pre-AP)
Night
The Miracle Worker
The Odyssey
Great Expectations
The Scarlett Letter
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Fallen Angels
A Raisin in the Sun
The Awakening
The Red Badge of Courage
The Great Gatsby
Death of a Salesman
Bless Me, Ultima
The Grapes of Wrath
Shakespeare: Othello
The Crucible
10th Grade Pre-AP/Regular
To Kill a Mockingbird
A Separate Peace
Jane Eyre
Anthem
A Long Walk to Freedom
The Chosen
Cold Sassy Tree
Shakespeare: Julius Caesar
Barrio Boy
Othello – (Pre-AP)
12th Grade Concurrent/Regular
Frankenstein – (Concurrent)
Brave New World – (Concurrent)
A Tale of Two Cities
1984
Macbeth
Becket – (Regular)
Heart of Darkness/Secret Sharer
Looking Backward
Einstein’s Dreams
Wuthering Heights
Taming of the Shrew
Hamlet
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
The Hound of the Baskervilles
14
`IMPORTANT TEST DATES
2009-2010
TAKS Testing
Freshmen/9th Grade:
March 3rd – Reading (Writing Component included)
April 29th – Math
Sophomores/10th Grade:
March 3rd – English/Language Arts (Writing Component Included)
April 27th - Math
April 29th – Science
April 30th - Social Studies
Juniors/11th Grade:
March 3rd – English/Language Arts (Writing Component Included)
April 28th – Math
April 29th – Science
April 30th – Social Studies
PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Dates
Juniors will be allowed to take the PSAT for a nominal fee of approximately
$15.00 at Van High School on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 during the
normal school day. The PSAT is similar to the SAT and will give each
student an idea of what he might expect to score on the SAT test. By
taking the PSAT, a student will know what his/her strengths and weaknesses
are before taking the SAT and will be able to better prepare. The
PSAT/SAT tests math, critical reading, and writing. National Merit Scholars
are determined based on the PSAT scores.
15
How Do I Prepare for These Tests?
In the Van High School Computer Lab, software is available to prepare for
the PSAT and SAT tests. Students are highly encouraged to use the
following free sites either at school or at home:
Number2.com
This is a free website that allows students to practice both
the math and English components of the SAT and is highly
recommended in preparing for the SAT.
CollegeBoard.com
This website also offers free PSAT and SAT help in preparing for
these tests. Registration information concerning test dates,
registration deadlines, and fees are on this site as well. Students
may register online or by mail (see the counselors for more information.
http://www.collegeboard.com
SAT Test Dates
Van High School Code: 447190
U.S. Registration Deadlines
2009-10
Test Dates
Test
Regular Registration Deadline
(postmark/submit by)
October 10, 2009
SAT & Subject Tests
September 9, 2009
November 7, 2009
SAT & Subject Tests
October 1, 2009
December 5, 2009
SAT & Subject Tests
October 30, 2009
January 23, 2010
SAT & Subject Tests
December 15, 2009
March 13, 2010
SAT only
February 4, 2010
May 1, 2010
SAT & Subject Tests
March 25, 2010
June 5, 2010
SAT & Subject Tests
April 29, 2010
16
ACT Test
The ACT test covers English, math, reading, and science as well
as an optional writing section.
http://www.act.org
ACT Test Dates
Van High School Code: 447190
Test Date
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
September 12, 2009*
August 7, 2009
August 8 – 21, 2009
October 24, 2009
September 18, 2009
September 19 – October 2, 2009
December 12, 2009
November 6, 2009
November 7 – 20, 2009
February 6, 2010**
January 5, 2010
January 6 – 15, 2010
April 10, 2010
March 5, 2010
March 6 – 19, 2010
June 12, 2010
May 7, 2010
May 8 – 21, 2010
College/Scholarship Opportunities
American Indian College Fund – www.collegefund.org
Tribal Colleges – www.collegefund.org/colleges.htm
Oklahoma Higher Education Student Information – www.okhighered.org
US Department of Education – FAFSA – http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
College Online Board Scholarship Search –
http://www.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/html/ssrchtop.html
Scholarship Resource Network Express – www.srnexpress.com/scholarships
Indian Health Services – www.IHS.gov
College Connection Scholarships – http://collegescholarships.com
(scholarship search)
The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid – www.finaid.org/scholarships
(scholarship search)
17
Fast Web Scholarship Search – www.fastweb.com (scholarship search)
@theU Scholarship Search – www.attheu.com (scholarship search)
Mach 25 - http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/app (scholarship search)
College Confidential – www.collegeconfidential.com (scholarship search,
FASA information, college admissions information, college discussion
board)
Databases for Writing and Research
The Van High School English Department in grades 9-12 will be having
students submit work into different types of databases. All of the
databases listed below can be accessed from home, the school computer lab,
or the high school library.
ETS Criterion
Each student will be given instructions on how to log-in and begin using ETS
Criterion. This database is used to upload and submit all essays for
immediate feedback and critiques of the written essay.
Essays are also scored either on a scale of 1-4 or a scale of 1-6 depending on
how each student’s teacher has chosen to set up his/her database for
grading. Please note that a score of “4” on a 1-4 scale or of “6” on a 1-6 scale
does not necessarily mean that the student has a perfect score. Teachers
at Van High School typically grade on a higher level of expectation.
Students are expected to sharpen their editing skills and to revise their
essays through the feedback they receive on Criterion. Students are
allowed to use this program at home which will enable parents to view their
child’s essays for strengths and weaknesses in order to help him/her
improve writing skills.
http://etsln04.ets.org/cwe/index.php
(This web address may change for the 2009-2010 school year.)
18
Turnitin.com
Turnitin.com is a database with multiple applications used at Van High School
for juniors and seniors. Typically, students will first submit into ETS
Criterion for personal editing help and then submit into Turnitin.com their
best-revised essay. Turnitin.com checks for plagiarism off the internet,
from other schools, and from other students at Van High School. This
program offers one of the most power peer editing tools available which
hones the student’s editing abilities needed not only in learning to revise
essays but also teaches them how to look for errors and correct them on the
TAKS test. Students will be given usernames and passwords in which to
enroll. Parents may review their child’s essays and peer editing from home.
Turnitin.com also offers a threaded discussion board which can be monitored
by the teacher and a calendar with upload capabilities for notes, handouts,
and PowerPoints.
http://www.turnitin.com
Questia
Questia is a database which offers not only magazines and journals but
offers entire books to read as well. This source is used for reports and
research papers not only in English but in other classes as well. What makes
this database so unique is that it will automatically document and cite any
source you use in the proper format such as MLA or APA style not only in
the actual research paper itself but on the works cited page as well. This
database can be utilized at home not only by students but by the family as
well.
http://www.questia.com
19
Software Programs
WordSmart
WordSmart is an interactive vocabulary and comprehension building program
that can be used in the computer lab at the high school. WordSmart claims
that after 20 hours of use SAT scores can be raised as much as 200 points
on the verbal portion of the test. Vocabulary building and comprehension
levels are determined by taking a pretest on the computer. The program
then places the student at the appropriate level. It is possible to move up in
the program to doctorate level vocabulary!
AceReader Pro
AceReader Pro can be used to assess a student’s current reading level,
improve reading speed and comprehension, both online and offline, and help
students read faster while on the computer by utilizing special display
modes. This program utilizes two types of technology: RSVP (Rapid Serial
Visual Presentation and tachistoscopic scroll presentation.
Research Paper and Essay Writing
Websites and Sources
Students may find the following websites of use when composing an essay or
writing a research paper. The Van High School English Department ensures
that each student is given the opportunity to learn and master the proper
stages and format for writing a research paper in MLA (Modern Language
Association) format in order to be successful in college.
The OWL at Purdue (Online Writing Lab)
The OWL at Purdue offers students help with all facets of the research
paper as well as essay writing. Included on this cite are sample research
papers, a discussion on plagiarism, and how to document and cite sources.
20
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/
A Rookie’s Guide to Research
Students may wish to purchase this useful book which can be used
throughout their high career and into college. It is an easy to read and
understand booklet which shows how to document and cite sources. Also
provided is a basic typed research paper as well as an advanced research
paper in their entirety along with the works cited page. Ordering
information is provided in the link below.
http://rookieguide.com/
21
22
Please return the signature page no later than October 1, 2010 to your English teacher.
____________________________
Student Name (print)
______________________________
Student Signature and Date
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (print)
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature and Date
____________________________
Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone #
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Evening Phone #
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address #1
______________________________
Best time/place to be reached
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address #2
23