John H. Reagan High School
Enabling our students to realize great heights
English I/English I Pre-AP
713-865-4400
413 E. 13th St,
Houston, TX
77008
www.jhreagan.org
Course Description 20-14-2015
9th Grade English Department: Ms. Diers, Ms. Harris, Ms. Knight, Ms. N. Martinez, and Mr. M. Martinez
Course Overview
Pre-AP English I is a literature-based writing course that explores issues of identity, relationship, structure, motivation, and
creativity with pen and paper. Grounding the course on these topics allows students the advantage of using their
knowledge while connecting writing and literature to life experiences as they improve upon their current abilities in
reading, writing, and thinking. This course is a step-by-step regimen that begins at the student’s current skill level and
pushes them toward college coursework and Advanced Placement (AP) performance in Standard English and writing
skills. It is crucial to student success that students make their best efforts to follow instructions. Students are preparing for
college level work and should assume considerable responsibility for daily reading, reflections, and writing.
Mission Statement
The faculty, staff, and community of Reagan High School are committed to creating lifelong learners in an atmosphere of
respect and responsibility. Students are encouraged to reach their maximum potential by promoting positive attitudes in
a safe, nurturing environment and establishing high standards of excellence, character, academics, and international
mindedness.
Reagan HS is an International Baccalaureate World School and is part of the first continuous IB feeder pattern in the
historic Heights neighborhood. Students now can begin the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Harvard Elementary
and then progress to Hogg Middle School and Reagan High School for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Reagan IB Students Strive to Be:
Inquirers— Students develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show
independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable—Students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire indepth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers— Students exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems,
and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators— Students understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and
in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled— Students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual,
groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded— Students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives,
values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view,
and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring— Students show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal
commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers— Students approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of
spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced— Students understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for
themselves and others.
Reflective— Students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their
strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
Classroom Expectations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Come to class prepared and on time.
No personal grooming, electronics, food or drinks (except water) in class.
Listen to and follow instructions.
Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.
Respect your classmates and your teacher.
Required Materials
Planner/assignment book for time management
Loose-leaf paper
SSR novels
1 box of tissue or 1 roll of paper towels
1 college ruled composition books
3 blue or black ink pens
3 pencils
Texts (subject to change)
 Literature: Grade 9 textbook Holt McDougal (class set)
 Various texts, excerpts and poems TBD
Grading
Evaluation of your work, both in and out of class, goes hand in hand with your own perception that you are making
progress and becoming increasingly accomplished as a student and interpreter of language. You, your instructors, your
peers, your parents, and others in the world around you best serve that function. As instructors we will assess your
strengths and weakness as a reader and writer throughout the year.
All assignments will be graded on a weighted system of daily grades and assessments consisting of, but not limited to:
 Daily Work
 Essays, in-class writing, Dialectical Reader Notes
Scoring rubrics will be provided for
 Vocabulary Study and Quizzes
assignments and writing exercises.
 Text Based Discussions
 Participation in Classroom Discussions (Seminar)
Late work will be penalized 10% per
 Highlighting and Annotation Checks
day
 Class Presentations
 Writing Conferences and Draft Revisions
After 5 school days, the grade will reflect
 Projects
a ‘0’ with no make up
Gradespeed
Every 9th grade student is expected to maintain and monitor their PS Connect account (Gradespeed) in order to actively
keep track of assignments, due dates and grades.
Homework
Expect to receive homework assignments in English I. Not only will completing these assignments boost your grade they
will provide important opportunities to finish class work and practice or study material learned in class. The homework will
always have a purpose; students will not be asked to complete “busy work.”