Diane Franz
dfranz@houstonisd.org; 713-741-2410
COURSE OVERVIEW
ENGLISH I Pre AP
I am pleased that you have chosen to enroll in Pre-Advanced Placement English class; however, I want
all parents and students to completely understand the rigor of the class and the commitment required by the
student. For this reason, I require that the student and his/her parents/guardians read and sign this
agreement. A student who does not fulfill his commitment to the requirements of this agreement or who
has problems with the level of work may be counseled by the dean, his/her counselor, or myself to transfer
to an on-level class the following semester. However, students who sign this agreement are committing to
at least a semester of Pre-AP English.
In English I Pre AP, the student will integrate the language arts skills of speaking, listening, writing, and
reading through the study of literature themes. Through an integrated approach to the study of
composition, literature, and usage, the student will gain a better understanding of him/herself and his/her
relationships with others. In addition, the student will be introduced to the concepts needed to succeed in
advanced placement English courses.
Please read the following information carefully. If you wish to continue in this Pre-AP course, sign the
agreement and return it to me by _____________________.
SUPPLIES:
1. Black or blue pens, red pen, highlighter (any color)
2. 3 ring binder (any color) with loose leaf paper (you may share with another class)
3. Dividers labeled as follows:
A. Assignments
B. Warm-up C. Grammar D. Literature E. Strategies
4. Required Textbooks: Writing Coach Grade 9, Grammar workbook, Literature Grade 9 and Power Plus
SAT
5. Other Reading Selections:
Reading Program: The Book Thief (M. Zusak) and Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck) (2nd semester)
Romeo and Juliet- OPTIONAL (2nd semester)
West Side Story- REQUIRED (2nd semester)
CLASS RULES:
1. BE PROMPT: be on time and in your seat before the tardy bell rings.
2. BE PREPARED: bring all materials to class everyday.
3. BE POLITE: be respectful to yourself, classmates, the teacher, and school personnel.
4. BE PRODUCTIVE: complete assignments on time and participate in class discussions.
5. NO FOOD, DRINKS, OR GUM IN CLASS (water is allowed)
ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY will be followed by the guidelines set in the student handbook.
CONDUCT- an “S” in conduct will be given for any of the following:
1. Excessive talking
2. Disrespectful to teacher, peers or guest
3. Failure to return forms with parent or guardians signature (progress report, growth plan, detention
form, etc.)
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
Pre-AP class. Whatever class work is left unfinished will become your homework; therefore, in order to
reduce your homework load, you must make good use of every minute of every class.
MAKE-UP and LATE WORK:
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.
Diane Franz
dfranz@houstonisd.org; 713-741-2410
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.
3. Late work will be accepted 1 day late, but the highest possible grade awarded will be a 70. An
assignment turned in anytime after that day will be awarded a 0.
4. Field trip, school activities, doctor or dentist appointment, etc.(aware of the absence in advance): If
you will be attending a school approved field trip, school activity, doctor/dentist appointment or other
activity that requires you to miss class, it is your responsibility:
A. To make arrangements in advance to take any exam or quiz that you will miss
B. To make arrangements in advance to turn in all assignments that are due on the day of the
absence
C. To collect assignments in advance of the absence and turn them in on time
RETAKES: will be followed by the guidelines set by the school/ department.
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.
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.
ESSAYS: Writing is an integral part of every Pre-AP/AP 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 section of his/her notebook or portfolio by placing
graded essays in his/her folder or portfolio and each student is encouraged to refer to his or her previous
essays to help with his or her growth as a writer.
TEST RETURN POLICY: Graded test (scantron/essay) will be returned to the students to view their grade
during the class hour once all make-up exams are complete, but then they will be returned to the teacher. A
copy 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.
GRADING:
1st Cycle
Novel Reading Project/ Test
20%
Minor assessment (grammar assignments, daily work,
5%
etc.)
Assessment (quizzes, vocabulary quizzes, activities,
15%
etc.)
Major Assessment (test, essays, extensive projects)
35%
Common Assessment
25%
Due to EOC testing, cycle 5 and cycle 6 have been switched
4th Cycle
2nd and 6th
Cycle
3rd and 5th
Cycle
30%
5%
5%
10%
10%
20%
30%
30%
25%
50%
25%
60%
N/A
Diane Franz
dfranz@houstonisd.org; 713-741-2410
ENGLISH 1 PRE-AP ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EXPECTATIONS
It is in the student's best interest that we work together. I will forward notes and
progress reports through your son/daughter. In addition, emails or phone calls will be
made during school hours, if necessary.
Please sign below indicating that you and your child have read and understand the
expectations for English I PAP and return it no later than ________. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call (713) 741-2410 or please feel free to email me at
dfranz@houstonisd.org.
STUDENT’S NAME ________________________________ PERIOD ___________
(please print)
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE________
PARENTS’ NAME ____________________________________________________
(please print)
PARENT SIGNATURE________________________________________________
PARENTS’ EMAIL ____________________________________________________
(please print)
PARENTS’ EMAIL _____________________________________________________
(please print)