WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack”. R. Kipling
English SOL II & English III, IV and ESL Reading II COURSE SYLLABUS
2013-2014
Class Times: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, period
Conference Time: 3rd, 6th, 7th period
Tutorial Times: During Lunch or after school by
appointment
Mrs. Edith Gonzalez
EGONZA15@houstonisd.org
(281) 920-8000, ext 6029
COURSE OVERVIEW:
To equip our students with the English skills necessary to integrate into the American culture and
to succeed in mainstream course work.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course builds on students’ previous education and language knowledge to build and expand
essential English communication skills and cultural knowledge and introduces the language of
classroom studies. Students will develop oral classroom skills and reading strategies, expand
their vocabulary, and use simple to complex sentence patterns.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES:
Required Materials
To successfully complete this course, students will need:
 1 Three ring binder with college ruled paper and dividers to organize schedules, lesson
notes and handouts, homework and quizzes.
 1 Notebook for journal writing
 Pens, highlighters, pencils, erasers
 Optional: Translator and/or dictionary
 Flash Drive
Additional Print Resources

Textbooks: All reading material will be supplied by teacher, some of the sources that I will
use for the various lessons and activities will be from the following textbooks:
English 2 – World Literature: Holt McDougal
English 3 – American Literature: Holt McDougal
English 4 – British Literature: Holt McDougal
Reading 2 – Various novels and short stories provided by teacher
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
General Classroom Rules:
When students arrive to class each day, they are expected to:
 Read and follow the whiteboard prompts
 Be in their seats working when the tardy bell rings
 Remove from their bags the items they’ll need for class
 Make sure all electronic items (cell phones and ipods) are turned off and put away
Passing Time and Breaks:
By school policy, students are not allowed to leave the classroom unless summoned by the high
school office or their dean. You will not be excused from class to use the restroom, get items from
your locker, etc. Take care of these things before coming to class.
Tardies:
Refer to the Westside Way for the latest school wide information.
Absences:
If you miss a class due to an illness or excused absence, you are expected to make-up all missed
assignments without being reminded. Bring a note within 3 days of your absence to the
Attendance Office. Your work (handouts) will be in the tray marked “Missed Work.”
Speak with your classmates and your teacher to find out what you missed. Every class session is
important.
Late Work/Make-ups:
Late work and make-ups will not be accepted for full credit unless you were ill on the day it was
due. Refer to the Westside Way for the latest guidelines. It is in your best interest to hand in an
assignment, no matter how late it is, in order to receive some credit.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Students who desire to be successful in this course need to:
 Be active and engaged learners
 Listen attentively and ask a lot of questions
 Participate at all times
 Work cooperatively with your classmates
 Do all assigned class work, homework, and projects
 Taking responsibility for your education is the first step to academic success and
excellence
GRADES
Overall Six Weeks Average determined by as follows:
 Major Test, Projects
 Quizzes, Homework, Daily Assignments
70%
30%
Return the following acknowledgement to your ESL instructor by the next class period.
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We have read and understand the ESL Course Syllabus:
Period: _______________ Student Name (printed) __________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________