Name: _____________________________________________
Mods: _____
Date: _____
Advanced Academic Literacies
Ms. Sheldon
English Department room 109 (office)
(908) 713-4199 x 4306
Lsheldon@nhvweb.net
Classroom Behavior
All students are expected to be respectful, positive, contributing members in this class. Be polite and
thoughtful of one another. Appropriate classroom behavior includes basic good manners, as well as
courtesy and respect for other people and their ideas. Your main student responsibility in this class is to
demonstrate respect for the teacher, for other students, and for yourself. To demonstrate this level of
respect, you must:
1. Attend class regularly; alert the teacher to planned absences and contact teacher regarding missed
work.
2. Arrive to class on time by taking your seat and preparing materials before the bell.
3. Be prepared for class with needed materials, homework, and all graded assignments.
4. Meet all deadlines (assignments are due at the beginning of class).
5. Use your time wisely.
6. Actively participate in class discussions and group assignments.
7. Stay positive, pay attention, listen, and avoid being a disruption or distraction.
8. Work cooperatively with other students.
9. Use all school materials and technology carefully and appropriately.
10. Use computers only to access tools or view sites as directed by the teacher; other use results in
immediate loss of computer privileges for the day and a reduction of participation grade.
If behavior problems arise, expect to speak with me privately. If the problem is not resolved, expect other
parties, including other teachers, administration, and parents, to become involved.
Grading
o 50% Tier 1 (major projects, tests, presentations, speeches, writing assignments, notebook)
o 30% Tier 2 (minor projects, quizzes, decision logs, smaller presentations and speeches,
reflections, self evaluations)
o 20% Tier 3 (homework, required materials, participation, engagement, class work, peer
evaluations)
Grades will be given in the following ranges:
A
=
93 – 100
C
=
73 – 76
A=
90 – 92
C=
70 – 72
B+
=
87 – 89
D+
=
67 – 69
B
=
83 – 86
D
=
64 – 66
B=
80 – 82
F
=
63 and below
C+
=
77 – 79
Cheating and Plagiarism
Simple: Do not cheat or plagiarize. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will receive grades
of 0%. Do your own work, and give credit where due when using other people’s ideas, words, photos,
images, lyrics, etc.
Outside Work Load
Work will be required outside of class. Time will be provided in class for group work, but for some
assignments groups may choose to meet or communicate outside of class, making use of late buses,
school computer labs, extended library hours, etc. I will be available to work with individuals or groups
by appointment.
Absences and Makeup Work
Regular attendance in class is imperative to both your own understanding of class material and to the
dynamic of the classroom environment, as all students are expected to be active contributors to class.
Therefore, make every effort to attend class consistently. You will have one week to make up missed
work including in-class work, quizzes, and tests. Homework should be submitted on the day of your
return to school. It is your responsibility to speak with me regarding missed work, to collect your missed
materials, and to copy notes from another responsible student.
Tardiness
Regular tardiness disrupts the beginning of class routine and is a distraction to both the teacher and
students. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be in your seat with the required materials on your desk
when the bell rings.
Late Work
Late work, including homework, essays, and other graded assignments, is not acceptable. Late homework
will receive a 50%.if turned in the next day. Major assignments will be accepted with a loss of 10 points
per day late.
Extra Help
I am always willing to meet with you before or after school if you arrange an appointment with me.
Teachers appreciate students who take extra interest in their work and seek out extra instruction and
guidance. Asking questions is strength – never a weakness.
Required Materials
Bring the following materials to class each day:
1. 3-ring binder (2 inch)
2. Pen and pencil
3. Highlighter
4. Jump drive (USB storage device)
5. User name and password
6. Current materials and
assignments
7. Brain power and positive attitude
Notebook Requirements
Your notebook must be used only for Advanced Academic Literacies class and will be graded
periodically for a Tier 1 grade.
Each notebook must have the following materials:
o 2 inch 3-ring binder
o 15 labeled tab dividers
o Loose leaf paper (no spiral
notebooks or frayed
edges)
o Highlighters (at least three
different colors)
o 3-Hole punch (optional
but highly recommended)
o Hole punch reinforcers
(optional but highly
recommended)
Each notebook must have the 15 sections, labeled according to the notebook outline.