Advanced ELL Syllabus
John Champe High School
2015 – 2016
Instructor: Hristina Tsanova
Course Location: room 2401
e-mail: htsanova@lcps.org
Course Overview: Advanced ELL is a program of study that is designed for Advanced ELL
students and aims at providing them with essential skills and knowledge that they will need in
order to be successful at the general education English classes. The students will be exposed to a
variety of literary forms that will prepare them for more content specific classes during their high
school career. Students will sharpen their writing skills through research papers, narrative
writing, expository writing and argumentative writing. The ELLs will also be exploring the rules
of word formations in order to enhance their vocabulary in English.
Course Goals:
• Build critical reading and analytical skills
• Develop a college-level vocabulary.
• Produce writing that is clear, insightful, organized, and mechanically correct.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the research process.
Materials:
 A 1.5 inch binder (any color or design) with dividers labeled:
1. HANDBOOK 2. PRACTICE 3. READING, 4. WRITING
 Journal notebook
 Loose-leaf, college ruled paper.
 Pencils #2
 Pens: any color.
 Highlighters
 Post-it Notes for book notes
Our classroom will also utilize Edmodo for handouts, assignments, skill practice, and teacherstudent communication. Hence, students are required to create a student Edmodo account
online.
Edmodo Group Code:
Advanced ELL: Group Code: qtvvjs
Edmodo is an online website that students can use to access class materials or communicate
directly with me about the class assignments.
Grading: You will be evaluated using the following categories: applied practice (daily
activities and at-home practice; this also includes binder checks), projects/presentations,
quizzes/tests, and writing. Grades will be given a point value and will be based on the Loudoun
County grading scale:
A+ = 98% - 100%
A = 93% - 97%
A- = 90% - 92%
B+ = 87% - 89%
B = 83% - 86%
B- = 80% - 82%
C+ = 77% - 79%
C = 73% - 76%
C- = 70% - 72%
D+ = 67% - 69%
D = 63% - 66%
D- = 60% - 62%
F = 59% and lower
Assignments and Make-up Work:
Our class policy is consistent with the English Department policy on assignment submission.
All assignments are expected to be turned in on time. If there is ever a problem or question with
an assignment or due date, see me immediately. Don’t wait until the day the assignment is due. I
will monitor your progress on assignments, but it is your responsibility to monitor your own
progress, and see me immediately, if a problem arises.
10% of the total points for larger/extended assignments count towards submission and directions;
therefore, late work will receive a deduction of 10%.
Furthermore,
 if a student is in school but not in class on a day that an assignment is due, he/she
is still expected to turn in the assignment.
 if a student is attending a school function, he/she is expected to turn in all work
before leaving.
 if a student is absent on the day that a major assignment is due, he/she is expected
to make contact with the teacher to make arrangements for turning in the
assignment. (phone or email)
“Printer or computer problems” are not exceptions to the late-work policy. You should plan
accordingly becasuse any work that is not ready for submission at the bell is considered late.
If a student is missing work, it is their responsibility to turn that work in. Work that is missing
can always be checked on Phoenix, as it will be labeled “missing” and will be plugged in at an
automatic 50%. Floor.
If a student is absent, they should check the make-up work folders located under the white board
to retrieve the missed materials. The teacher will have copies of the handouts from class as well
as agendas and class details on a sheet, but there may be times that the student will need to meet
outside of class time to make up content taught in class.
Late Work Policy:
A 10% reduction will be taken automatically for any late assessment. Teachers will no longer
accept late assignments from the first half of each quarter after one week prior to the interim. The
same will apply for the second half of each quarter; nothing will be accepted late from the
interim report to one week prior to the end of the marking period. These dates will be posted in
English rooms and announced to all classes. Please keep in mind that the department honors the
LCPS "50 floor." However, each teacher works at his/her discretion to have work submitted
regardless. Work assigned, no matter how big or small in terms of points, is considered integral
to the overall learning process taking place in that class.
Retakes/Multiple Efforts:
Students can meet with teacher to discuss retakes/multiple efforts opportunities for process
activities (applied practice activities, quizzes, etc.). The purpose of this is for students to
demonstrate an understanding of these skills and activities prior to a larger/extended assignment
or test.
The student must initiate this process by speaking with the teacher within ONE WEEK of a
returned grade that scored a 74% or below. A student will then be asked to fill out a reflection
sheet. The grade on the retake will replace the initial grade.
The only larger/extended assignment that students will have an opportunity to rework is a formal
writing assignment. In order for the opportunity to be made available, students must have met all
process deadlines for the assignment, must complete a self-reflection form, and must conference
with the teacher prior to submitting a rewritten paper. It is the students’ responsibility to initiate
this process within ONE week of the assignment's return. The grade on the rewrite will replace
the initial grade.
A 10% reduction will be taken automatically for any late assessment. Teachers will no longer
accept late assignments within one week of the due date.
Class Procedures:
 Students should be in their seats by the time the tardy bell rings. Failure to comply
with this will result in a student being sent to get a tardy pass or the consequences
listed above.
 Homework, if assigned, will be out on your desk by the time the tardy bell rings.
 Students should begin work on their warm up activity or reading by the time the
tardy bell rings.
Classroom Behavior Expectations:
Appropriate behavior and respect for others is key to student success and learning.
Students are expected to follow all school policies while at school. Students are also expected to
participate in the classroom in a way that is respectful to their teacher and their classmates in
order to provide the best learning environment.
Some examples of unacceptable behavior includes: being out of your seat without
permission, throwing anything across the room, distracting students from their work, talking
during independent activity, showing disrespect to other students or teachers, etc. The following
actions will be taken if a student’s behavior is considered unacceptable:
1. Re-teaching session at 8:30 am within 2 days of infraction.
2. Phone call home
3. Lunch detention
4. Referral to Assistant Principal and parent teacher conference.
SHIELD Expectations:
Shield is built-in time in the students’ schedule that is used for advisory activities or
as a study hall during FLEX. Students may only flex out during our English SHIELD
periods if all assignments and work has been completed for this class, and the student has
an overall average of a 75% or higher. This is your opportunity to receive specialized
help from the content area teacher or from me. Always come prepared with your
assignments you need help for or bring a book for independent silent reading.
Please sign and date the bottom as your acknowledgement of this syllabus.
Please contact Mrs. Tsanova with any questions at my email: htsanova@lcps.org
Parent Name:
Parent Signature:
Date:
Student Name:
Student Signature:
Parent Information (to be filled out by parent or legal guardian):
Last Name: _____________________ First Name: ______________________
Relationship to student: ___________________________________________
Home Phone: ________________________ Work Phone: _________________
Cell Phone: ________________________ Best time to reach you: ___________
Email address: ______________________ May I call you at work? YES
NO
Mailing address:
____________________________________________________________
Other important information:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________