MYP Language A English II 2012-2013 Course Syllabus Instructor: Mrs. Julie Love E-Mail Address: jlove@dentonisd.org Conference Periods: 4A and 3B Phone: 940-369-2097 Tutorials: Wed. P.M., 4:15 – 5:00; Thurs. A.M.8:15 – 8:40 Website: http://www.dentonisd.org//Domain/630 COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will cover the TEKS so that students will learn to communicate through writing in various modes, such as narrative, persuasive, analytical, and research. Students will also read within a wide variety of genre, such as short stories, poetry, nonfiction, essay, and drama. Within the realm of communication, students will be expected to collaborate with peers about their writing and reading contexts. TEXTBOOK: Literature Text: Holt McDougal Literature, Grade 10 Online textbook: my.hrw.com – *each student will be given an access code EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT LEARNING (TEKS): Are available online at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/ SUPPLIES NEEDED: BRING DAILY Composition book Loose-leaf notebook paper & binder or folder Pencils and pens BRING ONCE Box of Tissues MYP MISSION STATEMENT The MYP (Middle Years Program) covers the 9th and 10th Grade portion of the International Baccalaureate. The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. AIMS As a part of the Middle Years Program (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate program, the aims of the teaching and study of mathematics are to encourage and enable the student to: use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning and self-expression use language as a tool for personal growth, social interaction and for developing relationships within the international community comprehend more clearly aspects of their own culture and those of other cultures by exploring the interdependence of human beings through a variety of works explore the many facets of the language through the use of media and information technology develop the skills involved in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing in a variety of contexts respond appropriately to a variety of texts read widely to promote a lifelong interest in language and literature develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analyzing literature develop language skills through interdisciplinary work consider the role of literature both culturally and historically reflect on the learning process in various ways and at various stages empathize with real people and fictional characters as and when appropriate ROLE OF THE MYP AREAS OF INTERACTION Throughout the year, all areas of interaction will be addressed. The areas of interaction are approaches to learning, health and social awareness, environment, community service and human ingenuity. COURSE OUTLINE The instructor reserves the right to modify as needed. 1st Six Weeks: Narrative genre & writing 2nd Six Weeks: Expository Writing 3rd Six Weeks: Persuasive Writing 4th Six Weeks: Drama 5th Six Weeks: Research 6th Six Weeks: Analytical Writing GRADING PROCEDURES: DISTRICT POLICY MAJOR (Essays, Tests,…) 50% and DAILY (quizzes, class assignments,…) 50%. Late Work: Assignments will be assigned daily. You are required to complete your assignment by the date due. Assignments will be graded for completion and/or accuracy. Any daily assignment not turned in by the due date will be penalized thirty points. Any major grade not turned in by the due date will be penalized ten points each class day. Due to the fast paced nature of the course, students should not fall behind on their assignments. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to obtain missed assignments and notes. Assignments that were due the day you were absent are due the day you return. I will not remind students to turn in missed work. Assignments missed due to absence must be turned in according to the Student Handbook. Students that are absent due to a school activity must get assignments in advance. They should be current with the rest of the class when they return. This is school policy. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT Classroom assessment methods in English II will cover a range of assessment methodologies, including selected response, constructed response, and performance–based assessments such as performance tasks, portfolios, teacher observations and conferences which will be evaluated using MYP criterion rubrics in knowledge, concepts, skills and organization/presentation. Sign-Up for E-Alerts & Parent Connection (Gradespeed) Being signed up for e-alerts will allow you to get an email every time I updated my web page for school wires. On my page, there will be a quick link to email me, a tutorial schedule, major assignments, and an electronic copy of my syllabus. Depending on the unit, notes, extra credit, and minor assignments will also be posted. In order to sign up for e-alerts, go to the Denton High School home page: http://www.dentonisd.org/dentonhs/site/default.asp. Under the Parent tab to the top, there is a drop down selection: E-Alerts. Follow the instructions to sign up for the e-alerts. You can sign up for every class your child is in. Having access to Parent Connection and Gradespeed will allow you to not only monitor your child’s grades, but his/her attendance. In order to sign up for Gradespeed, go to the Denton High School home page: http://www.dentonisd.org/dentonhs/site/default.asp. Under the Parent tab at the top, there is a link: Parent Connection. Follow the instructions to sign up for Gradespeed. All of your child’s classes should be available for you to view. THREE WEEK PROGRESS REPORTS I send out a three-week progress report each six weeks for all students. These progress reports include every assignment and the scores on each assignment, as well as an average to date. My Gradespeed account is updated regularly as I strive to enter my grades within a week of collecting them so that you may monitor your child’s progress weekly. CLOSING REMARKS I am very excited about this school year and working with the students in my class. Parental support is greatly appreciated, and I hope to speak with all of my students' parents at some point during the year. Please call or e-mail me with any questions. I will be happy to discuss your child's progress at any time. Name_______________________ Subject/Block _______________________ By signing below, you indicate that you have received the syllabus and course contract for English II. Please let me know if you have any questions. Please sign syllabus and bring supplies by ____________________. Thank you! Student Signature __________________________ Date _________________ Parent Name ______________________________________ Parent Signature ___________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City, State, Zip_____________________________________ Work # ___________________________ Home # ________________________ Cell # ____________________________ E-mail __________________________ Additional comments that might help me better teach this student: The Denton Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, and or national origins in its educational programs. Admission to career programs is based on age, grade, interest, aptitude and ability. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admissions and participation in any educational programs. The Denton Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, and or national origins in its educational programs. Admission to career programs is based on age, grade, interest, aptitude and ability. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admissions and participation in any educational programs.