9th Grade English- Course Syllabus
2014-2015
Mrs. Stambolis
Room:B223 Contact Information: vas3309@lausd.net or (818) 686-4100
Course Description:
9th grade English is designed to meet academic English requirements for high school graduation, as well as the
entrance requirements for community colleges, the University of California, and the California State University
system. Ninth Grade English covers many types of Literature, including short stories, drama, poetry, nonfiction and several novels. Other areas of emphasis are on vocabulary development, paragraph development and
written composition.
Materials:
Having the proper materials is an extremely important element to a student’s success. All students must have
the following materials:
1 - 1 ½ three ring binder for English class only or a devoted section in a larger binder.
College-ruled, loose left, notebook paper ( Ripped edges = Automatic ZERO!)
Pens, pencils, highlighters (assignments and quizzes in blue or black ink only)
Some type of Agenda Book to record assignments
Reader / Writer Notebook
Course Literature and other Readings:
In the fall semester, we will focus on Persuasive and Expository writing. We will read several persuasive poems,
speeches, and texts. We will also focus on the component of persuasive writing, while developing our own
persuasive letter. During the Exposition unit, we will read Walter Lord’s A Night to Remember and Elie Wiesel’s
classic text Night, and work on dialectical journals that focus on the theme throughout the book.
In the Spring semester, students will read The Odyssey and do a variety of exercises geared to help them be
successful on the California State Standards Test, and read Romeo and Juliet during the literary analysis unit.
Assignments for the Persuasive, Expository, and Literary Analysis units will be keep in a Reader / Writer
notebook and stored in student’s English folder.
Writing:
Writing assignments will encompass many types and domains of writing, including Cornell note taking,
dialectical journals, descriptive, narrative, expository, and analytical. Major emphasis is placed on the writing
process rather than just a final draft. Therefore, all stages of student writing (prewriting, drafts, revision, and
editing) count. Students MUST be prepared to write!
Outside Reading:
Every student is expected to choose a book of interest and read both in class during silent reading time and 30
minutes at home every night. Students are expected to read 1000 pages per semester, which should include one
book off the 9th grade reading list or as recommended by the librarian. Ask Ms. Stambolis to learn more about
the books and which ones might be of interest to you. If a book is not approved by the teacher or on the
required list - students will get a 0 on their outside reading grade.
Homework:
Students can expect to have homework 3 - 4 times a week. Homework will consist of outside reading,
vocabulary development, continuing reading or writing that was started in class, or researching larger projects.
Assignment Record
Agenda records are a crucial component to succeed in this class. Assignments must be recorded on a daily basis.
You will not be allowed to leave class without your homework recorded.
Grading Scale:
100 - 90% = A
89 - 80% = B
79 - 70%
=C
69 and below = FAIL
Grade Breakdown:
30% - Classwork / Homework
70% - Writing, Tests/Quizzes, Presentations, Projects
No late work will ever be accepted. Students may not have an opportunity to make-up points;
therefore, it is important for students to be present and on time each and every day.
Print and return this page, signed by you and your parents, to indicate you understand the grading
scale and the fact that late work is never accepted and that you understand the grading scale..
___________________________________
Student’s Name (printed)
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Parent’s Name (printed)
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Student’s Signature
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Parent’s Signature