11th Grade Contemporary Composition
Crenshaw High School
Course Information: Spring 2015
Mr. Cornwell/ Ms.
Miller
Amiller@crenshawhs.org
Corndaddy @gmail.com
Tutoring Time—3:30-3:10
Welcome to Contemporary Composition! 11th grade students in this course will enjoy a highly
engaging, student-centered, interactive, and standards based curriculum. The course is aligned
with the English & Language Arts Common Core Standards.

Course Description
This is a theme-related, literature-based, integrated course that provides students with an
opportunity to become familiar with a wide range of literary forms, themes, cultures, and
periods while developing proficiency in the use of grammar/usage and mechanics in their
compositions. Emphasis is placed on reader comprehension and higher order thinking.
Scholars will analyze various works of literature (i.e. short stories, poems, song lyrics,
etc.) through oral discussion and in written compositions.

The Mission
The mission of Crenshaw High School is consistent with the goals and expectations of
the Los Angeles Unified School District: to inspire, connect, and prepare students for
life-long learning and post-secondary success. The use of the 11th grade Springboard
curriculum provides students an opportunity to read modern authors and materials that
provides students with the awareness needed for competition in the 21st century.

Focus
The core focus of the course is the sequencing of activities based on the use of multiple
learning situations and instructional strategies, all anchored by the standards. Periodical
assessments within each unit will provide students an opportunity to showcase their
learning and their progress toward meeting the learning targets.

Student Outcomes/ Instructional Sequence
Students will be exposed to different genres of reading and witting across the content
area.

Required Texts
Students will be issued one textbook to be used throughout the school year:
o 11th grade Springboard Textbook

Required Supplies
o 1 ½ inch 3 ring binder
o USB Flash drive/ Jump drive
o Black and/or dark blue ink pens and pencils
o Index cards (4x6 and 3x5) and highlighters
o College ruled notebook paper
o Readers/Writers Journal Composition Book
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.

Classroom Expectations
1. Arrive to class on time and prepared. This includes in your seat BEFORE the bell
rings. Failure to do so will result in a disciplinary action.
2. Respect yourself, respect others, LISTEN and contribute.
3. RAISE YOUR HAND to speak!
4. Students must receive permission from teacher to use bathroom/ leave classroom.
5. There will be no other course work done during English class.
6. No Electronic devices.
7. Do not use foul language: This does include the “B” word and the “N” word.
GRADING SYSTEM
Your grade will be determined and broken down by percentage. Your grades will be based on the
following:
GROUP WORK (20%)
During the 21st century, collaborating with others is an important and necessary skill to develop.
Group work will allow each individual student to develop the ability to break complex tasks into
parts and steps, plan and manage time, refine understanding of content through discussion and
explanation, give and receive feedback on performance, challenge assumptions and develop
stronger communication skills. Group work will be assessed using the following rubric and
cooperative group work rules. Remember, in addition to earning a group work grade based on
the rubric below, each individual student within a group has the opportunity to earn bonus or
demerit points during group work.
Cooperative Group Work Rules
1.) Respect the opinions of others
2.) Participate
3.) Refrain from engaging in off task or disruptive behavior
RUBRIC
*This rubric will be tailored to the objective of each group activity over the course of the
semester.
All students remained on task, activity was fully completed, and
4
respect for others was always exhibited.
Most students remained on task, activity was fully completed, and
3
respect for others was always exhibited.
Few students remained on task, activity was partially completed,
2
and respect for others was sometimes exhibited.
1
0
1 student remained on task, activity was partially completed, and
respect for others was rarely exhibited.
No students remained on task, activity was not completed, and
respect for others was not exhibited.
HOMEWORK (25%)
Each homework assignment must be typed, 12 point font, Times New Roman and placed in the
tray before the bell rings on the intended due date. LATE HOMEWORK WILL ONLY BE
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
ACCEPTED ONE DAY AFTER THE DUE DATE. However, the assignment will receive a
25% penalty, unless special accommodations are listed in a student’s Individual Education Plan.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE/ QUIZZES (15%)
Over the course of this semester, each student will have the opportunity to complete individual
assignments in class that assesses their mastery of the lesson objective. Individual assignments
include notes, and vocabulary quizzes. Monday’s are also reserved for college preparatory and
content related vocabulary review. Students will have a weekly vocabulary quiz.
CITZENSHIP (10%)
Each student is expected to contribute to a positive classroom environment by holding
themselves and their classmates to high behavior expectations. Classroom policies and
procedures will be evaluated by an individual citizenship point system.
Every week, each student has the opportunity to earn 20 citizenship points. Each week, each
student begins with 15 citizenship points (75%). Every time a student demonstrates a positive
behavior 1-bonus point will be added to the student’s current total for the week. Every time a
student demonstrates a behavior that negatively impacts the learning environment, 1 demerit
point will be deducted from the student’s current total for the week. A student cannot earn more
than 20 citizenship points per week.
BONUS
The purpose of a bonus is to reward students who continuously demonstrate an eagerness
to learn, cooperate with others, and actively participates in class discussions and
activities. A bonus is a reward that recognizes students who follow classroom rules and
demonstrate behaviors that contribute to a positive learning environment.
DEMERIT
The purpose of a demerit is to teach students how off-task behavior negatively impacts
academic achievement and a positive learning environment. A demerit is a consequence
that will be given to students who break classroom rules. Each rule broken will result in a
specific amount of points deducted from the student’s overall grade. Both teachers can
give a student a demerit. If a student receives a demerit from a teacher, they are not to
argue or complain about it. Students are expected to reflect on why they received a
demerit and take the necessary steps to change the behavior in the future. Here’s an
example:
Citizenship Grading Code Chart
Bonus
Code
Demerit
Full Uniform
+1
Hair scarves (ladies)/
hats (gentlemen)
Assistance Around
+1
Moving without
Classroom
permission/ out of
seat
Peer Support
+1
Sleeping/Eating
in
class
Positively Impacting +1
Electronic Devices/
Code
-1
-1
-1
-1
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
Learning
Environment
Turn in Lost Valuable
earphones*
Talking (at the wrong -1
time, foul language)/
disruptive
*Electronic devices or cell phones may only be used if permission is given by teacher(s) for
instructional purposes.
Name
Gina
Frank
Brad
Zona
Mon.
-1-1
+1
-1
-1
+1
Citizenship Tracking Form
Tues.
Wed.
+1+1
+1+1+1
+1
+1-1-1
Thurs.
-1+1-1
+1+1
+1
-1-1-1+1+1
Friday Total
14
20
16
12
MIDTERM (15%)
FINAL (15%)
GRADING SCALE
There are a total of 1,500 points to be earned over the course of the semester. These points
include group work assignments (200 points), homework (400 points), independent practice/
quizzes (200 points), citizenship (400 points) the midterm (150 points) and the final (150 points).
Academic Integrity Consent Statement
Course: Contemporary Composition
Teacher: Mr. Cornwell /Ms. Miller
Term: Spring 2015
DIRECTIONS: (1) Read through this statement carefully. (2) Ask questions if there is
anything you do not understand. (3) Return it to your teacher.
I have heard the teacher's discussion of plagiarism, and I understand that I must use research
conventions to cite and clearly mark other people's ideas and words within my paper. I
understand that plagiarism is an act of intellectual dishonesty. I understand it is academically
unethical and unacceptable to do any of the following acts:

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To submit an essay written in whole or in part by another student as if it were my own.
To download an essay from the Internet, then quote or paraphrase from it, in whole or in
part, without acknowledging the original source.
To restate a clever phrase verbatim from another writer without acknowledging the
source.
To paraphrase part of another writer's work without acknowledging the source.
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.

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To reproduce the substance of another writer's argument without acknowledging the
source.
To take work originally done for one instructor's assignment and re-submit it to another
teacher.
To cheat on tests or quizzes through the use of cheat sheets, hidden notes, viewing
another student's paper, revealing the answers on my own paper to another student,
through verbal or textual communication, sign language, or other means of storing and
communicating information, including electronic devices, recording devices, cellular
telephones, headsets, and portable computers.
To copy another student's homework and submit the work as if it were the product of my
own labor.
I understand that the consequences for committing any of the previous acts of academic
dishonesty can include a failing grade for the assignment or quiz with no opportunity
for make-up, failure in the class as a whole, and possible removal from the course in
extreme/repeat offenses. I understand that my enrollment in this course will help me
develop skills necessary for college-level writing. Therefore, I will not plagiarize or cheat.
Assignment Policies
Course: Modern Literature
Teacher: Mr. Cornwell/ Ms. Miller
Term: 2014-2015
DIRECTIONS: (1) Read through this statement carefully. (2) Ask questions if there is
anything you do not understand. (3) Return it to your teacher.
I have heard the teacher's discussion of the policies that will be enforced in Modern World
Literature, and I understand that I must be aware of due dates and submit my assignments at the
time they are due. I understand that if I have an excused absence, it is my responsibility to ask
for my make up work the day I return to class. If I forget to ask for my make up work, I
understand I will miss my opportunity to complete the assignments I missed while absent. I
further understand that if I need additional explanation or help with any assignments, I can seek
tutorials from my teacher. I have read and agree to abide by the policies set forth by my English
12 teacher.



All assignments must be submitted at the time they are due, if not earlier. Late
assignments will not receive credit.
If there are extenuating circumstances preventing a student from submitting an
assignment on time, the student must speak privately with the teacher to explain the
circumstances surrounding a late assignment beforehand. The teacher will discuss
private issues with students on a one-to-one basis only.
When a student shows proof of an excused absence from the attendance office, it is
his/her responsibility to ask for make up work or missed assignment on the day he/she
returns to class. As per district guidelines, the student will have as many days as he/she
was absent to submit make up work. (For example, if a student were absent two days,
he/she would have two days to turn in assignments).
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
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

If a student does not show proof of an excused absence from the attendance office, the
student will not be able to complete make up work or turn in any work that was due on
the day the student was absent. Make up work is available for students who have
excused absences only. Student must take care of his/her make up work within 2 days of
absence.
If a student is going to be absent for a school related function, it is the responsibility of
that student to turn in any assignments before leaving for the function. Otherwise, the
assignment may be considered late and receive penalties.
As your English teachers, we will make ourselves readily available to any student who
needs additional explanation or help getting started on assignments. If a student contacts
Mr. Cornwell or Ms. Miller, we will make ourselves available for tutorials as soon as
possible.
ENGLISH 11- CONTEMPORARY COMPOSITION
I have read course information, notebook requirements, academic integrity consent form, and
assignment policies for 11TH grade Contemporary Composition. My signature below indicates
that I understand the requirements and policies for this course and agree to adhere to them
throughout the school year. Because this is a college level preparatory course, I am aware of the
high expectations and my enrollment in the class indicates that I am prepared to meet those
expectations.
I understand the academic integrity consent statement and agree to its conditions throughout the
school year. Furthermore, I understand the assignment policies and agree to abide by them.
Student
Name:___________________________________Signature:_____________________________
Parent
Name:________________________________Signature:________________________________
What is the best phone number to reach you? ________________________________________
If you have an email address: _____________________________________________________
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.