Pottsgrove High School
Course Syllabus
Course Information
Language Arts II, periods 3 and 8,1 credit, meets every day/full year.
Teacher Contact Information
Melissa Grubbs
Special Education Teacher
Pottsgrove High School
610-326-5105 ext. 6659
mgrubbs@pgsd.org
www.pgsd.org/mgrubbs
Course Description
Language Arts II addresses the topics of reading for literature and informational text, writing,
speaking and listening, and language. The units of literature include short story, non-fiction,
novel, drama, speeches, and poetry. Students improve research and analysis skills. Students write
argumentative, explanatory, and narrative pieces; sharpen their command of Standard English
grammar and usage; and study vocabulary weekly.
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes
Common Core Standards Grade 10
Please refer to http://www.pgsd.org/Page/1382 for the link to Common Core English-Language
Arts. Click the link for PGSD Prioritized CCSS: Grades 6-12. Find the grade 9/10 area within the
document provided. Read over the common core standards for an understanding of the learning
required in grade 10. The Common Core Standards include: Reading Standards for Literature;
Reading Standards for Informational Text; Writing Standards; Speaking and Listening Standards;
and Language Standards (grammar and vocabulary).
Unit Objectives: Pottsgrove’s Priority Standards for English 10 from the Common Core Standards
1 – Foundations of Literary Analysis (Short Story, Poetry, Nonfiction)
2 – Foundations Nonfiction/Novel (Of Mice and Men or Outsiders)
3 – Rhetoric: Argument in Speech (Nonfiction Speeches)
4 – Rhetoric: Argument in Julius Caesar
5 – Cross-Cultural Literature: Perspectives (Short Story, Memoir, Poetry)
6 – Comparative Literature: Prejudice (To Kill a Mockingbird)
7 – Comparative Literature: Point of View (Nonfiction, Film, Poetry)
Course Syllabus
Page 1
Pottsgrove High School
Course Syllabus
Required Textbooks and Materials
Glencoe Literature 2009 (Course 5) – Class set in room; book copies can be signed out
for use at home.
To access online edition and resources:
1.Go to www.glencoe.com/ose
2.Type in the access code: FCCBA64981
This is the online student edition, an exact copy of the book used in class. Audio versions of most of the
pieces are provided as well as a variety of support materials
Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop (Level E) – Class set in room; book copies will be
signed out for home study.
To access online edition and resources:
•
•
Official Site: vocabularyworkshop.com Level E (iWords audio, games, puzzles) Unofficial Site: vocabtest.com Level E (Test yourself) Suggested Course Materials
Writing utensils*
Paper
Notebook
Pocket folder or 3 ring binder
Assignments & Academic Calendar
Language Arts II involves literature, vocabulary, writing/grammar. Literature follows a
genre approach and covers short stories, non-fiction, novel(s), drama and poetry.
Language Arts II students read two novels.
Vocabulary assignments are weekly. Generally written responses to exercises are due on
Wednesdays, practice and review takes place Monday through Thursday, and
quizzes/tests are on Monday (or other previously announced dates).
Writing/grammar work is assigned throughout the weeks as time allows and is announced
in advance.
Major assessments will be common formative and summative in nature. Dates for these
assessments are provided a week or more in advance.
Grading Policy
The following is mandatory:
Weighted system
Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills
70-80% - Assessment (tests, quizzes, projects, performance)
Course Syllabus
Page 2
Pottsgrove High School
Course Syllabus
Building Knowledge and Skills
20-30%- Homework, Classwork, and Class Participation/Engagement
Classroom and School Policies
Late Work
*Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills (Assessment)
-Students are expected to complete all learning activities designated as assessment.
-Students who are absent for a test, quiz, performance, or project will make-up the
assessment in an interval equal to the absence.
-Students who do not complete assessments by the due date must complete them
by the deadline, which is five contact days after due date. After the deadline, a
10% penalty applies unless there are extenuating circumstances.
*Building Knowledge and Skills (Classwork, Homework, and Participation/Engagement)
-Students will be given reasonable opportunities to complete building knowledge and
skills as defined by the teacher.
-Assignments not completed within 3 student contact days of the due date will be
converted to a zero.
-Some assignments may not apply. (i.e. classwork grade assigned when student is
absent)
Technology
Technology will be utilized as a tool to enhance the learning of students. It will also be used for
review and possibly for assessment. Some form of technology will be utilized monthly.
Student Conduct & Discipline
Students are expected to follow all school rules and expectations, as described in the student
handbook, as well as, the classroom rules.
Classroom Rules:
Teacher Expectations:
R – Raise your hand
E – Electronics Prohibited
S – Stay in your seat
P – Promptness (Be on time)
E – Engaged (Pay Attention)
C – Come Prepared
T – Turn in your work!!
Respect
Enjoy your education
Follow classroom/school rules
Academic Integrity
It is the expectation that all students will exhibit respect and responsibility, honesty, trust, and
equality.
*Revised, 8/9/13
Course Syllabus
Page 3
Pottsgrove High School
Course Syllabus
Language Arts II – Mrs. Grubbs
Please sign the following and return it to us ASAP. Keep the other pages for future
reference.
I have read and understand the course syllabus for Language Arts II.
Parent/Guardian
Date
Student
Date
In addition, if you have an email address at which you would prefer to be contacted, please
provide it here.
Parent/Guardian email:
___________________________________________________________________________
If you have a DAYTIME phone number at which you can be contacted, please list it here. In
addition, note the name of the person whom I will be contacting at this number.
Daytime phone number:
__________________________________________________________________________
Name of person being contacted at this number:
_______________________________________________________
Are there time limitations on this number?
YES
NO
SOME
During what hours can I call this number?
________________________________________________________
Course Syllabus
Page 4