OLC 4OZ – COURSE OUTLINE
MS. DESAI
ROOM 106
Course Description: Welcome to OLC 40Z! This course is designed to help you learn and demonstrate the cross-curricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. By completing this course successfully, you will meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation. In this course, we are going to build on our existing reading and writing skills while challenging ourselves and each other to learn and grow as students and individuals.
General Course Expectations:

Arrive on time!

Demonstrate respect at all times!

Arrive ready to learn!

Bring supplies to class everyday! i.
ii.
iii.
Binder lined paper pens, pencils, eraser
*See your teacher if you need help getting these items.
THE TEACHER WILL NOT LEND OUT THESE
ITEMS!
For more specific school expectations please refer to the Student Planner and/or school website.
Course Units (Value – 70% of Final Grade):
Each of these units will give you the opportunity to learn something new, to share your insights and ideas, and to build on your literacy skills. You will be expected to accomplish a range of reading and writing activities and assignments in each unit. These requirements will provide you with many opportunities for achieving success in
1.
Urban Legends
2.
Technology
3.
The Healthy Teenager
4.
Making a Difference
In this course, you are expected to successfully complete the following:
1.
Paragraph
2.
Opinion Essay
3.
News Article
4.
Report
5.
Reading Comprehension Pieces
Assessment and Evaluation:
Your marks will be divided into 2 categories: 70% for all term work and 30% for the final evaluations.
The breakdown within each category is as follows:
Term (70%)
Knowledge and Understanding 20% Communication 20%

Other Points to Note:
Plagiarism Policy:
Plagiarism is defined as the taking of thoughts, ideas, words or writings of someone else and presenting them (in an assignment) as though they were your own. If you plagiarize (whether you are aware of it or not), you will receive a “0” on the assignment and a suspension.
Homework/Daily Assignments
 You are expected to finish all assignments that do not get done in class, at home. This means you must make time to finish your work!
 If you do not finish your assignments: o First time = warning o Any time after that = extra work periods at 7:45am
Cell Phones and IPods
 Cell phones are not allowed in the classroom. You are only allowed to use cell phones in the school before or after school and during your lunch.
 If I see your cell phone, or if you are using it in the classroom, you will be sent to the office to talk to your Vice Principal.
 IPods (or other musical devices) are not allowed in the classroom. You MUST take your ear buds out before entering the classroom.
Absences
 When you miss a class, you are responsible for finding out what you missed, and catching up on any work. Please check the “Away Folder” immediately to pick up handouts. See me for any help in catching up!
Tests
 If you are absent on a day a test is being written, you must bring proper validation to the office the day you return.
Late Work Policy
 If students know they are going to miss a test or assignment due date for a legitimate reason, they need to contact the course teacher in advance. In the event a student must miss a test or assignment due to illness, the student must present a validated note in order to make up the test (will be written at a mutually agreed upon date and time within two days of their return). If student does not present a validated note, they will receive a mark of ZERO for the test or assignment.
 Late assignments will be dealt with according to the school wide late work policy. If an assignment is late, 5% will be deducted per day to a maximum of 15%. After that point they will not be accepted for marks, instead they will be assessed and if the minimum expectations are met, an NR will be assigned. If an assignment is not handed in, it will receive a mark of ZERO.
Students are encouraged to speak to the teacher before the due date if there are extenuating circumstances.