Ray Gen

Homework Hotline: 364-1728 ext. 15#

E-mail: raygen@earthlink.net

http://www.genconnection.com

Class Requirements - English 9

Welcome to English 9. Our goals this year will be to enhance and develop your use, knowledge, and appreciation of both the technical and literary aspects of the English language. You will be required to listen, speak, read, write and think analytically. Our study of the genres of literature will enable us to achieve these goals. The study of literature will open up to us the common experiences shared by all humankind.

Requirements:

1. Essays, Journals, and Special Projects

These assignments enrich, correspond and coordinate the literature we read.

2. Quizzes and Exams

Weekly vocabulary quizzes will be given to prepare you for standardized tests such as the SAT. Reading quizzes are given to check your comprehension of reading assignments. Essay exams will be given at the end of each unit to demonstrate your mastery of the topic of study.

3. Homework

Assignments based upon your reading will be allocated. These assignments primarily investigate the themes and character development of the readings. Most of these assignments will be placed in your notebook to be turned in at the end of the unit.

4. Notebook

For each unit of study, you must keep assignments, class notes, handouts, returned work, quizzes, etc. in a notebook which will be evaluated at the end of each unit. This notebook should be consulted when preparing for unit exams. Students need to place a detailed table of contents at the beginning of each notebook. You should keep these notebooks for use when you prepare for the AP exam in your senior year.

5. Class Participation

This major grade is based upon how well you interact with the materials and other students. Each student’s opinion and viewpoint is highly valued. Respect for each other and the opinion of others is mandated.

6. Portfolio

Save all your writing assignments in your personal portfolio. The stages of writing will be reflected in the portfolio.

7. Grammar Notebook

Daily grammar exercises will be given. Students need to keep track of these exercises and organize them on a weekly basis.

Grading Policy:

Students will be awarded points for every requirement of this class. A grade of zero point will be earned if a student fails to turn in an assignment. Progress reports and the final grade for each semester will be determined by the traditional scale:

100% - 90% A

89 - 80 B

79 - 70 C

69 - 60 D

59 - 0 F

The percentage of the total points possible will determine the student’s grade. The points earned are cumulative for each semester. This is a college prep class and your performance will be gauged in that light.

General Conduct:

1. Each student will come prepared for class having the appropriate materials in his or her possession.

2. Tardies will affect your grade adversely. Tardies may be excused with an appropriate note.

3. Class disruptions are not tolerated.

4. Late work will be penalized severely. Assignments are due the day you return from an excused absence.

5. I expect honor, self-respect, and dignity from each student. Plagiarism is forbidden.

6. I always leave substitute teachers with lesson plans and seating charts. Do not be disrespectful. Do not try to take advantage of a substitute teacher.

Expectations:

As a student of the English language, we are preparing you to speak, write, think, and function well within our society. As we are about to enter the next millennium, there will be different challenges and requirements facing you – some of these haven’t even been thought of. With this objective in mind, you must allocate the necessary time and resources to achieve this goal. Much effort is required to perform well in this class.

My educational philosophy is espoused in this wonderful poem:

“Woman with Flower”

by Naomi Long Madgett

I wouldn’t coax the plant if I were you,

Such watchful nurturing may do it harm.

Let the soil rest from so much digging

And wait until it’s dry before you water it.

The leaf’s inclined to find its own direction;

Give it a chance to seek the sunlight for itself.

Much growth is stunted by too careful prodding,

Too eager tenderness.

The things we love we have to learn to leave alone.