English III
Building on the knowledge and skills learned in the sophomore year, students taking English III will (1) develop the ability to read, discuss, and write about academic texts (2) engage in a rigorous and relevant curriculum that prepares them for post-secondary education and the world of work and (3) develop the content knowledge and literacy skills needed to perform well on California State exams. In addition to teaching the Common Core Curriculum, this course aims to improve students' academic, cultural, and technological literacy.
The course focus is on writing and literature from the United States and will often align itself with each student’s United States History and Health Career courses. A great deal of time is spent on rhetorical practices and approaches. Major writing projects will be assigned each quarter, including a first quarter persuasive speech and a third quarter research project. Major texts will include Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, August Wilson’s Fences, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", and Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
Calendar of Major Assignments
Q1: Persuasive Speech
Q2: Response to Literature Essay: What Does it Mean to be Free?
Q3: Environmental Health Project and Group Interviews
Q4: What Makes a Great Leader? essay, as well as the Writing Portfolio
General Rules
I don’t see a reason to include a long list here, as we will be following the school’s already established expectations and guidelines. This most definitely includes the use of electronics. I do place significant emphasis on attendance, being on time, being prepared for class, as well as respecting diversity and recognizing the classroom as a safe space for all.
If problems and issues arise in class, I will use a variety of approaches to address the situation. The first step will always be to talk it out with you and come to a quick and easy resolution. Other approaches include detention, referrals, phone calls home, meetings with parents and guardians, and conferences with other teachers, counselors, and administration.
Making you Successful
All of the teachers in the Health Academy will be working together to ensure your success. This means that the ideas and concepts you learn in one class will often carry over to another.
Part of making you successful is making you, the student, the center of attention. This means there will be a great deal of cooperative student-led work going on in the classroom. As a result, your success relies on your regular attendance and enthusiastic participation.
Because so much of the class is student-centered, I cannot offer independent study for students who are going to be absent for long periods of time during the school year. Credits may be lost and have to made up later. Please make your family aware of my policy if you think this could be an issue.
Required Materials
- You are expected to have a pen and/or pencil every day. Having extra with you wouldn’t hurt.
- You are expected to have two English-only notebooks and a folder. One notebook (your journal) will remain in the class.
Within the first couple of weeks of school, I will have you set up a Gmail account. I understand that you may have other email addresses already. This one will be for Health Academy, career, and professional purposes.
Class Website
Within the first couple weeks of school, you will receive an email to your Gmail account that will include a link to our class website. Save this email so you will have access to the link from whatever computer you are on. If you’re absent, make sure you check the website for assignments and other information.
Grading
Your grade is determined by assessing your performance in the following areas:
Citizenship
The citizenship portion of the grade is based on your attendance, punctuality, participation, and overall classroom attitude.
Homework/Classwork
Assignments completed in class and at home are included here.
Major Assignments
This category is reserved for our larger assignments, including essays and projects. Expect a couple of these each quarter.
Quizzes/Tests
Yes, there will be a few.
Writing Portfolio
At the end of the second and fourth quarters, you will be revisiting all of your major writing assignments and revising and polishing them for your writing portfolio. More information to come.
All of the categories are weighed evenly, 25% each in the first and third quarters and 20% each in the second and fourth quarters.
Extra Credit
I frequently offer opportunities for extra credit. Take advantage as often as possible. I will consider individual requests for extra credit. Please be aware, however, that this type of extra credit will only be possible if you are caught up with the class’s regular assignments.
Extra Help
Talk to me. Email me. Visit me. Let me know! I am here for you. If you are nervous, have concerns, have an emergency, or are having struggles, please let me know. We can always work something out.
Homework
Semicolon sentences are due every Wednesday. Other homework is given regularly and is posted on the homework board and on the website. Late homework is worth half credit.