Mr. Edwards’s Classroom Policies and Procedures
English 11
Fall 2010
Email: edwardsbj@goldmail.etsu.edu
Website: impendingnewseveryone.blogspot.com
This course will focus on American literature including an examination of the authors who constructed the texts and the culture/historical events which influenced their work. No work is created in a vacuum which means we cannot study in one.
Expectations of Classes
English 11— Increase reading and writing abilities including comprehension, higher level thinking, and analytical skills through a careful examination of American literature. One to two novels will be read during this course. You will also prepare for the T-CAP persuasive essay writing exam (given each February), end-of-course exam, and the ACT exam through an examination of writing styles and practices and grammar rules and practices.
I expect the best from each one of you as you should expect it from yourselves. I will do everything within my power to help you succeed in this course, but I cannot do it for you. I am more than willing to help those who wish to help themselves.
Required Materials
Paper, pencils, blue or black ink pens, and one college rule notebook to be used as a journal/on daily exercises to be left in the classroom. Please use only blue or black ink pens on all graded work (homework/tests/quizzes). I wear glasses so this makes it easier for me to see.
Homework
As upper level students, you will be required to complete a number of short homework assignments in order to prepare you for what you may see in a college/university/technical school classroom. These assignments can range from assigned readings to short writing assignments to longer research/creative papers. I realize that this is not the only course you are currently enrolled in, so I will keep the assignments to a reasonable length. If the class chooses not to complete the required course work, however, the length and amount of work given will increase dramatically. Late work will be accepted with a penalty of one letter grade per day after the assignment’s original due date (i.e. a grade of C will be given for a B assignment if it is turned in one day late). If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up any missing assignments within one week of the original due date. Any work turn in later will not be accepted. Assignments will be posted on the bulletin board and online regularly.
Extra-Credit
Extra-credit is built into the structure of the curriculum. Please do not ask for additional activities or assignments for extra-credit. Fully complete the assignments given on time and you will do well in this class.
Tests
All tests are announced; however, pop quizzes can be given as necessary at the instructor’s discretion. Test format my vary, but normally consists of a mixture of the following: multiple choice, matching, identification, short answer, true or false, and/or essay. If absent on the testing date, it is the student’s responsibility to make up any missing test or quiz. Arrangements can be made with the teacher to makeup missing exams or quizzes and should be done so within one week of missing the exam.
Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F 0-69
Class Rules and Expectations
-Please be on time for class. This means in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings, not running through the doorway afterward.
a) If you choose to be late for this class, I will:
i. issue a verbal warning/individual conference-4th tardy
ii. parent contact along with an extra writing assignment-5th tardy
iii. office referral- 6th tardy
-Be prepared (bring paper, pen/pencil, textbook/workbook, and homework)
-Respect others. This includes faculty, substitute teachers, classmates (and their belongings), yourself, and your surroundings. No one wants to live in a dirty or unsafe environment. This room is your room. Please treat it as such.
-Use proper language. You are young adults and I expect you to treat each other as such. Hurtful, derogatory, or profane speech will not be tolerated in this classroom. Also, please do not speak when others (including the instructor) are speaking.
a) If you choose to speak while others have the floor, I will:
i. issue a verbal warning/individual conference
ii. parent contact along with an extra writing assignment
iii. office referral
b) Hurtful, derogatory, or profane speech has a zero-tolerance policy in our classroom. If you choose to engage in this type of communication, I will immediately refer you to the office.
-Cell phones are not to be used in class. This includes all other electronic devices used for entertainment (Ipods, Ipads, Gameboys, PSP’s, Zunes, and almost anything else made by Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft). As an avid gamer myself, I know what most of them look like, how they function, and what it looks like when someone is using them. Please do not have them in our classroom. I will catch you.
School policy concerning electronic devices:
a) First Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated and taken to the office. Student may pick it up after school.
b) Second Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated and taken to the office. Parent/Guardian will be required to pick up the device. Student will receive three days in-school suspension.
c) Refusing to give a teacher the cell phone/device will result in an immediate third offense.
-All school and district rules and regulations will be followed and enforced in this class
Hall Passes
Hall passes should only be used in a case of an emergency. I will issue only four hall passes per student during each nine weeks period. If you need one, make sure it is an emergency. Students will be required to sign out and in when using a hall pass as per school regulations.
Bathroom
I understand the necessity of using the restroom. However, please try to do so during the breaks between classes. I have no problem with you asking to use the restroom during study, reading, or independent work time. However, please do not ask to leave the room during instruction, group work, presentations, or other learning activities unless absolutely necessary.
Food and Beverages
Sorry, but food and beverages are NOT allowed in this classroom.
Computers
Computers are to be considered off limits unless the student has the teacher’s permission, and may be used for educational purposes only. No games allowed. Again, I know what games look like and how to hide them.
Cell Phones/ Electronic Devices and Hats
As stated in the student handbook, cell phones cannot be brought, seen, or used in this classroom. Also, all other electronic devices should not be brought, seen, or, used in this classroom. If a student does not comply with this rule, the cell phone or electronic device will be confiscated (as per school policy). School policy also asks that students please do not wear hats in the classroom.
Textbooks and Workbooks
Each student will be assigned a literature textbook. It is the responsibility of each individual student to keep up with his/her assigned textbook/workbook. Any textbooks left in the classroom are NOT the teacher’s responsibility if they go missing. Grammar textbooks will be used exclusively in the classroom and will be placed by class period upon a shelf at the end of instruction.
Literature is my passion, and it is my goal this year to share it with you. If you already love it, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s ok, too. It’s quite possible you just haven’t found what you are looking for yet. If you stick in there, come to class, and work hard, I bet we can find it together.
