English+10+Syllabus

English 10 Sarah O'Neal, Instructor Class wiki: roomoneal2010.wikispaces.com

In this course of English 10 the following will be expected of you:
 * Read independently from a wide variety of text. These texts will almost always be student selected, which will hopefully help to build your lifelong love for reading.
 * Think critically and analytically (think outside the box).
 * Collaborate with peers, meaning you must learn to play well with others.
 * Write in order to express your thoughts.
 * Publish and present often.
 * Most importantly- have fun!

I also ask my students to:
 * **Be prepared, responsible, and self-directed!** If you are often late, absent, or unprepared for class learning becomes difficult for everyone, not just you.
 * **Be positive!** No one likes a Debbie Downer.
 * **Be respectful!** This includes having respect for yourself, your peers, and me--your teacher.
 * **Be open-minded!** Not everyone has the same view as you. Be willing to listen to every side whether you agree or not.
 * **Be willing to collaborate and share!** The people in this classroom are your family for the next 9 months. This will be your safe place to share ideas and learn from collaborating with one another.

Materials you need daily for this class include:
 * 3-ring binder with at least 4 dividersI
 * Paper
 * Pens/pencils
 * Independent reading book

Procedures
 * Computers:**

We are fortunate to have our own mini laptop computers for this class! With that priveledge comes great responsibility. I expect all students to treat these devices with care. They are your babies! Do not save material on the hard drive or download any program that you have not been given permission to download. Always use the mini that has been assigned to you, and return and plug in to designated slot before leaving. DO NOT leave my classroom with a mini!!! We will spend a good bit of time discussing responsible blogging and Internet usage, and you will be expected to sign a contract agreeing to the policies we put in place. Be smart, and take advantage of the opportunity you have been given!


 * Writing:**

We will write often and collaborate with our peers in order to strengthen our writing. You may be asked to read your writing aloud to the class or to a small group in order to seek advise on revisions. Please be brave and remember that we are all in this together. I do not want to make you uncomfortable, but I want you to grow as a writer, and part of this process is giving and receiving feedback.

It is the student’s responsibility to gather make-up work after being out. Prompt completion of make-up work will be ESSENTIAL for student success! Class assignments will be posted on the wiki. This is the hub for all of my English 10 courses. Students will be given the same number of days missed to make-up assignments, or two (2) days, as designated in the handbook. You may only make up work for EXCUSED absences! I may be flexible on make-up work, but only if students talk to me prior to missed deadlines. Make-up work should be emailed to me or stapled and turned in separately from regular classwork.
 * Make-Up Work:**

**Late Work** - 10 points will be deducted each day that an assignment is late for a maximum of 5 days. After 5 days, a 0 will be recorded for the assignment.
 * Projects/Essays/Homework**

Grading Policy A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 0-59