The document outlines the expectations and requirements for an English I Honors course, including assigned texts, composition objectives focused on analytical writing and research, expectations for class participation, technology use, testing procedures, and necessary class materials. Students will develop their writing skills through various assignments including essays, response papers, and longer research papers on literary works.

1. Welcome to English I Honors Course Instructor: Ms. Barletta Syllabus and Class Information August 24, 2009

2. Required Texts Warriner’sHandbook Third Course (Holt 2008) LiteratureMcDougal Littell Grade 9 (2008) Vocabulary Power Plus for the New SAT Book One A Separate Peace –John Knowles (Scribner 2003) The Chosen-ChaimPotok The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger The Taming of the Shrew – William Shakespeare (Folger Library) The Odyssey – Homer (Literature Textbook) Mythology – Edith Hamilton (Back Bay Books 1998) The Glass Menagerie- Tennessee Williams

3. Composition Objectives Students will learn how to read literature with an analytical eye and as a result, write thesis driven essays. Students will learn research skills to help support their arguments. Students will learn how to revise their writing through in-class discussions of new points to consider, therefore strengthening their writing skills. Students will learn how to use MLA format and write organized, informative, and challenging papers.

4. Expectations Written assignments should be proofread to the best of the student’s ability for spelling and grammar errors as well as sentence clarity. Written assignments should be written in a formal tone while maintaining student’s own style and voice. All out of class assignments should follow MLA format, be typed, double spaced, in black ink, and use a standard font and font size (Times New Roman 12pt. font). When using outside sources, or quoting from a text, students are expected to cite their sources and list them on a “Works Cited” Page. Written assignments should demonstrate the student’s understanding of the text. The argument should be well thought out and include textual, and when required, outside resources to support and strengthen their argument.

5. Expectations In class participation is an important element in this class. Students are expected to have read the assigned works and written the assigned essays, response papers, and longer papers. Students must have cell phones, PDA’s, iPods, and other electronic devices other than their laptops turned off during class. Students should not have these devices out and should be kept in their backpacks. If necessary, I will take away the item and return it to the student at the end of the day. If this happens a second time, the student’s parent will have to come up to school to pick it up. Students are permitted to have laptops in class, but they are to be used for academic purposes only while in my class. Students must submit original work. Plagiarism is not tolerated and will result in a grade of “0” Students must cite their sources and see me if unsure about how to do so. If you did not write it, cite who did in quotations.

6. Testing Procedures On test days, students must put their backpacks, purses, and other items in the back of the room. Students will only need a pen or pencil for their tests and will be provided with paper. Talking during a test or quiz will result in a 10 point deduction the first time, and will not be permitted to finish the exam if there is a second time. If the student is cheating during a test or quiz, they will receive a grade of “0.” Students with special needs must have documentation and will receive extended time for testing. Students with extended time must complete the test, without breaks and finish the test after class. (For example, if a student has my class “A” period, I would alert their “B” period teacher that they will be approximately 10-15 minutes late to class and they will be responsible for completing the assigned work they might have missed in class. If a student is absent on a test or quiz day, they have three school days to make up the exam. Students must make up the test or quiz during their own time (before school, after school, break, or lunch). Students can not make up work during my class or any other class. Students are also responsible for making up all work missed during their absence. If there is a major paper or project due, the due date stands and must be submitted on time.

7. Class Preparation Students must be prepared for class with all of their materials or they will have points taken off of their participation grade (5 points off of student participation grade for each day that they do not have their materials). Students should see me if you were unable to purchase their textbooks, or if they are on order. Part of being prepared for class includes having completed their homework. I will give pop quizzes on assigned readings, so students should be prepared. If students have questions about the reading, they should e-mail me, or come see me before school.

8. Technology Component We will be using the Toshiba Tablet Laptops and Dyknow software for class instruction. Therefore, technology will be used as a tool for education and will provide students with support materials for each of their classes. Students can log into Dyknow to review class notes and even play back class lessons. Using technology in the classroom will be part of class participation and will also be used for assessments. A typical day in class will consist of starting a session in Dyknow and answering 2-5 questions that will be on students’ screens. Students will then submit their answers and teachers will be able to assess students’ needs. We will then begin class discussions which will be posted through Dyknow and end class with a writing activity. Students will also create presentations and/or websites at the end of each term to enhance collaboration and active learning.

9. Class Materials Tablet laptop Pens/Pencils Folder Vocabulary Book Index Cards for vocabulary (You must bring them to class on the days we are scheduled to begin a new vocabulary lesson.) Students may also choose to write their index cards electronically. Literature Book (bring according to the schedule) Novel(s) that we are currently reading (bring according to the schedule) Writing and Grammar Text (bring according to the schedule)