Mrs. Goldstein's English Class Policy

Name-_________________________________

Grading

Grades are assigned on a point system and averaged according to the William Tennent grading policy. Major grades such as writing or oral projects and tests are worth approximately 100 points each. Short writing assignments, short oral presentations, and quizzes are worth approximately 50 points. Classwork and homework assignments are worth approximately 10 points. Students are required to keep a grade summary sheet with a current tally of all grades received or to periodically check Skyward. This will eliminate unwelcome surprises at report card time and lets you see what may be needed to raise your grade to a desired level. You are also required to keep all work returned to you in your binder. Occasionally a student will have a question or complaint about an assigned grade. Appointments can be made with me to discuss grades at a time, which is mutually agreeable, usually after school. In this way, the class will not be kept waiting while one student confers with the teacher.

Homework

Homework is designed to reinforce classroom learning and to give students a head start in preparing students for the next day's lesson. Assignments are brief and directly related to the next day's activities. No credit is given for partially completed assignments. Occasional extra-credit opportunities are offered during which some homework assignment points may be made up, but, in general failure to complete homework assignments will have a significant negative effect on a student's average. Sometimes it is collected and graded. At other times it will be only spot checked and reviewed as a class.

Absences

Students with excused absences are permitted to make up homework and individual classwork assignments, as well as tests and quizzes, after school with me within 5 days of the absence according to William Tennent school policy. Consult with a reliable classmate about missed assignments and make an appointment for make-up immediately upon your return to school. It is the student's responsibility to find out about work missed, including announcements about upcoming tests and projects. It may not always be possible to make up assignments where a group is needed so absences should be kept to a minimum. Absence the day before previously announced test/due date will not usually delay your responsibility to participate. Similarly, announced tests/quizzes/assignments due must be made up/turned in the day of your return. I can speak with students about a missed class before the bell rings to start class, and I'm also available after school when more time is needed. Unexcused absences will most definitely result in missed work and missed points, thus lowering a student's average. In addition, unexcused absences are reported to the deans and disciplinary action will be taken. Lateness also results in disciplinary action as per WTHS policy. Students are expected to remain in class for the entire period during every class. If it is absolutely necessary to leave class a WTHS hall pass is required, and our classroom sign-out sheet must be signed when leaving and returning.

Materials

Each student is required to have a three ring binder where notes, journal, writing assignments, homework, practice exercises, handouts, and loose leaf are stored. Writing equipment should include a writing folder, highlighter, ballpoint blue pen for most work and a different color pen for editing of formal writing assignments, as well as other individual needs. Students are also required to bring whatever novel or text is required for a particular unit. (An SSR book, for those times when you may finish an assignment early and moving ahead is not a good idea, is required) Permission to share, borrow, or return to a locker to replace forgotten items will not be given. Unannounced checks for these materials occur occasionally, at which time students are given points for keeping orderly and up to date materials

Class Participation/Behavior

Records of class participation are kept and used periodically to assign grades to students for discussion and participation. Students are expected to arrive on time and use class time well. Everyone is expected to participate, in class discussions of literature and writing. We will at times work in small groups as well as large ones, so that there will be opportunities for all to contribute. Students are expected to listen and respond respectfully to each other in discussions, and we will practice these skills. There are 100 participation points in a marking period.  Being off task, making it difficult for others to learn, and coming without your homework or materials needed for class results in loss of points.  It should be an easy “A” that could push your grade up.  Don’t allow it to take you in the opposite direction.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting, as one's own the words or ideas of another. This is a serious offense, which will result in a failure ( 0 ) grade for any assignment in which it occurs. Always acknowledge sources of information you find and use quotation marks around words, which are lifted from any text. If it is obvious to me that a student has copied another's work, both students will receive the zero. You are responsible for protecting your own work.