Syllabus

Course Description:

The underlying theory and instructional model of teaching within the English Program is Balanced Literacy through Understanding by Design. This approach provides for essential skills and strategy instruction within the context of meaningful, relevant, authentic reading, writing, and oral language activities and routines. The Puerto Rico Department of Education agrees that it is desirable to have a set of standards that move students beyond the level of acquisition of basic skills and toward the mastery of higher-order thinking skills, emphasizing excellence for all students.

Content:

Special Unit (4 weeks) 5 paragraph essay and grammar review

Unit 10.1 Conflict (4 weeks)

In this unit, students will explore the theme of conflict in narrative writing. They will read and listen to novels in which the characters are facing either internal or external conflicts. They will also have the opportunity to analyze the plot structures of a variety of stories and write a short story of their own.

Unit 10.2 Relationships (8 weeks)

In this unit, students will study the persuasive genre of writing and will explore the theme of friendship by reading and writing about friendships and the characteristics of good friends. Through novel study, students will gain familiarity with many characters and will use this knowledge and their own experiences to reflect on relationships and the qualities of good friendships.

Unit 10.3 Choices (8 weeks)

In this unit, students will explore how choices affect our lives. They will read narratives in which characters are faced with choices and they will have the opportunity to examine and discuss the choices made by the characters. They will also have the opportunity to examine their own lives and write about a choice they have had to make and the effect it has had on their lives. Students will also study word choice by authors and the impact it has on the text.

Unit 10.4 My World (6 weeks)

In this unit, students will explore the historical and cultural context in literature and how it relates to their life and family. They will also explore various purposes for reading and writing focusing on nonfiction, especially current and historical events and how they are represented in various texts. Students will focus on fact and opinion, making connections to text, and main idea and details.

Unit 10.5 Create (6 weeks)

In this unit, students will read, listen to, and produce a variety of poems. They will gain an understanding of figurative language, specifically simile, metaphor, and personification. Students will also become familiar with the elements of drama and will write a short script based on a previous narrative.

Attitudes: Students are the center of the learning process and are required to reflect on their accomplishments. This allows them to see their strengths and weaknesses as readers, thinkers and writers. Students will take pride in their learning because they have ownership in the direction it takes.

Evaluation Plan:

Formative and summative assessments are used in tenth grade . Students are graded on the learning process as well as the final product it yields.

ASSESSMENT (formative and summative)

1. Two tests are given as needed with each unit on skills covered during reading. (Total of 10 during the year)

2. Vocabulary quizzes are given as needed with each unit lesson. (Cumulative for 1 final grade in may 2014)

3. Journals  (20 + during the year cumulative for 1 final grade in May 2014)

4. Writing assignments are graded on each stage of the writing process (formative – daily work)  and summative –final product-self-evaluated, revised, edited) (Cumulative for 1 grade in May 2014)

5. Oral Presentations (2 for each unit for 1 final grade in May 2014)

6. Special Projects (2 individual and 2 group projects) Projects will be assigned according to teacher’s discretion and done in class in groups or individually. Students will be responsible for materials needed to complete project.

GRADING SCALE                           

            A  (90-100)  B  (89-80) C  (79-70) D  (69-60) F  (59-0)  (Points are given towards a final grade in May 2014)

Top of Form

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is not given on a daily basis. If students work well in class, then after school time can be spent reviewing or reading for pleasure. Daily assignments not completed in class are to be completed for homework. PROJECT POLICY Projects are assigned well in advance and can only receive full credit if turned in on the assigned date. After due date projects are only accepted with a physicians certificate and will not receive full credit. No group projects will be accepted after due date.                                                       MISSED WORK/ TESTS MAKE-UP POLICY Students have five days to make up work after an illness or emergency excused absence. Work not made up in the allotted time receives a grade of zero. Students are responsible for getting missed assignments by asking the teacher upon their return to school. In case of an extended absence due to illness, work may be requested through the teacher. CLASS RULES  Be in class on time. (Tardiness and absences will be recorded)  Complete all assigned work.  Bring assignments and materials to class.  Be respectful of all staff and students.  Obey school rules (see student handbook).  When any of these expectations are not met and there is an interruption of the learning or teaching process, the following steps will be taken: 1st Offense      Formal warning   2nd Offense     Parent contact 3th Offense      Administrative referral ***Serious offenses may result in a student’s immediate removal from the classroom and an administrative referral Some students may have individual Behavior Intervention Plans attached to their PEI which will indicate more specific procedures for managing their behavior. Presentation of Rules and Procedures: During the first two weeks of school, all rules, consequences, and procedures are discussed with all classes. Appropriate class procedures will be modeled and practiced as deemed necessary by the teacher. Expectations and consequences are posted in the classroom. These will also be reviewed as needed. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS Parents will be contacted throughout the year and are encouraged to call the school, e-mail, or send a note should a concern arise. ·