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Franklin D.

Roosevelt High School


2010-2011

ENGLISH II COURSE SYLLABUS


Ms. Chen – Room 215

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to English II! This will be a great year of learning together. Together we
will build on the writing and reading skills that you already have so that we can
achieve BIG goals and prepare for the future. We will work hard to create a culture
of scholars where we think critically, work responsibly, and learn actively. I have
high expectations for everyone in the class and I know by the end of the year, you
will be strong readers, powerful writers, and confident speakers.

This class will focus on three things:


READING: We will read a variety of literature including short stories, poetry,
nonfiction, and plays. You will also be expected to complete a required book report
each semester for outside reading.
WRITING: In order to prepare for the 10th grade TAKS essay, there will be a number of
writing workshops and papers that we will work on to improve basic writing
techniques, focusing on content, grammar, and structure.
LISTENING, SPEAKING, VIEWING: We will practice academic discussion, study other forms
of media, and practice oral presentations.

SUPERSTARS HAVE BIG GOALS


I believe that setting goals is the key to our motivation to work hard. This year,
everyone will work to achieve at least 85% on everything. This includes all
assignments, tests, objective mastery, all of it! Every student will also work to
improving his/her writing skills and previous test scores.

RULES/POLICIES
Students are expected to follow all school policies as stated in the Student
Handbook in addition to my own set of class rules.

Ms. Chen’s EXPECTATIONS and RULES (The 3 Rs)


1. Students will be RESPECTFUL
- Speak and interact with teacher and peers politely at all times
- Remain silent and listen attentively when a member of the classroom is
speaking
- Maintain self-respect through attire and communication; no use of foul or
offensive language

2. Students will be RESPONSIBLE


- Arrive to class on time every day, ready to work with all supplies
- Complete and turn in homework, projects and other major assignments
by their set deadlines
- Follow the procedures for completing make-up assignments
immediately following an absence
- Take ownership for ALL actions and be committed to making healthy
decisions
-
3. Students will be RESPONSIVE
- Uphold professional standards of behavior, participation, and presentation
by engaging in class through “active learning position,” asking questions,
and making relevant comments.
- Work your hardest!

4. OTHER RULES IN EFFECT


- No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom (except water)
- No cell phones, electronic games, laptops, or mp3 players unless allowed as
an incentive
- No students will be allowed to exit the classroom during class – please take
care of business and restroom needs before or after class
- Do not plagiarize anyone’s work and turn it in as your own

Consequences
1st offense: Verbal or nonverbal warning from the teacher; possible daily points
deduction.
2nd offense: Loss of daily points.
3rd offense: Reflection and action plan.
4th offense: Parent/Guardian contact and behavior contract.
5th offense: Referral.
Severe clause: Severe behavior will lead to serious consequences. If the above
consequences are inappropriate for the behavior as deemed by the teacher,
appropriate actions will be taken.
Note: Ms. Chen reserves the right to be creative in dealing with disruptions!

Rewards
We will celebrate our successes! Excellent work and excellent behavior will be
rewarded through a number of different ways: praise, notes home, class
recognition, and other incentives. Don’t forget: the joy of learning and becoming
smarter is the best reward you can have every day!

Attendance, Absences, Tardies


Attendance is essential to your success in class. As such, I expect you to be in class
on time and prepared to learn every day. Unexcused tardies are unacceptable and
will result in loss of partial credit for the Do Now. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to get and complete the make-up work upon your return. You have
one day for each day of excused absence to turn in work for full credit. You must
make up tests and quizzes upon your return outside of class time.

Supplies
Being prepared for class is an important step to reaching our goals. In order to be
prepared, you will need the following for our class:
• 6 double-pocket folders
• 2 packets college-ruled loose leaf paper
• 2 packs of pencils
• 2 pack blue or black pens
• 2 packs red ink pens
• 1 pack highlighters
• 1 pack markers
• 1 box Kleenex (extra credit)

You will need to have these supplies in class by Wednesday, September 8.


Having your supplies will account for a homework grade, so bring in these supplies
for an easy 100%. If you have any questions or concerns about supplies, please see
me before or after class.
GRADES

Grading Scale
If you work hard, your grade will show it. Each student is graded according to
district policy.
Classwork/Homework: 40%
Tests/Quizzes: 25%
Projects/Presentations/Papers: 20%
6 weeks unit test/project grade: 15%

Late work
Late work will be accepted for partial credit before the cutoff date for late work
(usually every 3 weeks). For every day it is late, 10% of the grade will be deducted.

Unit Folders
Every 6 weeks, you will receive a reading packet and assignments for the 6 weeks
grading period. It is your responsibility to keep all papers and turn in necessary
documents in your folder. You will receive one folder, and one copy – it is YOUR
responsibility to have it in class every day. This will be turned in for a grade at the
end of the 6 weeks.

Daily points
Each day, you will receive 10 daily points: 5 points for completing the Do Now, and
5 points for participation. Participation means actively engaging in classroom
activities and being ready with the appropriate supplies and material each class.

CONTACT INFORMATION
I am here to do whatever I can to help you succeed in this class. It is my expectation
that you will see me if you need help. I am available in my classroom after school
until 4:15 PM and before school at 8:15 AM (unless I tell you otherwise). The easiest
way to get a hold of me is through email. I check email often and will respond within
24 hours. You may also call or send me text messages anytime before 9:30 PM. Be
sure to include your name in all messages (including texts). Tutorial times/office
hours will be posted in the room.

Cell Phone: (408) 807-9321


E-mail: mschen.english@gmail.com or echen@dallasisd.org
Website: facebook.com/mschen.english

Be your own director in the movie of life!

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