ENGLISH III COURSE SYLLABUS

Captain Samantha K. Serra Sarasota Military Academy (941) 926-1700 Samantha.serra@sarasotacountyschools.net COURSE DESCRIPTION: In English III, students will develop confidence and proficiency in close reading and textual analysis, formal and informal writing, debating and presenting, listening, and viewing skills. This course will be focused on th Common Core State Standards-based instruction. 11 -12th grade Language Arts Common Core State Standards include reading literature, reading informational text, writing, language, and speaking and listening. Appropriately leveled texts will be studied, including classical American literature, historical documents, and present day news articles. Emphasis will be placed on encouraging students to become college and career ready by focusing especially on textual analysis, effective communication skills, and learning how to write for varied purposes. COURSE OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this course is to develop and improve college preparatory reading, writing and th th speaking skills in accordance with the Common Core State Standards for 11 -12 grade Language Arts via the analysis of American literature, historical documents, and various informational texts. CURRICULUM: Our curriculum will be based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as initiated by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and implemented by the th th State of Florida. 11 -12 grade Language Arts standards fall into the following categories: Reading: Literature Reading: Informational Text Writing Speaking and Listening Language *Please see supplemental handout for a complete list of standards Specific content is unique to this course and will include the following focus areas: Close reading of eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century American literature, including an analysis of the renowned 1987 novel, Beloved by Toni Morrison Writing formal papers (culminating in a literary analysis paper) and writing for varied purposes Current events in order to develop essential informational text analysis skills SAT preparation centered around effective reading and writing skills and test taking skills Effective participation in and observation of discussions and debates

GRADING POLICY: My grading policy is as follows: 20% Employability : This category is determined by classroom behavior. It includes but is not limited to attendance, adherence to class policies, preparedness, participation and being on task. You will begin every week with 100 points. Points are deducted or added based on student behavior.

ENGLISH III COURSE SYLLABUS

Captain Samantha K. Serra Sarasota Military Academy (941) 926-1700 Samantha.serra@sarasotacountyschools.net 20% Classwork and Homework : This category includes but is not limited to vocabulary, graphic organizers, short essays, group discussions, group weekly recap videos, and worksheets. 25% Formal Writing, Projects & Tests : This category includes but is not limited to a Literary Analysis Paper, a Final Review Game Project, essay exams, research papers, multiple choice tests, speeches, formal debates, individual and group projects and/or presentations. 25% Reading Journal : Your reading journals will include reading reflections, Newsday Tuesday responses, lesson reflections, etc. 10% Quizzes : Quizzes will be administered weekly on Fridays. Content will include vocabulary comprehension and reading check quizzes. Grades will be based on the following scale : 90%-100% A 80%-89% B 70%-79% C 60%-69% D Below 60% F

DISCIPLINE PLAN: Our discipline plan is simple. Students are expected to act maturely and respectfully. When rude or inappropriate behavior occurs, the following will apply: 1. 2. 3. 1 time: Verbal warning nd 2 time: (Name on the board ) 10 point employability deduction rd 3 time: (Check next to name) Additional 10 point employability deduction & Behavior Reflection Form a. Must be filled out in class & turned in th 4 time: (cross out name) Classroom Infraction & Parent Contact
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Employability Essays: In order to simultaneously improve persistent inappropriate behavior and your writing skills, you may be asked to turn in an additional essay assignment as opposed to a Disciplinary Referral. Specific prompts will be assigned. Prompts and lengths will be d etermined by the teacher based on your infraction. Your grade on the assignment will be your employability grade for the month. Accordingly, if you do not turn it in, you will receive a zero for the week. Parents will be required to sign a notification of the assignment.

MATERIALS: The following materials will be provided to you for this course: The Language of Literature: American Literature by McDougal Littell (textbook) Beloved by Toni Morrison The Official SAT Study Guide by College Board (*yours to keep) Grammar and Writing for Standardized Tests by Sadlier-Oxford How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster You will need the following supplies for our class by Thursday, August 22nd : 2

ENGLISH III COURSE SYLLABUS

Captain Samantha K. Serra Sarasota Military Academy (941) 926-1700 Samantha.serra@sarasotacountyschools.net 1 or 1 three -ring binder Red pen 1 pack of standard lined index cards Composition notebook (to be used as a reading journal) Post-It stick on Durable Filing Tabs Pens or pencils, highlighters for daily class use College ruled loose leaf paper Pack of 100 sheet protectors $20 check made out to Sarasota Military Academy for The Official SAT Study Guide

IMPORTANT PROCEDURES : Late Work : Late work will be accepted with a consequence of a 5 point deduction per day that it is late. There is a maximum 25 point deduction. Absences: If you are absent, YOU and only YOU are responsible for getting your make-up work from me. See me during class the FIRST day after your absence to ensure that you stay on track. You must turn in your make-up work within the number of days you were absent. Any work submitted after that will be considered late work and penalized accordingly. Tardiness: Showing up late is unacceptable in the workplace and it therefore unacceptable in our class. You will NOT be let into class without a pass from the Tardy Tank (the front office). Too many tardies will result in the state taking away your drivers license or rejecting your application to get one. If you arrive to class past the 40 minute mark, you will be considered absent. Make-up Work : You may make up any assignment that you have failed to turn in at any time before the grading period ends. For example, you could not make up a 1st quarter assignment during 2nd quarter. The policy outlined for late work applies equally to all make-up work. This is a valuable policy considering the maximum points deducted from an assignment is 25! Accepting a 0 on any assignment is, therefore, unacceptable ! Restroom Procedures: You may use the restroom at any time during class, provided you obtain teacher permission first. I will approve or delay restroom requests based on the importance of current classroom activities and the frequency of restroom requests. In order to leave the classroom, you must sign out and place your cell phone into the container on my desk. If you claim to not have a cell phone that day and I catch you with one, it will result in an automatic 0 for your employability grade that week and the enforcement of typical cell phone misconduct procedures. Cell phone Procedures: We will be utilizing technology, including smart phones, in our lesson plans on a weekly basis. This requires extra responsibility and cooperation on your behalf in order to make the most of your educational experience. If you are caught using a phone when you have not been specifically instructed by the teacher to do so OR you are caught using the device in an inappropriate manner (i.e. -texting, social networking, etc.) your cell phone will be confiscated and sent to the approp riate administrator along with a th discrepancy report. You may pick up your phone at the end of the school day. 4 period students will receive

ENGLISH III COURSE SYLLABUS

Captain Samantha K. Serra Sarasota Military Academy (941) 926-1700 Samantha.serra@sarasotacountyschools.net a discrepancy report and the phone will be confiscated but not sent to the administrator due to time constraints. Entering the Classroom: When you enter the classroom every day, you will do the following: 1. Unpack your necessary materials. 2. Place your backpack at the back of the classroom. 3. Begin working SILENTLY on your bellwork. Bellwork is recorded in your reading journals and will vary day to day. Employability : Employability constitutes 20% of your grade. Employability grades are based on classroom behavior and will be entered on a weekly basis. You are expected to behave respectfully and politely toward your classmates and your teacher in class every day. A bad attitude, rude or disrespectful behavior, bullying/taunting, inappropriate language, off-task behavior, etc. will not be tolerated. Frequent bathroom breaks or other excuses to leave the classroom will be reflected in your employability grade as well. Be nice and do your best! :) Independent Reading: Every SMA student is required to have an independent reading book with them at all times as a part of our Literacy Initiative. You will likewise be required to have an independent reading book in my class EVERYDAY. You will read your IR book after you have completed assignments and every Wednesday as part of our scheduled independent reading time. Cheating and/or Plagiarism: Cheating and plagiarism is absolutely, unquestionably 100% UNACCEPTABLE. If you are caught cheating on a test, assignment or a quiz or plagiarizing (even a few sentences!) an essay or other writing assignment/project, you will not only receive a 0 on the assign ment and be unable to make it up but you will also receive a 0 for your employability grade for the week. In addition, pending consideration of severity of the offense and the weight of the assignment, you will more than likely be referred to the SMA Honor Board. Extra Credit: Extra credit is an opportunity to be taken advantage of when and if it is offered. I will not give one person extra credit work just so that they can bring up their grade. When I offer extra credit, it will be class-wide and cannot be turned in late or made-up.