Miss Martha Erickson

Email: merickson@murrayschools.org
Language Arts 10 Phone: 801-264-7460 Ext. 5215
MURRAY HIGH OPEN DISCLOSURE 2019-2020

Course Objectives & Learning Activities

Welcome to Language Arts

In this course, students will be expected to read, write, and think critically about both fiction and
nonfiction texts. This course is designed to ensure that students are college and or career ready in Language
Arts. We will use the Core standards that are organized by the following strands: Reading Literature, Reading
Informational Texts, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language. This course will also incorporate each
student’s individual language arts IEP goals. Students will self-monitor and report progress on daily activities.
You will only get out of this course what you are willing to put into it. I expect you to be open to new
ideas as well as receptive to, and respectful of, the opinions and experiences of others. This does not mean you
have to always agree with everything that is said (by someone in the class or by me). There may be times when
your beliefs and ideas will be challenged by others in the class, and you are free to civilly voice your point of
view, but it is important that you keep an open mind and consider that what someone else is saying may, in fact,
be true.
It is also important that everyone feels comfortable enough to be open and honest without fear of being
targeted or attacked. This class requires discussion. We need to hear each other’s voices. You can learn a great
deal from each other. I will help provide a safe place for you to speak your mind. In return, I expect you to
make the room safe for others as well.
Our goal is to produce critically thinking students who can thoughtfully and skillfully articulate
knowledge and understanding in writing. We will also use literature as a means to examine ourselves and the art
of the written word to create passionate, informed students and citizens.

GRADING:
Completion of daily assignments and the START program (70 % of grade) ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Students will get 20 points daily for work and participation according to the • Reading notes
“START” sheet • Writing responses and journals
• Essays
S = Seat yourself with supplies and books before the bell 2 points • Participation and effort
T = Tracked classes and activated work plan 1 point • General assignments
A= Assignment at the bell without being asked 1 point • Attendance
R= Rate your completion of work 6 points
T = Time on Task and behavior 10 points *Will be based on IEP goals.
Tests and quizzes (30% of grade)

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES:

ü Pen and Pencil
ü ChromeBook (provided)

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CLASSROOM DECORUM EXPECTATIONS:
To do well in this course:
1. ATTEND! It matters! Your presence matters!
Participation points are available every day. Parents/guardians should excuse absences through the attendance office within
five days of your absence. Attendance matters in your understanding of this course!
Absent Work
v When a student is absent, daily assignments and tests/quizzes will be accepted within one week of the
absence. After that, acceptance will be considered on a case by case basis.
v It is the responsibility of the student to get assignments from fellow classmates first, then consult the
teacher if an absence occurs.
v Late work may be accepted if the student has made prior arrangements and makes good use of class time
and is consistent in turning in work.
v Students should feel free to get help before or after school.
v If there is a perceived error, any grade changes must be completed within the following quarter or by
June 30 for the 4th quarter.

2. PARTICIPATE:
Students earn daily participation points for attendance, performance, classroom behavior, some in-class assignments, being
prepared with a charged Chromebook, and completing start-up activities. This makes a difference in your grade.
3. TREAT OTHERS RESPECTFULLY
I expect you be kind and respectful in your interactions with me and the other students in our class, to use respectful language
at all times in class, and to treat classroom materials with respect.
4. DO YOUR OWN BEST WORK
Cheating and Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. Any student who participates in cheating will receive a zero on
that assignment and a U in citizenship. Cheating is also using peers’ answers. Six word in a row from any source is
plagiarism! Any student who participates in cheating a second time in the same class will receive an “F” for that term.
5. CELL PHONE POLICY
Cell phones are to be stored AWAY (not on desks). There will be times we use phones in class for education, but you
will be invited to take them out. Participation points will be taken away if phone is on a desk or out at inappropriate times.
Headphones and earbuds are only allowed in class when specified by a teacher. Students are expected to remove them before
entering the classroom. Again, if invited, students may use them, but always have them put away unless given permission.
Cell phones and other electronic devices that are used during class will be confiscated and given to an administrator.
6. REMEDIATION
Students who fail this course will need to remediate the credit. Please follow-up with Miss Erickson. Contact information is
listed above in upper right-hand corner of the front page.

CITIZENSHIP CRITERIA:
Your citizenship grade may be determined by your behavior in class, attendance or truancy.
Grading: Satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U). Any U must be remediated prior to graduation.

If there is a perceived error, any grade change must be completed within the following quarter or by June 30 for the fourth
quarter.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act: Ongoing critical evaluation by peers which may include the exchanging of student work,
will be used to enhance the educational process. Ultimately the final assessment is the job of the teacher. Student privacy will be
respected when providing class grades and other confidential information.

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 Detach and return this signature page to Miss Erickson

Language Arts 10 Disclosure Signature Form

I have read and understand the disclosure statement for the 2019 - 2020 Language Arts Class. I
understand the grading policies and expectations outlined in this disclosure. My student and I have read
and discussed this document together and my student will abide by the policies contained therein.

___________________________________________
Student Name Printed

___________________________________________ ______________
Signature of Parent or Guardian Date

___________________________________________ _______________
Signature of Student Date