English+12+--+General+Information

=English 12 =


 * General Class Information** - The English 12 class focuses primarily on developing and extending literacy skills as set by the Utah State Curriculum for Language Arts. Specifically, the goal of the class is to improve each student's skills of reading, writing and researching. These literacy skills enhance a person's ability to become more understanding and respectful of their community and others around them. These skills give you a better opportunity to contribute effectively in our local and global communities.


 * Topics of Study** - During the course, we will read bother long and short texts. We will read poetry, novels, and essays by classical and contemporary authors such as Mitch Albom, William Golding, Helen Keller, Malcom X, Ray Bradbury, George Orwell, and others. We will also write a variety of papers both personal and analytical. Classroom activities and discussions are designed to develop specific literary skills while engaging students in thinking about topics that are meaningful to themselves and to the world.

= = =__Student Requirements__=
 * Meeting the Standards** - In order to best achieve the goals of the class, high standards in behavior and academic assignments are expected. Students will complete a variety of assignments (i.e. presentations, written papers, group work, & quizzes or test) to show that they understand the concepts. Students who do not understand the concepts of the class should seek extra help by coming before or after school with Miss Gardner or Mr. Williamson, or by working with a teacher in the Student Assistance Center. Miss Gardner and Mr. Williamson may also request appointments with parents and/or students who are falling behind.
 * Materials and Supplies** - Students should come to class each day with the following supplies: (1) Binder or folder specifically for English class, (2) Loose-leaf paper (NO spiral edges!), (3) Dark blue or black PEN, (4) Books or handouts that are we are using at the time, and (5) a Notebook to be used as a "learning log."


 * Attendance** - The school attendance policy will be followed in this class. Please see the student handbook for specific guidelines. To make up work for an excused absence, the student will need to come and see Miss Gardner or Mr. Williamson before or after school __after they have looked on the wiki__ if they have questions about the assignments presented during his/her absence. (There is not enough time during or between classes.) Students will have two weeks to make up work assigned during an excused absence. At the beginning of each class, a "starter" assignment could be given. Students who are tardy will receive a deduction of points on these assignments and no make-ups will be allowed.


 * Behavior in the Classroom** - All student expectations are based on the 3 R's of behavior, Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness. All classroom policies and rules focus on helping student implement these skills. Respectful student are willing to show kindness and appreciation to themselves and others. Responsible students are capable of being trusted or depended upon; reliable. Resourceful students are highly self-motivated to do their best work and solve their own problems. Please not that as part of showing respect, students should keep all electronic equipment off and put away during class discussion time (that includes MP# or other audio head sets, small computer games including those on calculators and PDA's). Cell phones will be taken to the office if they are out at any time during the class period.

= = =__Grade Policies__=
 * Turning in Assignment** - Assignments are due on the assigned due date at the beginning of the class period. If students know that they will miss class the day an assignment is due, they should make arrangements to have the assignments turned in early, or by the end of the school day, especially with major assignments. Honors students should be able to turn in their work on time; therefore, late work is very limited for this class. At the beginning of each term, students will receive a "coupon" to be used for ONE late assignment. The "coupon," if not used during the term, may be redeemed at the end of the term for some bonus points. For unusual circumstances or emergency situations, different arrangements may be made with the teacher.
 * Evaluating Work** - Most assignments will be graded and returned within one week. Major papers or assignments, however, take longer to grade and may take up to three weeks. Students and parents may check grades at any time by using the PowerSchool icon on the school's web-site. Questions about grades can be discussed before or after school or by setting an appointment with Mr. Williamson. If student stake part in any dishonest act, including plagiarism, they will receive a zero for the assignment and could face other disciplinary actions.


 * Calculating Grades** - Student work will be graded on a weighted point and percentage basis calculated by PowerSchool. Scores are divided into four weighted categories: (1) Participation 10% (i.e. class starters, discussions and preparation), (2) All Other Assignments 90% (i.e. Homework, Writing Assignments, Quizzes/Tests)

A = 95-100% A- = 90-94% B+ = 87-89% B = 83-86% B- = 80-82% C+ = 77-79% C = 73-76% C- = 70-72% F = 69% & below = = =__Miss Gardner's Educational Philosophy__= This 2009-2010 school year I begin my 16th year of teaching. I have learned much over the years about the subject of English, as well as education in the general. For that reason, my class will focus on more than just the facts surrounding British literature. I want my students to observe, think, and analyze for themselves. A teacher should be a guide to information, not the information itself. I believe that education involves work; therefore, I may not always give an easy answer to a question.
 * Grading Scale:**

Although I will be a helpful resource, students in this class will need to think and work things out for themselves.

Additionally, much like the LPHS mission statement, I believe that education includes more than improving the mind. During the school year, I hope that we all learn how to be more compassionate human beings, and how with an improved education, we can better influence our society.

=__Mr. Williamson's Education Philosophy__= My mission is to guarantee that my students flourish in life as enthusiastic confident learners through a world-class education characterized by vigorous personalized curriculum, dedicated teaching and total community involvement.

I hope to create a classroom of choice due to the combination of strong academic learning and unique, creative environment that cultivate the talents of my students. In providing these services to students and families the ultimate aim is to serve a democratic society through developing an educated public community. I hope that as I work with students, parents, families, and colleagues that we will grow increasingly interdependent and effective as we develop our individual capacities for excellence.