Ms. Butler

Rancho Buena Vista High School

Room 225

Ph. # 727-7284 ext. 7222

Email: sbutler@vsd.k12.ca.us

Course Overview for English 9H

Course Outline: This course is designed to expand writing, discussion and critical reading skills through the study of literature, writing, vocabulary, and language conventions.  Our goal is to establish the language arts skills that students will need to succeed in subsequent high school courses, to pass the California High School Exit Exam, and to be prepared for the challenges of the AP/IB programs, college or career. In this class, students will be challenged to develop careful reading strategies, as well as analytical writing and thinking skills. Students will be expected to express their ideas about the literature in formal and informal writings, group discussions, and creative projects and assessments.  The curriculum for English 9 is aligned with the California State English and Language Arts Standards, references to which are included with each category below.

 

            Literature (Reading 3.1-3.12, Listening and Speaking 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9, 1.11, 1.12, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)

            The Odyssey and Greek mythology

            To Kill a Mockingbird

                The Weight of All Things

            Things Fall Apart                    

            Romeo and Juliet

Short stories, non-fiction, poetry

           

            Writing (Writing 1.1-1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1-2.3)

Paragraph development, the multi-paragraph essay, with emphasis on responses to literature and analysis, compilation of the writing portfolio

 

            Grammar/ Writing Conventions (Written and Oral Language Conventions 1.1-1.5)

Sentence revision practice, sentence construction, usage and mechanics, clauses, phrases,

           

            Vocabulary (Reading 1.1-1.3)

            Greek and Latin roots, vocabulary in context

           

Study Skills

            Organization of the notebook, time management, note taking and study skills

 

Class Expectations

Students of Rancho Buena Vista High School demonstrate Good Character on and off campus.  Students are Trustworthy and consistently show Respect and Responsibility to themselves and others.  They are Fair and Caring in all their actions and model appropriate Citizenship. In this class, students demonstrate these values by following the RBV Academic Honesty Policy, found in student handbook. Cheating in any form will not be treated lightly.

Attend Class:

Attendance is a key component to success in this class. The RBV tardy policy will be enforced in this class (see the student handbook). If you have an excused absence, it is your responsibility to make up quizzes or tests and turn in missed assignments within one week of your return to class. Assignments or quizzes missed as the result of tardiness or truancy may not be made up. 

Come prepared:

Students need the following materials everyday:

                        * Text

                                    *English notebook (extra credit) divided into the following sections: 

                                                -Literature

                                                -Vocabulary

                                                -Grammar

                                                - Writing

Notebooks will be checked and graded during the last block day of each six weeks. The notebook will be worth 25 extra credit points each six weeks

                   *Paper, pen

I expect all work be turned in on the assigned due date.  Late homework will be accepted one day late for half credit. Homework will not be accepted more than one day late.

           

Support the learning environment:

             *Follow directions the first time they are given.

                        *Be respectful to your teacher and classmates always.

                        *Be on time, in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.

                        *Bring your notebook, supplies, assigned text and to class everyday.

           

Students who do not fulfill the expectations will receive a warning, followed by a loss of participation points, detention, parent conference and/or a referral to the Assistant Principal.

 

Grading Scale

           

            90-100%.................A

            80-89%...................B

            70-79%...................C

            60-69%...................D

             0-59%....................F

The total number of point accumulated during the semester will determine grades. Writing, quizzes and tests will be worth various amounts of points. Grades will be posted on a weekly basis.