21st C. Learning: Policies & Procedures

Overview

A writing, reading, & media-based class quickly becomes a community. It does not matter how much or how little skill you have with at the beginning: the goal is to grow, to have more tools in your toolbox than you did at the beginning. Along the way, you will be transformed a bit…ask any past student. There is something about a writing- or literature- based class that cultivates trust, challenge, sharing, risk, and the sheer joy of language and media raised to an art form that changes each student, each 21st C. communicator. Lessons will be fine-tuned to the strengths and needs of each class as we grow our writing craft, critical reading skills, and media tools that make learning happen.

Your teacher

Outside of the classroom, Ms. I. is a practicing writer/poet/artist/photographer who studies with professionals in these fields. Ms. I. is a member of a few writing groups.

Materials/resources needed

Memoir & Biography, Writing, and Journalism classes: A pencil or pen and a notebook. We will often use Google classroom and turnitin.com.

Materials/resources used

These vary from class to class and are posted on individual syllabi.

GRADING

The majority of our work is formative—a place where your form skills and learn to use writing/reading/media tools; once the formative steps are completed, final drafts and tests—summative evaluations—will be given. In general, the weekly pattern of a class is…

FORMATIVE GRADES: 

Class presence, writing-to-think (Journal), and discussion are of the essence, so show up. Read the texts, raise questions, argue points, and be curious. Becoming a skilled communicator is one of the major reasons we are here, so we will use our journals every day. Medical concerns aside, attendance matters; frequent absences and tardies = a concerned talk with you and/or phone call home. 

Homework 

You have a life outside of school, so outside-of-class work for electives and Writing is limited to 1.5 hours/week--but this work, usually research and writing, is needed and your grade will suffer if the work is not done. The homework we have will usually be revision or reading.

SUMMATIVE GRADES: 

Writing--Revision & final drafts

Formative credit is given for learning the forms, styles, and techniques of good writing; you will also receive formative credit for early drafts and peer/teacher conferences. Revising and final drafting are the "tests"--or summative evaluations--for writing in each class. 

Graded discussions

While we will have many informal class discussions, graded class discussions will be announced ahead of time, and you will be given guidelines to prepare yourself for participation. 

Reading & quizzes

We will have routine check-ins to ensure that reading homework has been done (Memoirs & Biography). For all three courses, there will be weekly study and assessment of grammar concepts that will help with revision and SAT readiness.

Use of mobile devices

We will use your smartphones (only at the start/end of class), tablets, and laptops. However, if such use becomes disruptive to learning, we will have a conversation. If it’s still a problem, you’ll be asked to leave your media device at the door. If it is STILL a problem, an administrator or parent may be called on. Any communications related to the class, your web, or our work together needs to abide by HBHS’ no-bullying policy. As always, pause before you post and TAP: check that what you’ve written is school-appropriate in Tone, Audience, and Purpose.

How to get help

Parents & guardians: Because HB teachers seldom have access to private phones or voice mail during school/club hours, the best way to reach me is at lin.illingworth@sau41.com; I will contact you as soon as possible. Please include your name, the name of your child, and the best way/time to reach you.

Students: During off-hours, I’m easy to reach at lin.illingworth@sau41.org. Prep periods: 5 and 6 (Term 1) and 1 and 6 (Term 2).

GENERAL NOTE: I teach because I love it, and I’m very approachable. Whatever you’re wrestling with—an assignment, a skill, or something else class-related—I’m here to help.  –Ms. I.

Make-up policy & late work

I follow the standard HB policy: # of days absent = # days to make up work. 

In order to ensure fairness among all students, I require all work to be handed in on the due date which will be given in class, listed on handouts, written on the board, and posted to Google Classroom. If you are unable to meet a deadline, you must alert me before the deadline, in writing, and prepare your own schedule for how you will get the work done. Together, we will approve this timeline. If you are turning in work late, you are expected to visit me in at least one CavBlock to ensure that your work is completed and to better support you to make deadlines in the future.

If there is no communication about the work by the original deadline, the work will not be accepted. This policy is intended to give the student responsibility for their own shifting schedule throughout the school year, and to encourage communication and planning. Students should always reach out if they have any concerns about finishing a piece of work on time. This policy will also take into account the amount of class time given to complete an assignment. Any assignment completed in class will not be available to submit late except in the case of absence from class. 

Work completed this way will receive 100% credit (no late deduction) for up to two weeks at teacher discretion. After two weeks, work will no longer be accepted. 

Classwork may not fall under this category; the expectation is that classwork is completed during class as ample time will be provided to do so. 

 Any assignment to be collected in class will not be accepted late unless in the case of an absence. 

Standard HBHS Policies

Please note that all teachers will be using software to check students’ work for potential plagiarism or improper citations.  For further information see: www.turnitin.com

Course Materials & Disclaimer

The instructional materials used at Hollis Brookline High School represent a broad range of knowledge, viewpoints, and experiences as well as a diversity of religious, ethnic, and cultural groups.  Materials support curricular goals, stimulate academic growth, and provide students an opportunity to practice critical analysis while developing the ability to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.  We recognize that at times students and parents may object to some instructional material.  If a parent wishes to have their student exempt from the use of any material, such as a video or novel utilized in a class, they must notify the teacher as soon as possible. It is strongly encouraged that the parent and student meet with the teacher to discuss the alternative material and/or any alternative assignments that coincide with the change in material.

If you have questions about the selection of course materials, please review the HBHS Cooperative School Board Policy IIA Instructional and Library Media Materials.