Course Description and Policies

Course Description 

Writers Workshop is a full-year course meeting daily. It is designed to develop students' writing skills through the exploration of various rhetorical modes of writing, including narration, description, exposition, and persuasion. Additionally, students will gain proficiency in research writing, understand key grammar concepts as they relate to writing, and explore creative writing to foster creativity and self-expression. The goal of this course is to enhance students' abilities to express their ideas clearly and effectively across different types of writing.

Course Content

Four Modes of Writing

1. Narrative Writing:

   • Telling a story or recounting events

   • Focus on elements such as plot, characters, and setting

2. Expository Writing:

   • Explaining or informing the reader about a topic

   • Focus on clear and logical organization of information

3. Persuasive Writing:

   • Convincing the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action

   • Focus on constructing strong arguments and supporting evidence

4. Descriptive Writing:

   • Creating vivid imagery to describe a person, place, or thing

   • Focus on using sensory details and figurative language

Research Projects

• How to conduct research, evaluate sources, and write research papers

• Cover topics such as thesis statements, note-taking, citations, and avoiding plagiarism

Creative Writing

• Participate in various creative writing exercises

• Emphasis on creativity, originality, and self-expression

Class Objectives

• Identify and utilize the four rhetorical modes of writing

• Conduct research and write comprehensive research papers

• Follow the conventions of standard English to enhance writing

• Critically analyze and revise personal writing and that of peers

• Develop a clear and coherent writing style

• Explore and create original works of creative writing

What Successful Students Do

1. Follow the classroom rules

2. Complete assignments and make up work when absent

3. Participate in class discussions and activities

4. Use organizational skills to complete and maintain paper and electronic resources

5. Work both independently and cooperatively

Grades

• Daily work ( graded class activities) is worth  between 10 and 20 points

• Short constructed responses are worth between 10 and 30 points

• Long constructed responses are worth between 40 and 100 points

• Assessments are worth between 20 and 100 points (quiz vs. test)

Grading Policies for Frequently Used Educational Tools

IXL: 90% mastery = 10/10; 80% mastery = 8/10; late work must be at least 80% and will score 7/10

NoRedInk: Must be fully complete to earn 10/10; late work must be fully complete and will score 7/10

Quizizz: Must reach 100% mastery to earn 10/10; late work must reach mastery and will score 7/10

Sudy.com: Must score 100% in three tries or fewer to earn 10/10; one point deduction for each subsequent try; no credit if the program does not show the video as viewed; late work will score 7/10 and is subject to deductions for subsequent tries

Homework

Regular homework will not be assigned. Students must manage their time effectively during class to complete the assigned work. Any classwork not completed during the allocated class time will automatically become homework. Students are expected to complete and submit assignments by the deadline unless otherwise specified by the teacher.

Late Work

Work is due by the specified date and time. Students have up to one week to turn in late work for partial credit. Some exceptions will apply. If you arrive at school late, turn in written work after the first class you attend. Digital work should be submitted on time, even if you are absent. An exception may be made for lengthy illnesses and family emergencies. Email the teacher to request extended time. 

Make-up Work

You are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments when you are absent. According to the Student-Parent handbook, # of days of excused absence(s) = # number of school days permitted to complete assignment(s). Please note that in many cases, digital work will be due regardless of absence. If physical work is due on a day you are absent, you must turn it in when you return to school. If you missed a test or a quiz, you must take the initiative to schedule the make-up within the allowed time. There may be flexibility if there is a good reason why you need more time. See pages 20–23 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policies on attendance, partial absence, and tardiness.

Partial Absence

If you are present in school for a portion of the day and miss class, you are still responsible for all due and assigned work. Make arrangements ahead of time if you know you will be arriving after or leaving before class when there is a quiz or test.

Extended Absences

If you will be out for two or more days and know about it in advance, notify the teacher so work can be prepared. Please allow at least 24 hours to gather your assignments. See page 23 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policy.

Code of Conduct: Academic Honesty

Students who submit work that is not their own will not receive credit for it and may be subject to disciplinary action. See page 25 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policy.

Code of Conduct: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

(see "About AI Use" Page for more information)

1. Prior Teacher Approval: All usage of AI programs in this class requires prior approval from the teacher. Before incorporating any AI tool into an assignment or activity, you must discuss your intent with the teacher.

2. Responsible Use: AI programs should complement learning, not replace it. Use AI as a tool to assist your understanding and creativity, but do not rely on it exclusively for assignments.

3. Originality and Attribution: All work generated with the assistance of AI programs must be original. Plagiarism, even if AI-generated, is not acceptable. Properly attribute AI-generated content if it is used in your assignments.

4. Academic Integrity: Maintain academic integrity in all AI-assisted work. Any violation of academic honesty will be subject to appropriate consequences.

5. Privacy and Data Security: Respect the privacy and data security of yourself and others when using AI programs. Do not share sensitive information or engage in any unethical activities.

6. Assistance, Not Substitution: AI programs are tools for assistance. They are not a substitute for your own critical thinking and understanding of the subject matter.

7. Verbal Review: Any assignment created with (or supposedly without) the use of AI programs is subject to a verbal review with the teacher. Be prepared to explain and discuss the content of your work without the contributions or assistance of AI. If you can not adequately represent your work, it will be assumed Ai was utilized as a replacement for your learning, and the consequences will be subject to the teacher’s discretion. 

Source:

Tarver, Tyler. “Prompt Cheat Sheet - Classroom AI Policy.” Google Docs, docs.google.com/document/d/1irM63dh_XBIoK4jZkiBYvqAg9UhBYESlBXNFZLEmhUA/edit. Accessed 15 July 2024.

Code of Conduct: Rules for Technology Use and Online Behavior

1. Use school-provided Chromebooks and online platforms responsibly. 

2. Adhere to the DSD Acceptable Use Policy; do not engage in inappropriate online behavior or misuse technology.

3. Use online resources to support, not replace, your learning.

4. Complete online assignments as directed by the teacher, with little to no input from classmates or family members. 

Resources:

• To post a comment: 15 Rules of Netiquette for Online Discussion Boards

• To email the teacher: How to Write a Clear, Polite Email to a Teacher

• To determine if you can use something you find online: 10 Things You Should Know about Copyright (viewable only through the DSD domain)

From 2023-2024 Student-Parent Handbook Regarding Cell Phones

Cell phones/earpods may be brought to school. Phones must be turned off and remain in student lockers. Earpods are to be stored in lockers Cell phone/earpod use is NOT ALLOWED during school hours. If these items are seen or heard, they will be collected and sent to the office. Failure to comply with a staff member’s request to turn in cell phone/earpods will be subject to the insubordination provision of the discipline policy. Repeated violation of this policy will result in escalating disciplinary action.

Classroom Rules

1. Follow all school rules as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook, which can be found on the school website

2. Show respect to your teacher and fellow students through positive and appropriate words, actions, and body language; this includes online behavior

3. Arrive on time with the necessary materials

4. Follow directions the first time they are given

5. Pay attention and be engaged in the learning process

Consequences for In-class or Online Behavior Concerns 

1. Verbal or non-verbal warning

2. Second warning

3. Action appropriate for behavior (ex., frequent disruption may result in a seat change; disrespectful tone or language may result in a one-on-one discussion during or after class)

4. Contact with parents

5. Referral to office