FAQs
Course Expectations:
Q: What are the goals of this course?
A: In this course, you will write short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. You will also analyze professional writing, expand your vocabulary, and improve coherence and cohesion of your written work. You will share your writing with class members on a regular basis and build a digital portfolio to showcase your work.
We will constantly be referring back to a few essential questions:
- What makes a good story?
- What is the role of audience in storytelling?
- How do our digital footprints impact our relationships in society?
Q: What will we read in this course?
A: We will write far more than we read. When we do read, it will be to examine mentor texts. These will include short stories, essays, and poems.
Q: What kind of writing will we do in this course?
A: We will write every day in this course. We will write both fiction and non fiction, short pieces and longer form pieces, poetry and prose. Be ready to write!
Q: What do I need to bring to class?
A: You will need daily access to a computer to fully participate in this course. A mobile device does not count because Google Sites needs a browser to function.
You need to have a place, digital or physical, to record your homework every day as well as a place for notes, digital or physical.
Q: What is the LHS Honor Code?
Q: What happens if my work is turned in late?
A: Your work will be marked down by 1/3 of a letter grade for each day it is late (from a B to a B-, for example). If you anticipate a problem, you need to come see me as soon as possible to work out a solution. I am much more amenable to giving extensions when there is a thoughtful plan in place.
Technology:
Q: Do I have to use my lexingtonma.org account?
A: Yes. 100% of your communication, document storage, writing, etc. needs to be created and kept in your lexingtonma account. When we use other websites, such as turnitin.com, you are expected to use your lexingtonma emails and passwords to create logins.
Q: Will we be using technology in class on a regular basis?
A: Yes. We will use computers very often. The writing process, however, is different for everyone. If you prefer to do your prewriting on paper, please discuss this with me first.
Q: What technology will we be using?
A: This course is focused around the use of the Google suite. We will use Chromebooks in the classroom and you will be expected to maintain a Google site as a portfolio for your work.
Q: Can I share my work with other people?
A: The biggest challenge of working in a digital environment is protecting the integrity of your work. You are responsible for managing the sharing settings of all of your work. I expect that you know who has access to your work. I suggest giving peer editors, parents, and tutors “Suggesting” privileges rather than “Editing.”
Q: Can I use my phone in class?
A: No. We will have regular access to computers in class. Your phone will not be necessary. If you are using your phone in class, I reserve the right to take it. In these cases I will also contact home.
Q: What if I have my own iPad or laptop?
A: On a case-by-case basis, personal devices may be used in class when we are employing technology. Please schedule a time with me to discuss the use of a personal device. In approved cases, it will be your responsibility to secure a reliable internet connection and have access to all your school work. I cannot provide tech support for personal devices during class time.
Assessment & Gradebook:
Q: How will my work be assessed?
A: All assignments will be given a point value. Categories are not weighted. I find this to be the simplest system because it gives you a quick gauge of how important an assignment is. For example, most nightly homework assignments are worth 4 points. Quizzes range in value between 10 and 20 points. Most larger projects, essays, and exams are worth 50 to 100 points. In addition to a point value, all large assignments will receive focused feedback via an assignment rubric.
Q: How do I check my grade?
A: Aspen Login
Q: How often can I expect my grades to be updated?
A: By policy, I am required to release current grades twice a quarter. In reality, I will make your grades available for each assignment as soon as the assignment is graded for all of my students. This means that your grades are updated continuously throughout the quarter. It is also important to me that you will see your grades before they are shared with your parents. You will receive digital grades via Google Classroom on all major assignments before they are published in the Aspen gradebook.
Q: What do I do if I disagree with a grade or would like to discuss the grade further?
A: I am happy to meet with you to discuss any of your work. My expectation is that you wait 24 hours between seeing your assessment and asking me for a meeting. In these 24 hours, it is helpful for you to craft specific questions or points of concern. It is probably most dependable to request a meeting via email.