*This is the most important material for class. Students will be expected to have a composition notebook by Thursday, September 5, and students must bring their notebook to class every day.
Student Expectations (created by the students for the students):
Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) Incentives:
Teacher Expectations (created by the students for the teacher):
Grading:
Grades will be updated to the online gradebook and can be accessed through Live Grades by students and parents. If you need a copy of your LiveGrades login information to keep track of your grades, please indicate your request on the final page of this syllabus that will be returned to Mrs. Smith.
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 or Below
Grading Categories: Discussion/Workshops 25%, Daily Journals 25 %, Writing Projects 25 %, Peer Analysis 25 %
Discussions/Workshop: Students will participate in regular discussions of classic literature and peer writing projects. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the strengths and opportunities for improvement in each text assigned.
Daily Journals: Each class will begin with daily journal exercises which will allow students to experiment with the writing process and practice techniques that we are studying as a whole group.
Writing Projects: These larger writing assignments will be the focus of our group workshops. After studying classical and newer writers, students will work to create a substantial piece of writing that will be workshopped in class and polished for publishing.
Peer Analysis: Students will be expected to provide written feedback and analysis of their peers’ work in order to grow as a community of writers.
Course Policies and Procedures:
Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade on assignment, or others as deemed appropriate. Academic dishonesty will be reported to an administrator and a parent/guardian will be notified.
If students feel that the work load is not distributed evenly among the group, they are highly encouraged to speak with the teacher if they cannot reach a resolution themselves. It is easier for Mrs. Smith to address things during a task rather than afterwards if an unsatisfactory grade is earned.