Getting learners on the right track

This year

· We will investigate and ask questions, always digging deeper. Questions lead to learning.

· We will discuss, debate, and explore in writing. Sharing ideas sparks insights and conclusions.

· We will learn to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· We will take responsibility for independent learning.

Mrs. Ready’s “Four Freedoms” for Learners

1. Everyone has an equal opportunity to excel

I expect hard work and effort to improve, no matter where we each start.

2. Everyone has the right to disagree

Some of the sharpest exploration occurs when we consider all sides of a concept. In English, there are often many correct answers—just support personal views with evidence.

3. Everyone has the right to be heard

No one has the right to speak over a fellow student or the teacher. Listen respectfully and share your ideas!

4. Everyone has the right to make mistakes

Everyone, including the teacher, will make mistakes. Mistakes show us what to work on, what to ask about, and when to try new strategies.

Grading: I grade on a total points system. The harder or more time something takes, the more points it is worth. Check the class website EVERY night for detailed directions, models, and to review whether you have met ALL requirements of an assignment. Earn every point available! Please have patience with the time I take to review each assignment to help every student grow.

Homework 10-20 points each (average 2-3 nights a week)

Quizzes 40-120 points each (average—1 every 2 weeks)

Tests/essays/major writing projects 125-250 points each (average 1 every 3-4 weeks)

No matter how hard I work or how much folks help at home, no one can learn for students.

“THE ONE WHO DOES THE WORK, DOES THE LEARNING!”

A. I give full credit for homework that is complete. Complete means the student has taken a stab at every item assigned. No “IDKs”. Put question marks next to any answer that you struggle with, but still ATTEMPT an answer. We can clarify during class IF I see question marks when I check homework.

B. Making a mistake is OK! It launches thinking, questioning, and learning. Students must develop strategies to figure things out for themselves. Learn and use the 10 strategies I teach to “Train Your Brain to Retain”.

C. While an incorrect answer is OK, I WILL deduct points for not reading and following directions. READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY--TWICE! THEN email with questions. Unless I specifically ask for a “list” or short answer in homework, students are expected to explain and describe IN COMPLETE SENTENCES. Sentences begin with a capital letter and end with proper punctuation.

D. Homework is stretching and exercising the brain. You don’t build muscle if you are not straining a little. In the same way, flying through a worksheet just to fill in blanks does not build understanding or strengthen the thinking process.

E. No credit for late or in the locker. Homework is preparation for full class discussion the next day. Locker trips disrupt class and cause the student to miss valuable review. If a student does not do the assignment, the next day’s discussion is more confusing and less meaningful. I will award partial credit for late work once or twice--everyone is human--but chronic late work will not receive credit. Students need to meet me halfway on the bridge to learning.

F. If a student is missing an assignment, that student should STILL participate in class review of the work, and make up the work to prepare for tests, quizzes, and writing assignments. Many test and quiz questions come directly from homework.

G. Get the brain fit, but don’t run a nightly marathon. Some students may have difficulty with a particular lesson but I want students to learn that much is accomplished with a little focused effort. Twenty or thirty minutes of focused effort yields more than hours of “multitasking”, scouring social media, while texting, and arguing with siblings….