Course Overview
This English I course is based upon the new Common Core standards adopted by the state of North Carolina, and goes beyond the old standard course of study that many students, parents, schools, and teachers were accustomed to. More than ever, we are being called upon to go beyond the basics of just reading and answering basic questions. Higher-order thinking and a global perspective are essential for our students to gain the skills necessary to be successful in future academic courses, higher learning, in the workforce, and in life. Parents and students can learn more about how English classes will be different by reading this document. Most of my students this semester had an "introduction" course that was designed to boost key skills in reading and language. You are now ready for the same English I curriculum as your classmates.Reading
In English/Language Arts in NC students read a variety of texts, not just including literature and fiction. Students will also read "informational" texts that we will call nonfiction, and explore non-print media as well. For all reading, the focus is on 1) understanding key ideas and details, 2) analyzing an author's craft and structure, 3) exploring the integration of knowledge and ideas, and 4) grappling with increasingly complex and difficult texts. As a general survey course, we will study different genres, including fiction short stories, nonfiction texts, poetry, the novel and the epic, and drama.
Writing
The writing done in English I is centered around narrative, argument, and informational. Students will also learn to use an effective writing process to plan, revise, and edit their works for publication, including using technology to their advantage. Finally, students will use research to build their knowledge about a subject, explore questions, gather information, and draw evidence to support their writing.
Language
Students in English I will also build their language skills in a number of ways, including learning grammatical conventions, adapting their language to fit a certain style, exploring figurative language and the nuances of words, determining the meanings of words from context, and building vocabulary.
Speaking & Listening
Based on the readings, students in English I will participate in collaborative discussions and integrate and evaluate ideas from others and from media. Students will also present knowledge and ideas orally and using digital media.
You can access the English/Language Arts Common Core objectives and learn more HERE.
Course Website and Computers
Our class is online! We will use the website for instructional purposes such as monitoring our progress, connecting to learning resources, communicating with each other, and completing assignments. We will use Schoology, this website, and other online resources to maximize our learning. Since all of 9th-grade students are assigned laptops, we will have ready access to use this technology; however, we do not want this same technology to stand in the way by using it unwisely.
Class Rules
- Follow the teacher's directions.
- Use kind words and actions.
- Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Follow all school rules (Be Prompt, Be Polite, Be Prepared)
Grading
We will use the schoolwide grading system to weight the grades (Tests = 50%, Homework = 10%, and Quizzes/Classwork/Other = 40%)
Materials
The following materials are needed for class. Please obtain them and bring them with you each day:
- LOOSEleaf notebook paper
- a binder (two inches is enough)
- tab dividers (would be helpful)
- pencils (required for some tests)
- a pen
- a set of four hi-liters (four different colors)
- Two whiteboard markers
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