5 Rules to Live by in English Class

Quality vs. Quantity

2. To be responsible for any work missed because of an absence. If you miss class for a reason other than illnes, work is still due as assigned. You need to arrange for times to make up missed in-class work during study halls, or before or after school. If you are absent for a length of time, it is your responsibility to plan a make-up schedule within two days of your return. Always refer to the Homework page for assignments.

3. To participate in the class activities and discussions. Do not just sit there. Help make our time together valuable, interesting, meaningful, educational, diverse and fun.

4. To use class time wisely. Having a study hall or two doesn't mean you can't do work in class.

5. To put quality time and quality work into assignments. I give only what I think is necessary, so I expect that you'll complete work assigned timely and with quality. And, if you expect to do well in English, you must realize that homework is a large chunk of your grade each quarter.

Grade Maintenance
iYou, as an honors student, must maintain an English average of 85. If you fail to meet this grade point average, you will be enrolled in English 9. There are two exceptions to this rule:

(1) The five week progress report;

(2) Serious illness or some other reasonable excuse that keeps you out of school for an extended period of time. Each case will be considered on an individual basis.

How Your Class Participation is Scored
Attendance / Promptness
Measures the level at which a student is in class for the whole period and in his seat when the bell rings.

Preparation
Measures the level at which a student is prepared for class with required materials and assignments. This area also measures how quickly a student gets necessary materials ready at the start of class and at other times deemed necessary.

Engagement
Measures the level at which a student proactively contributes to class by offering ideas and asking necessary questions that keep the class discussion insightful and on topic. This area also measures how well a student uses class time to complete tasks that have been assigned by the teacher.

Listening Skills
Measures the level at which a student listens when others talk and builds off of the ideas of others in order to contribute to class. Also, this area measures how well a student can complete simple tasks without having to ask the teacher to repeat the task.

Behavior
Measures the level at which a student avoids displaying disruptive, rude, insubordinate or inappropriate behavior during class. Also, this area measures how well a student can avoid being disrupted by a classmate’s bad behavior, including, but not limited to, laughing at the misbehaving student.

An English Class Behavior Guide
1. Raise your hand to be recognized before speaking.

2. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.

3. Verbal abuse, sarcasm, or put-downs that make others feel uncomfortable, upset or angry are out of order.

4. Avoid talking while others are talking. Be courteous and patient.

5. Sit next to friends only if you can also pay attention and get work done at the same time.

6. For all other behavioral expectations, consider this rule: Show others the respect you wish to receive.