Course Syllabus

Estelle Moore-Walker
Pre-Advanced Placement English I
Grade Placement: 9
Prerequisite: Admission by Review
Credit: 1
Textbooks: Elements of Language
The Language of Literature
English Grammar and Composition
Outlooks

This course reinforces and extends previous knowledge by developing an appreciation for different literary genres, developing an appreciation and understanding of the structure of English grammar, improving vocabulary through the use of context clues, developing skills in written as well as oral expression, and improving organizational and time management skills.

Semester One
vocabulary (context clues)
prefixes and suffixes
the eight parts of speech
sentence structure (independent and dependent clauses)
parts of a sentence
phrases ( gerund, infinitive, participial, adjective, and adverb)
pronouns (case and antecedent agreement)
punctuation
capitalization
fragments and run-ons
writing as a process (prewriting, rough draft, proofreading, revision, and final draft)
expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive writing
note-taking and summarizing
short stories (first six weeks)
The Odyssey (second six weeks)
The Hound of the Baskervilles (third six weeks)

Semester Two
vocabulary (context clues)
verbs (tenses and subject/verb agreement)
sentence variety
writing as a process
Jane Eyre (fourth six weeks)
A Tale of Two Cities (fifth six weeks)
Romeo and Juliet (sixth six weeks)
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (sixth six weeks)

We will also read selections of non-fiction and poetry as well as other titles as time allows. Please encourage your son or daughter to read for pleasure, too!

Rules

1.
Enter the classroom in an orderly manner.
2.
Be seated and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
3.
Read the blackboard/lesson plan daily.
4.
Remain seated and quiet during class.
5.
Raise hand before speaking.
6.
Do not eat, drink, comb or brush hair, or apply cosmetics in the classroom.
BOTTLED WATER IS ALLOWED.
7.
Keep feet on the floor.
8.
Do not throw anything in the classroom.
9.
Do not write or sit on the desks.
10.
Use the restroom between classes.
11.
Cheating will not be tolerated. If a student is caught cheating, the student will receive
a zero on the assignment and a P in conduct for the grading cycle.
12.
Bellaire's honor code is enforced in Pre-AP English I.

Honor Code

On my honor, I have neither given nor received any help on this work.
Write the honor code on all tests/quizzes and write your signature.
Needless to say, proper conduct is essential. Improper behavior is noted as it occurs; no additional warning will be given.

Conferences
Please schedule an appointment prior to the visit. Parents may call the main office to leave a message (713) 667-2064), send in a written request by the student, or e-mail me at
emoorewa@houstonisd.org. This document, along with other pertinent documents, can be found on my blog @ http://www.literaryworks9.blogspot.com/

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Acknowledgement

Please read, sign, detach, and return this portion to me on the next school day.

I have read, and I understand the English Course Requirements.

___________________________ _______________
Student's Signature Date
___________________________
Student’s E-mail Address
___________________________ _______________
Parent's Signature Date
___________________________
Parent’s E-mail Address

Bellaire High School Estelle Moore-Walker
Pre-AP English 1A, Period ___ August 24, 2009
Vocabulary Lesson 1 (title line)
Skip one line.
1. Start on this line.


Pre-AP English I Expectations


To perform at the high school Pre-AP level in English, students are to demonstrate the following on a consistent basis:

Excellent conduct and strong attendance
Preparation for class
Listening and note-taking skills
Ability and willingness to follow oral and written directions
Self-motivation to complete all assignments on time and as assigned
Strong foundation in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
Ability to write a multi-paragraph essay
Reading skills to comprehend long works of literature
Ability to process the information given by the teacher in order to answer higher-level thinking skills
Familiarity with the library and basic references


Students should expect to do the following:

Homework on a daily basis
Several writing assignments
Extensive note-taking and summarizing
Extensive reading outside the classroom
Vocabulary in context
Active participation in classroom discussions and activities


ATTENDANCE
Maintain regular attendance. Be punctual. Students who have been absent must present a written excuse no later than three days after the date of the absence or tardy. Work missed as a result of an absence must be made up within one school week (five days) after the absence or within a reasonable amount of time should the absence be deemed extenuating. It is the student's responsibility to make up the work. I am available during lunch on Thursdays and Fridays.

PREPARATION
Come to class prepared. It is the student's responsibility to turn in the assigned work on the proper day and period. Late work will not be accepted, and students will not be allowed to go to the locker and/or other classrooms to get work.

SUPPLIES
Bring the appropriate textbook, workbook, notebook with paper, a blue or black pen, and a #2 pencil with an eraser. Additionally, please purchase the following:
a red pen
a highlighter
four dividers
a dictionary and a thesaurus
one box of tissue (i.e., Kleenex)
sanitizer (Please do not write names on the Kleenex box or sanitizer; I will make certain that I give credit to students who bring these materials.)

NOTEBOOK
Each student must maintain an English notebook. This may be a separate notebook or a section in a large binder. The notebook will be checked and/or graded periodically. Each notebook should contain the following:
all handouts distributed in class
an assignment/grade sheet
class notes
homework/daily work
vocabulary
tests/quizzes

PROGRESS REPORTS
Each student will receive a progress report at the end of the third week or the beginning of the fourth week of each grading cycle. The report should be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the teacher on the next school day. All students and parents can easily access the student's grades at any time by reviewing the assignment/grade sheet. This will change when the Speed Grade is established.

GRADING PROCEDURES
The major test day for the English department is Monday. Quizzes may be given on any day. A detailed explanation about the averaging of grades will be explained during the first week of school.
NOTE: The National Honor society provides tutoring; the sessions are scheduled in Room E340

Tuesdays and Wednesdays during lunch.