PURPOSE
This English course is designed to promote thought and practice expression and argument. Through the analysis and discussion of literature, students will build their own ability to critically analyze writing across multiple genres; develop personal expression in writing, thinking, and discussion; and ideally, give students the necessary tools and practice to become informed, aware, and communicative citizens.
Basic Course Content and Skills Taught
Passing this course is required for graduation of Senior High. This course will cover major American literary works of fiction, poetry, and essays. Among other assignments, students will be expected to write essays and literary analysis, complete a research paper, and use various digital tools to complete assignments. Above all, we will focus on developing the ability to comprehend and critically think paired with effective/advanced communication.
Legal notice
Required instruction (including but not limited to lessons, readings, texts, discussions, etc.) is part of our district curriculum, Billings Public Schools continues to follow Senate Bill 99 as well as board policy 2310 procedure 2 which states that when selecting materials, teachers, and administrators must review their content and consider the issues of violence, profanity, prurient subject matter, cultural concerns, and historical accuracy in the selection process. Objections to lessons and/or materials must be brought to the teacher's attention in writing, using the District Alternative Material Request Form. Alternatives may be available within district guidelines. If an objection is submitted, the teacher will then select an alternative option from the appropriate course/grade level guidelines to provide the students with an independent study opportunity as allowed by state law and local policy. The approved reading list, courses, and units of study are available on the District webpage under curriculum.
Basic Course Content and Skills Taught
Passing this course is required for graduation of Senior High. This course will cover major American literary works of fiction, poetry, and essays. Among other assignments, students will be expected to write essays and literary analysis, complete a research paper, and use various digital tools to complete assignments. Above all, we will focus on developing the ability to comprehend and critically think paired with effective/advanced communication.
Legal notice
Required instruction (including but not limited to lessons, readings, texts, discussions, etc.) is part of our district curriculum, Billings Public Schools continues to follow Senate Bill 99 as well as board policy 2310 procedure 2 which states that when selecting materials, teachers, and administrators must review their content and consider the issues of violence, profanity, prurient subject matter, cultural concerns, and historical accuracy in the selection process. Objections to lessons and/or materials must be brought to the teacher's attention in writing, using the District Alternative Material Request Form. Alternatives may be available within district guidelines. If an objection is submitted, the teacher will then select an alternative option from the appropriate course/grade level guidelines to provide the students with an independent study opportunity as allowed by state law and local policy. The approved reading list, courses, and units of study are available on the District webpage under curriculum.
GRADING
Assessment
This course will base assessment and grades off of proficiency of skill, not only by completion and % correct on tests, papers, and assignments. Instead students will be given a proficiency score: (0 - not enough evidence, 1 - beginning, 2 - developing, 3 - proficient, 4 - advanced) on the learning targets outlined below based on their performance on in class assignments, tests, essays, and projects. In class assignments will be given as a way to practice skills, assess where students are in their progress to proficiency in learning targets. However, these assignments won't be traditionally recorded in the gradebook. They will be used to provide evidence of growth, learning, and proficiency.
Letter grades will be assigned using the following translation (23 total learning targets for fall 2022)
Late/Missing Work
As learning rates differ from student to student, Mr. Restad does not believe in late work or one-and-done assignments, only work that has yet to be mastered. Assignments, tests, or essays may be turned in for full credit (see below for details) until 3:15 on Dec 22nd. After this date no late or redone work will be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS.
HOWEVER,
Redos
This course will base assessment and grades off of proficiency of skill, not only by completion and % correct on tests, papers, and assignments. Instead students will be given a proficiency score: (0 - not enough evidence, 1 - beginning, 2 - developing, 3 - proficient, 4 - advanced) on the learning targets outlined below based on their performance on in class assignments, tests, essays, and projects. In class assignments will be given as a way to practice skills, assess where students are in their progress to proficiency in learning targets. However, these assignments won't be traditionally recorded in the gradebook. They will be used to provide evidence of growth, learning, and proficiency.
Letter grades will be assigned using the following translation (23 total learning targets for fall 2022)
- A = All learning standards are at level 3 or 4
- B = Most learning targets are a 3 or higher, no standard less than a 2
- C = Most learning targets are a 2 or higher, no standard less than a 1
- D = All learning targets and class requirements are attempted. May not have a majority of assignments higher than a 1
- F = not all class requirements met and/or enough evidence to assess student in all learning targets
Late/Missing Work
As learning rates differ from student to student, Mr. Restad does not believe in late work or one-and-done assignments, only work that has yet to be mastered. Assignments, tests, or essays may be turned in for full credit (see below for details) until 3:15 on Dec 22nd. After this date no late or redone work will be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS.
HOWEVER,
- Completing classwork by the scheduled due date is important in progressing in this class and getting timely, relevant feedback. Get assignments in by their due date. You can do this.
- I’m a human too and understand that life gets in the way of learning sometimes. I am willing to grant extensions for essays under extenuating circumstances so long as a student communicates with me before a deadline.
Redos
- Most learning targets can be reattempted for full credit after receiving feedback and/or checking in with Mr. Restad. Many assignments will be required to be redone until you score a 2 or better.
- In order to retake a quiz, exam, or reattempt an essay students must meet with Mr. Restad to discuss how they studied or edited in order to improve their grade from the previous attempt.
Classroom Expectations
Learning comes first
Academic Integrity, Plagiarism
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in education. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; assessments exist to show how far we have come in our learning process. Plagiarism is any copying of information from any person or place (classmates, books, the internet, even yourself) without proper citation and submitting it as your own ideas.
Therefore, all work and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort. All assessments, assignments, and papers must be the original work of the student. For papers or class assignments that are plagiarized or not the original work of the student will be required to redo the assignment or similar assignment and be referred to the assistant principal’s office for detention until the new assignment is completed. Don’t cheat.
Non Academic Policies
- Be Prepared: Come to class with all materials (pencil, notebook, and any additional requested reading materials).
- Be Present: Come to class on time and ready to read, write, discuss, and most importantly, think.
- Be Polite: Respect your classmates and teacher in ideas, in action, and in your work. Violence, hate, bullying, profanity, or discrimination/disrespect will not be tolerated. Students are liable for any damages done to classroom materials, computers, or books checked out to them.
Academic Integrity, Plagiarism
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in education. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; assessments exist to show how far we have come in our learning process. Plagiarism is any copying of information from any person or place (classmates, books, the internet, even yourself) without proper citation and submitting it as your own ideas.
Therefore, all work and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort. All assessments, assignments, and papers must be the original work of the student. For papers or class assignments that are plagiarized or not the original work of the student will be required to redo the assignment or similar assignment and be referred to the assistant principal’s office for detention until the new assignment is completed. Don’t cheat.
Non Academic Policies
- Cell phones - Much research has been done determining the potential distraction and benefit a digital device provides to an educational environment. If you'd like to earn the right to use a cell phone RESPONSIBLY (e.g. listen to music, look something up, etc.) complete and turn in the linked cell phone essay. Otherwise, just keep your phones out of site. I promise not to have mine out either.
- Tardiness - I'd much rather have you in class than the sweep room. Don't be late though.
- Food and Drink - We use chromebooks a lot and I don't want them to be crumbbooks, or Flaming Hot Cheetos books for that matter. Please consume food and drink outside of class, but close topped water bottles are okay.
- Bathrooms - Being an adult sometimes means controlling or predicting your bladder. I will allow you to use the restroom in cases of extreme emergency with the use of my hall pass. Don't make a habit of it though.
UNITS, REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
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Fall Reading list
UNITS 1 Citing Textual Evidence and The Great Gatsby
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UNITS
1 Academic Skills
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