Teacher: Ms. Sarah Taylor

Brief Description of Course: English 9 is an introductory literature course that focuses on teaching students to hone their skills in reading (comprehension, word analysis & interpretation), in writing (form: English language conventions, style, and organization and content: analytical, persuasive, and creative writing with developed ideas, examples, and argument), and in listening and speaking (formal and informal speeches, discussion, and various listening and speaking strategies) in order to prepare students to meet the state English-Language Arts Standards. Included in the course, will be the study and analysis of mythology, poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel. In the writing portion of the curriculum, emphasis will be given to the writing process as it incorporates grammar, interpretation, content, and form. Writing assignments will focus on the core literature. During the course of the year, each student will compile a portfolio of his or her best work. In addition, students will prepare a short research paper and formal speech.

Textbooks and other sources: McDougall Littell Literature 9, House on Mango Street, To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and A Raisin in the Sun

Other Materials Required: 3 ring binder, dividers, paper, and pens

Grading Procedures

Homework and class assignments 45%*

Formal essays 25%

Tests 10%

Speech/Portfolio/Independent Reading 20%

*percentages are approximate

Independent Reading

Students will be required to read one to three books each quarter. The Independent Reading grade will be worth 200 points. Students will show that they have read and comprehended the book through an oral or multiple choice exam at the end of each quarter.

A+ = 650 pages, A = 600 pages, A- = 550 pages

B+ = 500 pages, B = 450 pages, B- = 400 pages

If students read 10 pages each night or 60 each weekend, they will easily meet the page requirement.

Special Reports/Projects

Several Formal Essays (6 to 7)

Formal Speech

Short research paper

Writing Portfolio

Short Story

Oral exams for IR each quarter

Poetry Presentation
Visual Representations
Image Analysis

English-Language Arts Standards

This course will focus on preparing students to meet the Language Arts Standards. Students will work to improve their vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary analysis skills, writing strategies (in various forms), written and oral language conventions, and listening and speaking strategies. Please see your child’s copy of the standards for more detail.

Homework Practices

Due dates for major assignments, essays, and tests will be indicated ahead of time. Students should check the web page daily for due dates and instructions. Daily homework assignments will be assigned and posted on the web page at the beginning of each week. In general, students will have about 30 minutes of homework a night. Students are encouraged to work on major assignments (like essays and Independent Reading) on those days when they finish the assigned work early.

Late Work

Although students will always be given extra time to make up work after absences, late work will not be accepted. Because a 0 will be given for work not handed in, students should be sure to manage their time carefully in order to avoid missing assignments.