Folsom Cordova Unified School District Mrs. Jessica Mann—Room H103Course Expectations 2014-2015 Course: AP English Lit & Comp 12Vista del Lago High School Department: English Course Description: The College Board’s website states the purpose of the course quite well: “The AP English Literature and Composition course is designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students can deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, they will consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.”What to Expect:

● Reading: This course that will emphasize critical reading of works of recognized literary merit from the sixteenth through the 21st century. Students will read works from different genres and periods, but they will also get to know a few works well; this will allow them to grasp the complexity of the work as well as how its form brings about its meaning(s).

● Writing: Writing in this course will be of four types: writing to understand (which will include free writing, reader response journals/essays, and annotation); writing to explain (which will include expository, analytical essays in which students draw on details to develop an extended interpretation); writing to evaluate (which will have students draw on details to make and explain judgments about a work’s artistry and quality or its social, historical, or cultural values.); and writing to create (which will keep students’ minds limber and appreciative of the craft of those they study). Writing instruction will focus on developing and organizing ideas in a clear, coherent, and persuasive language; studying the elements of style; and paying attention to precision and correctness of language. Because writing skills are critical to success in this course, in college, and in the world, we will compose and revise frequently. At the conclusion of the course, students will compile a writing portfolio that will demonstrate their growth throughout the course and throughout high school.

● Writer’s Workshop: Because writers never produce a perfect draft on the first attempt, we will become accustomed to editing each others’ work. Each time I assign an essay, students will bring their drafts to class an engage in conferencing with me one-on-one, in peer editing, and in reflecting upon what they’ve written. At least three times throughout the term, students will write an in-class essay and develop it into a longer piece. The goal of writing workshop is to learn how to make a piece of writing better anticipate the reader’s needs, to more clearly address thesis or provide better evidence, to balance generalizations and specific evidence, to organize thought more logically or coherently, to vary sentence structure, and to improve the precision of language.

● Vocabulary: Students will continue to acquire new vocabulary by a systematic study of Greek and Latin roots, literary terms, and vocabulary in context while reading; they will then be required to use what they have learned in their assignments.

● In-class Writing, Quizzes, and Exams: Often we will have essay examinations. These will ask students to analyze, synthesize, discuss, or explore the work done in class. These are meant to help students to respond to literary questions in a fashion similar to what might be on the AP Examination in May. Quizzes will also be a regular part of the class; they will be both straightforward (Did you do the reading?) and analytical (Did you get the reading?). Expect these in the first five minutes of class.

Ultimately, my expectation for each student is hard work on the part of the individual writer and careful reading and discussion on the part of the class. Goals of the Course: In the short term, this course is designed to prepare students to demonstrate their reading and writing proficiency by taking and passing the Advanced Placement Examination in Literature and Composition in May. More importantly, the long term goals of this course are to enable students to learn at a rate commensurate with their ability; to deal with material that intellectually mature students find engaging; to refine reading and writing skills important for success, not only in college but also in the business and professional world; and to cultivate habits of reading, writing, and thinking that characterize life-long learning and enjoyment of the discipline.

Course Outline: Please see the document on my webpage entitled “AP English Literature &Composition Course Overview” for a detailed explanation of the curriculum/assessments.

Classroom Rules/Behavior Expectations:1. If you wish to earn the respect of others, treat others with courtesy and respect, including yourself.2. School rules are in effect inside the classroom.3. Academic honesty is integral to your success and to our classroom.4. Keep profane and vulgar language outside the classroom.5. Be on time.6. Be prepared. (This includes bringing your brain to class).7. Use the class time provided to you wisely.8. Please consume your food and drink outside.

Bottom Line: Teachers have a clear job: to teach. Students too, have a clear job: to learn. Any behavior that interferes with the teacher teaching or all students learning is unacceptable. If after a warning, the behavior does not change, the consequences will be immediate and include any of the following: a private conference, a phone call home, detention, or suspension from class. Frequent unacceptable behavior will have more severe consequences: conferences with parents or school suspensions. Attendance and Tardies: Regular attendance is critical for success in this or any endeavor. While it is possible to succeed without being in class, nothing can replicate a class discussion if it is missed. Just as with any absence, it is the responsibility of the student to ask about any missed materials and work.  In regard to tardies, the school policy will be enforced. Make-up Work: If you are ill or have a family emergency, please check the class webpage for the daily agenda. Upon your return, ask a classmate about what you missed and attempt to get any notes from the missed class. Once you have attempted to get the agenda and notes from someone else, you may see me to inquire about missed activities/assignments. Per board policy, you will have two days to make up work for each absence (i.e. if you miss two days, your make-up work should be turned in within four days). It is the student’s responsibility to seek out additional help in getting caught up and in making up tests/quizzes. Any work assigned before the student’s absence and due on the day of the absence is due the first day the student returns to school unless other arrangements have been made.

Teacher Webpage:  Students and parents can expect me to utilize my webpage to its utmost capabilities, including the course expectations, a daily agenda with homework, and an instructional calendar with major and minor assignments. If possible, all PowerPoints and documents will be uploaded as well. Grades will be updated at least once per week.

Calculation of Grades: In a balanced assessment system, both formative and summative assessments are essential as tools for gathering and reporting student achievement. However, formative assessments are used for practice, skill development and guiding instruction, whereas summative assessments are used as a final measure of student learning at the end of a unit or period of instruction.

Formative Assessments will make up no more than 10% of a student’s final grade and will include any graded learning assessments used as a diagnostic assessment of student’s learning.

Summative Assessments will make up no less than 90% of a student’s grade. These assessments are end of unit measures and major performance tasks. Summative assessments occur after a student has had sufficient instruction and practice and is prepared to demonstrate mastery—this includes major quizzes, tests, final drafts of essays, projects, and semester finals.

Method of Evaluation: A= 93-100% A-= 89.5-92.5% B+=87.5-89.4% B=82.5-87%B-=79.5-82.4% C+=77.5-79.4% C=72.5-76.5% C-=69.5-72%D+=67.5-69.4% D=62.5-67% D-=59.5-62% F=<59.5%

Citizenship: Citizenship is reported separately from academic grades. Course citizenship includes both work habits and attitude/behavior. Good citizenship is vital to a positive, productive school environment. Because of this, students who receive two or more unsatisfactory citizenship marks on a grade report may not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities including athletics, dances, rallies, nonacademic music and theater performances, and club activities.Final Exam: Final examinations are mandatory at Vista del Lago High School and will not be scheduled early for any reason. Students who miss their final exams will be issued a grade of “Incomplete” for the semester. Students are required to make-up missed final exams during the first 2 weeks of the following semester in order to replace the “I” or with a letter grade. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher to arrange a make-up appointment. Failure to do so will result in a failing semester grade or of a grade calculated without final exam included.

Extra Credit: No extra credit will be accepted.  Students are expected to do the reading and writing assignments as designed for the course. 

The AP Test: This course is an Advanced Placement course, not an honors course. Curriculum and instruction are designed to prepare students with lifelong skills but also to prepare students for the Literature AP test in May; my charge is to teach for the test, not to the test. Taking the AP test or a simulation of an AP test is a requirement for the course. For a student to take an AP course yet opt out of taking the AP test is analogous to being on a sports team but declining to play in the game—colleges and universities greatly prefer to see that a student has followed through and taken the test rather than not, even when a student does not earn a “passing” score. If you have concerns or questions about the exam, please speak with me in AUGUST.

Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is essential in and to this course, and all Vista students are expected to adhere to the rules of responsible scholarship, requiring student grades to be earned honestly through hard work and good study habits. Students who violate Vista’s Academic Honesty Agreement will be suspended or assigned Saturday School and required to complete an assigned project on the consequences of academic and workplace dishonesty. The student will receive a lowered citizenship grade in that class which may impact the student’s ability to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics and school events. All teachers will be notified and a notation will be made in the student’s record. In addition, the student will be expected to complete and resubmit the assignment or test, which will be considered late and subject to Vista’s late work policy. All written work should be your personal thoughts and research. If you are working in groups, you may discuss answers to a question, but as soon as pen hits paper, you should be writing on your own. As a teacher, I look upon academic integrity as a very important part of learning. If you choose to engage in academic dishonesty, I will not write you a letter of recommendation for any programs or universities. The AP College Board also suggests that we notify any university a student may apply to if academic dishonesty occurs.

Homework: This is our campus policy with regards to homework: At Vista del Lago, homework is defined as academic work which requires time and effort outside the classroom. The purpose of homework shall be to provide independent practice, preparation and extended learning opportunities necessary to successfully master course content. Homework also supports the development of regular study habits, time management, responsibility and self-discipline—all skills essential for success in high school and beyond. Consequently, it is imperative that parents set guidelines and expectations that insure homework completion.

When homework is used to provide practice, preparation and extended learning opportunities, it may be included in the student’s formative assessments grades. Homework completion will also be part of the student’s work habits and reported in his/her citizenship grade.

Because only your best work is acceptable to you, me, and your parents or guardians, no late homework will be accepted. I will collect homework at the beginning of the period, so make sure that it’s ready to be turned in at that time.

Large assignments like projects, notebooks, and essays may be turned in late; however, a 50% deduction will be taken. (So if you would’ve scored 70/100, but you turned it in a day late, you now get 35/100).

Essays and writing assignments must be typed or word processed at the final draft stage and often at the rough draft stage. If necessary, you may submit essays to me through e-mail (jmann@fcusd.org) or share with me a Google Doc. In order for your essay to be considered “on time,” it must be received by the end of the school day on which the essay is due, and you must also submit a hard copy the following class period.

Tests & Quizzes: You will be notified in advance of all major tests. Both unit and semester exams will contain a variety of questions, both objective and short answer/essay. Quizzes will be given often, both with and without notice. In the event of an absence, make-up tests and quizzes will be given on the day you return to class. If this is not possible, it is your responsibility to arrange for make-up scheduling. Please make up tests and quizzes within one week of your absence; late make-ups of tests and quizzes are worth half credit.

Materials: The recommended materials list includes pencils, pens, a highlighter, and Post-its for annotating texts. Coursework will be compiled into a three ring binder (recommended size: 1.5-2”) with five tabs. Students are expected to have daily an orderly notebook in which they keep their notes, handouts, assignments, and other course materials. Please see me ASAP if you are unable to obtain these materials. 

Textbook/Materials Responsibility: You are financially responsible for any and all books and materials provided to you. This includes both loss and damage.

Conferences: You will receive one-on-one help in class whenever possible. Outside of class, you may meet with me during Advisory, before school, or after school. Please make an appointment ahead of time to ensure my availability. You may also contact me at JMann@fcusd.org with any questions at any time.

Teacher contact information: Mrs. Jessica Mann JMann@fcusd.org or (916) 294-2410 X410352

Mrs. Mann’s Course Expectations for 2014-2015Parent and Student Acknowledgement Page:

By signing your names below, you are indicating that you have read and understood the preceding class guidelines and that you will assume the responsibilities and accountability of being a student, or the parent/guardian of a student, in the English class.   This includes your acknowledgement that this is a college level course and that: students must adhere to required due dates, incomplete or late assignments will not receive full credit, tests and quizzes must be made up within one week of the date given in class, and academic honesty is expected.

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