9THGRADE LITERATURE AND COMPOSITIONMrs. O’Conner

COURSE OVERVIEW – WHAT DO WE WORK ON HERE?

reading techniques literary elements research methods writing processes build on their grammar, reading and writing

background in ELA learn new methods of formatting to refine writing Build vocabulary learn to appreciate the nuances and overall

impact of language Follow CCGPS prepare for EOCT

WHAT ARE WE READING?1st Unit: Resource Academy: Introductory Skills Major Texts:

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee “The Necklace” – Guy De Maupassant “Gift of the Magi” – Oh Henry Various Nonfiction Texts

Summative Grades: Mock Trial Mini Research Essay Short Story Tests

2nd Unit: Trials and Triumphs: The Hero’s Journey Major Texts:

The Odyssey - Homer Mythology – Edith Hamilton Various Poetry

Summative Grades: The Odyssey Tests Creative Myth Mythology Game Greek God/Goddess Video

3rd Unit: Suspense is the Spice of Life Major Texts:

“The Cask of Amontillado” – Edgar Allan Poe “The Man From the South” – Roald Dahl “The Most Dangerous Game” – Richard

Connell Various Poetry

Summative Grades Suspense Tests Persuasive Essay

4th Unit: Love, Light and Darkness Major Texts:

Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare Various Poetry

Summative Grades: Romeo and Juliet Choice Project Romeo and Juliet Tests Poetry Notebook

WHY THIS?

We will be using Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS).

They can be found on the GaDOE website at: https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/

Pages/default.aspx

WHAT DO I NEED?

One spiral notebook or binder with paper and dividers.

Pen or pencil (no red ink) A book!

*BRING YOUR SUPPLIES TO CLASS EVERYDAY! Make sure you come to class prepared. Read the passages assigned complete homework assignments come ready to participate in discussions Bring all assigned novels, handouts, as well as

paper and writing utensils Textbooks remain in class, but may be checked

out.

HOW AM I GRADED?

1. Classwork (20%)2. Formative (30%)3. Summative (50%)4. EOCT (20% of final

grade)

CLASSWORK (20%)Notebook Checks

Bellringer sheets given out on Monday checked every Friday. Sheets should be completely filled out

any handouts should be included

CLASSWORK (20%)

Homework Assignments – record homework daily on your bellringer sheet readings, mini research projects, and written work Internet assignments: extended over 4 days

Reading Checks – When readings are assigned as homework, students should always be prepared for a possible reading check over the material.

Etymology Assignments – each Friday Strengthen vocabulary with word parts

Classwork Assignments – A variety of classwork assignments will be turned in as written work in class.

GRADING FOR CLASSWORK:

✓+ + 100✓ + 90✓- + 80✓= + 70X + 60

FORMATIVE (30%) Vocabulary Tests –

12 vocabulary words each Monday. test over the words each Friday

matching fill in the blank sentence creation

Criterion Essays – weekly essay online assigned on Monday due on Friday 3 paragraphs Graded Online

6 point scale: 6=100, 5=90, 4=80, 3=70, 2=60, 1=50, 0=40

FORMATIVES (30%)

Novel Tests – Reading Counts Every two weeks Choice Novel

Testable on Reading Counts AT LEAST a 5.5 book level If the book is not in the Reading Counts system,

students must complete a two-page book report with prewriting activities

Short Content Tests – shorter tests over specific content in class

Short Creative/Writing Projects - construction, drawings, group assignments and

short essays.

SUMMATIVE (50%) Benchmark Exams –

Longer multiple choice and essays tests 4 ½, 9, and 13 ½ weeks Content Material fresh read passages general grammar questions

Multi-Draft Essays – longer, multi-draft essays. The writing process:

prewriting drafting revising Proofreading publishing

Creative Projects – Larger creative projects construct original work Choice approximately two weeks to complete the project

EOCT (20% OF FINAL GRADE)

The 9th Grade Literature and Composition End of Course Test will be given at the end of the semester. This test is tied to the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards and will assess understanding of these standards. Students will use study guides throughout the semester to review for this test.

I NEED MORE WORK! HELP! Vocabulary Extra Credit –

Any week 1 page creative story using your vocabulary words 10 points extra credit on your next test due 1 week from test day

Vocabulary Word Find – Find a vocabulary word in your reading, I will give you a

point! Formative Extra Credit

Creative Projects Extra Reading Counts Tests. Extra Criterion Essays The first extra credit assignment will count as a

separate formative grade. After that, each additional assignment will replace your lowest formative grade.

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BEHAVE?

HANDBOOK!

Also….1. Students who remain seated in their assigned seats

will be allowed to remain in class.2. Mrs. O’Conner will only respond to students who

raise their hand and wait to be acknowledged.3. Students who enter the room quietly and

immediately begin work will be allowed to remain in class.

4. Students who use electronic devices with permission and appropriately will be allowed to keep them out.

5. No food or candy will be tolerated. Students may bring water to drink. 

RESPECT YOURSELVES AND OTHERS

RESPECT IS EARNED! If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say

it Keep your hands, feet and other objects to

yourself Treat others as you would like to be treated Use a respectful tone when talking to others We have a lot of discussions about a variety of

themes in literature. This requires an open mind and a respectful tone. Make our classroom a safe and welcoming place to be. All opinions are free to be discussed, but thoughtless criticism of your peers is not helpful or kind.

How do we earn each other’s respect?

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I COME IN?

Come in quietlyFind your seatWrite down date,

essential question and answer, standard, and homework

Begin Bellringer

How you come into class affects the rest of your day. Come to class prepared and ready to learn!

BELLRINGER Bellringer Sheets are given out on Monday

If you are absent, see me first thing when you get in for a sheet

Check on Friday If you are absent, mark “ABSENT” on that day

Quiet, individual work Work efficiently, bellringer is a timed activity.

BEFORE YOU COME IN TAKE CARE OF: Bathroom

Locker issues Library issues Office issues

HOW DO I GET OUT OF HERE?

Pass Sheet has 6 passes per SEMESTER not per 9 weeks Fill out your name and date Raise your hand for me to sign Use for:

Locker Bathroom Office Lost stuff Forgot that Etc.

Not for: Library (I will write you a blue pass) Office called you Throw up, bleeding

Unused passes will add 1 point to your final score! Turn in on last day.

WHAT IF I’M TIRED?

You may not put your head down in my class without permission.

If you do, be expected to be roused. Do not be offended.

WHAT IF I NEED TO GET UP? Hold trash until the end of the period

or put it on the corner of your desk Hold up your pencil = sharpen please Tap your nose = tissue please

MRS. O’CONNER, I RAISED MY HAND, BUT YOU DIDN’T SEE ME

I will get to you, I promise

WHAT ABOUT MY ELECTRONIC DEVICE?

Keep it off or on silent and in your bookbag or pocket.

If I see it, I will confiscate it. If you give it over nicely and promptly, I will

keep it until the end of the period If you refuse to give it over nicely or

promptly, I will refer you. If you use your cell phone during a test, you

will receive a zero. Do not act sneaky; you are obvious. I will give permission for you to use your cell

phone - to look up a word, for review, etc. Do not abuse it, so we can take advantage of this technology when asked and needed.

WHAT DO I DO ON TEST DAYS?

If you are talking, making noises, using your cell phone, or otherwise distracting others during a test, I will consider that behavior to be cheating. I will take your paper, give you a zero, and refer you to the office for cheating, so Don’t Do It!

After you are finished with your test, flip your paper on your desk and take out a book to read. Always have a book available for reading in class.

THAT ESSAY WAS JUST TOO HARD, BUT I FOUND A GREAT ONE ONLINE! I have a zero tolerance policy for cheating. If you are

caught plagiarizing, you will receive no credit for the assignment. It is as easy to check for plagiarism online as it is to find an essay to copy online. What is considered plagiarism? Plagiarism is the use of any word or idea that is not your own. Changing a few words does not count as your own work. Basically, don’t use outside sources for your papers, unless you are specifically assigned a research paper. In the case of a research paper, you should always use proper MLA format for your citations.

TIGERS ARE NEVER TARDY!

If you come to the door after the tardy bell, you will find it shut and locked. Go to the office for a tardy note, come in quietly, hand me your note and begin your bellringer.

WHAT IF I DON’T GET IT ALL IN CLASS?

I am available after school every school day until 4:00pm (except in special circumstances) for help with essay writing, projects, tutoring, or any other needs.

WHAT IF I LOSE MY BOOK?

Textbook: $30 Textbooks stay in class, unless checked out.

Assigned Novels: Cover price ( ≈ $6.00-$12.00)  Novels go home and come back every day,

unless otherwise noted.

REMIND101

I HAVE A QUESTION, AND I’M STUCK! HOW DO I GET YOU AFTER SCHOOL OR ON THE WEEKEND?

 Email is the best way! hoconner@metter.org

WHAT IF I’M NOT DOING WHAT I NEED TO BE DOING?

Tiger Time Detention Minor offenses (talking, gum, food, etc.) Missing Assignments (less than 10 days old) Failing

After School Detention Repeated minor offenses Major offense (cussing, out of seat)

Referral Unacceptable behavior (verbal disagreements,

smack someone upside the head, insubordination, etc.)

Repeated Major offense, minor offense Cheating

HOW DO I SUCCEED IN THIS CLASS?

READ Turn in work on time Be prepared for class – come with materials

and readings completed, ready to discuss. Take advantage of extra credit Keep up with assignments, even when you

are absent. Ask for help when needed. Keep track of your grade. Do you want an A,

B, C? How do you get it?