R. Noel Akin
English/Spanish/Drama/KnowledgeBowl
Contactmailto:: nakin@garpal.wednet.edu
College Bound Reading......
http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/outstandingbooks/litlanguage.cfm
Course Descriptions
Course Overview: Welcome to Mr. Akin’s classroom. During your sophomore year of high school, we will take a look at a variety of literature from around the world; seniors will study English Lit. All classes will be assigned weekly vocabulary lists. We will also study short stories, novels, poetry, drama and speech. All assignments in English class are based on Washington State and Gar/Pal curriculum guidelines, and are designed to prepare you for success on state assessments (sophs), SAT and ACT tests, and, most importantly, for post-secondary educational opportunities. This year, homework will be assigned for all classes, and a strong emphasis will be placed on good attendance. Much will be expected of you—but keep in mind that with effort, every student has an opportunity to succeed.
Note: Additional handout for Spanish I.
Materials: You will be assigned classroom texts. Bring them every day. You will be expected to keep a portfolio of all work produced in English during each semester. Your portfolio will be collected prior to all parent/teacher conferences (100 points) and semester’s end (100 points). Portfolios are the student’s responsibility; work should be neatly placed in the appropriate folder.
By the end of the first week of classes, each student must select AND bring to class daily an independent reading novel. The novel you choose must be appropriate for school reading. You must read 1 novel per month, 4 per semester—each must be at least 200 pages in length. When you finish each novel, you will complete a 2-page literary analysis or advanced book report. Remember, this is in addition to assigned novels. Independent novel reading will constitute a large portion of each student’s homework, and parents should expect to see their children reading nearly every day.
Along with assigned textbooks, each student must come to class each day with lined paper and either pens or pencils. If you choose to come to class without all assigned materials, your parents will be immediately notified. If you habitually come to class unprepared, you may be remanded to the superintendent’s office for disciplinary action. Additionally, your daily participation grade will be a 0.
Note on reading: reading experts suggest up to two hours (or more) of daily reading, particularly for those preparing for any type of post-secondary education. Suggested material should be well rounded, and may include textbooks, novels, manuals, appropriate magazines, newspapers etc. There is a direct correlation between academic success and time spent reading.
Classroom procedures and Expectations: You are expected to take personal responsibility for your own learning. You will be expected to behave appropriately. When you do not, disciplinary action will be immediately taken. Treat others with respect. Remember that positive communication is paramount to success. For instance, if you’re having a “bad day,” let me know. I’m happy and willing to work with those who are willing to work with me.
Successful students will follow these procedures on a daily basis:
1. Upon entering Mr. Akin’s class and following the bell, you must be quietly seated and working on your DAILY journal. You will be expected to write for about 10 minutes. If I haven’t come to the front of the room after 10 mins, read from assigned text, finish English homework or read from your independent book. You will NEVER have “nothing to do.” Food and Soda are not allowed in class (except as noted). You may bring a water bottle to class on any day. Please use restroom prior to class.
2. Offensive language will not be tolerated.
3. Late work will not be accepted. This year, after twomissing assignments, parents will be notified in person, by phone, by email or snail mail. Exceptions will be made for excused absences or for students who have an individualized education plan. You may be assigned time before school, during lunch, or after school to finish incomplete or unsatifactory work.
4. Assigned work will be collected when due by Mr. Akin or an assigned student, and will be promptly graded and returned.
5. ATTENDANCE will play a role in your final grade. Be familiar with the student handbook policy concerning attendance.
6. Tardies will not be tolerated; the first two during a semester will result in loss of all daily participation points and a call home. A third tardy will be remanded to the principal.
Consequences for ignoring classroom expectations:
1. 1st offense: Verbal Warning
2. 2nd offense: After-school or lunch detention (up to 30 mins), parent/guardian notification. If you insist on wasting my time and your classmates time, you’ll spend time with me during lunch or after school.
3. 3rd offense: remanded to Principal/Superintendent.
Rewards for GOOD behavior:
Class may bring a soda to class on Friday if ALL score 15/20 or higher on Thursday spelling/vocab test AND all have at least 15 of 20 participation points—I’ll let you know each Thursday at the end of class. Additional awards will be available, based on good behavior and positive participation.
Assessment, Grading Procedures and Assignments:
Through daily work, testing and semester ending examination, which will include multiple choice, matching, true/false, short answer and essay questions, students will recall with accuracy story plots, themes, character development, setting, spelling, grammar, literary analysis/comprehension and writing techniques.
Students and Parents/Gaurdians: Grades and assignments for individual students, through Skyward--Family Access, can be accessd ANY TIME during the semester from GarPal's main web page. Students and Parents/Gaurdians are strongly encouragd to learn individual student access codes. Call 878-1921 for more infromation.
SKYWARD
FAMILY ACCESS
Portfolio: up to 200 points per semester
Journal and positive participation: up to 10 points daily, 50 points per week.
Short essays: 50-100 points each.
5-10 pages essays-MLA format: 200 points.
Final Exams: (usually 150-200 points), 15% of final point total, subject to Superintendent and Board policy.
Formal presentations/speeches: 100 points.
Spelling/vocab workbook: up to 65 points weekly--pending.
Grammar: 10-50 points per assignment.
Independent novel: 50-200 points, depending on pages read and evidence provided—i.e. reports/analysis.
At the end of each semester, the number of points you earn will be divided by the number of points available. For instance, if all students had an opportunity to earn 1000 points, and you earned 800, you would receive an 80%, or B- as a semester mark.
Instruction Methods:
Lecture and note taking will play a role in all English classes, particularly when we discuss literature and formal writing. Students must actively participate in classroom discussion. We will always work on our vocabulary on Monday, and our spelling/vocab test on Thursday--English and Spanish classes. We will work on grammar, discuss currently assigned literature, practice formal writing skills and discuss formal testing Tues through Friday. When we write and present research, we will spend time in the computer lab. When you are in the computer lab during English, you are never to utilize email or play any computer game.
As you can see, English class will have a mix of teacher-led activities and activities that require the student to work for periods of time independently or in groups. Most class periods will be divided into at least three separate but related activities to keep students interested and motivated.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. You and parents may visit any time after school or call me at home if you need help. When I’m home, please try to call between 7-9PM, 878-1731. I’m available to work with students before school, during lunch period and until at least 3:45 PM, and am willing to make other arrangements when necessary.
