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�Expository Writing

Morton High School� �2023-2024 School Year

Mrs. Helen Plevka-Jones, ELA Teacher �Email: helen.plevka-jones @mcusd709.org �Room: 203

Mrs. Lauralee Moss, ELA Teacher

Room: 301

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Welcome to Expository Writing!

This course progresses the student from writing expressive compositions (expressing the ideas of the writer) to writing referential compositions (explaining or analyzing the subject matter for the reader) to writing persuasive compositions (persuading an audience), through critical reading, discussion, exercises, conferences, and revision. The majority of the writing is referential. A grade of C or higher fulfills IAI General Education Core Curriculum requirements for transfer programs.

Units Covered:

What is writing? What do writers do? / Writing as Archivists / Literacy Narrative / Quote Explication / Analytical Paper / MeSearch Personal Memoir / Copyright Case Study / Argumentative Project / WeSearch Community Exhibition

Textbook:

all texts made available as PDFs on Schoology

Classroom Expectations:

Write habitually.
Share bravely.
Think openly.
Read closely.
Listen carefully.

*All school rules and policies as noted in the Student Handbook apply in this classroom.

Grading Procedures:

A total points system is used to calculate grades. Grades are determined by dividing an individual student’s accumulated point total by the total number of points possible.

A 95-100 C 79-82

A- 93-94 C- 77-78

B+ 91-92 D+ 75-76

B 87-90 D 71-74

B- 85-86 D- 73-70

C+ 83-84 F Below 70

Our typical weekly flow:

Mondays: writing into the week and introducing assignments/skills.
Tuesdays: discussing model texts and peer reviewing.
Wednesdays: developing skills.
Thursdays: developing assignments and reflecting.
Fridays: sharing work with small groups and whole class.

All assignments and deadlines will be shared during class and posted on Schoology. �

Homework: Assignments will be posted in Schoology. There will be times where we submit on Schoology and turn in by hand in class. Play attention to directions.

HELPFUL ONLINE SITES

PowerSchool is an excellent way to stay on top of your grades, tardies, and absences:�https://ps1.morton709.org/public/home.html

Schoology is where students AND parents access content, assignments, announcements and resources: http://mcusd709.schoology.com

Supplies Needed:

iPad
something to write with
something to write on

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Academic Assistance

�M-Th: 3:00pm – 3:40pm

M-F: Potter Hour

By appointment only. Students must sign up for assistance via email or during class. We are always happy to work with students when they need assistance, but students need to be proactive so that they can get help when they need it.

Make – up Work/late work:

Daily slides will be posted on Schoology; if you miss class, you are expected to review the materials online and complete any tasks as you are able before returning.

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CLASSROOM NORMS FOR TECHNOLOGY

Students will await further instructions given by the teacher. Students will listen for teacher’s cue to close screen of iPad when whole-group attention is needed. Students will save/turn in work as needed and completely put away iPads when directed to do

We are a community of writers. Through a pedagogical theory of Multiliteracies (New London Group, 1996; Cope and Kalantzis, 2009), we see ourselves as makers capable of designing effective communication technologies for 21st century audiences that address issues of individual identity, community diversity, and social change.

Our work will be propelled by habitual and vulnerable writing, sharing, and rethinking, alongside close reading, careful listening, and conscientious speaking. We will use the brave space of our classroom to explore and prepare for our social and academic lives beyond Morton High School.

This course is assessed along the Common Core Writing Standards as well as Illinois Central College’s ENG 110 Course-Level Outcomes. It is scaffolded through the following units/projects:

We look forward to growing as a community of writers with you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Plevka-Jones

Mrs. Moss

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Please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the Expository Writing Syllabus.

Student Name (Please Print): ________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _____________

Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print): _______________________________________________

��Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________ Date: _____________

If you have any questions, comments or things I should know please reach out! helen.plevka-jones@mcusd709.org