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�LA11

Morton High School� �2022– 2023 School Year

Welcome to LA 11

This full year English Language Arts course is devoted to the study of American Literature from the colonial period to the late twentieth century. Through reading renowned works of outstanding American authors, students in LA11 will gain mastery of a significant portion of our nation’s literary heritage. This should develop an appreciation of American literature as well as an awareness of how our literature reflects the nation’s history. In addition, students will continue to develop their writing and public speaking skills through assignments that ask students to analyze important features of the selections they have read. The class will use MHS’s educational technology resources to supplement the course’s lessons and assignments.

Units Covered:

Trust and Relationships, How We See Ourselves, How We See the World, War and Conflict, Fairness and Equality, Hope and Fear

Textbook:

Prentice Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes : The American Experience

Classroom Expectations:

  • Be responsible
  • Be Respectful
  • Be Prepared
  • No Cheating
  • Follow all school policies

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

Grading Procedures:

The following assessments are used during the course of this class:

  1. Formal writing assignments
  2. Short in-class writing assignments
  3. In class discussion and activities
  4. Performance Assessments (e.g. speeches)
  5. Long term research and/or writing assignments (both individually and in small groups)
  6. Skills-based tests, quizzes, and a final exam

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

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:

  • Notebook
  • Folder
  • Pencils/Pens

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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:

Quizzes will be announced roughly a week in advance. An absence a day before a quiz does not automatically excuse a student from taking the quiz with the rest of the class.

For long term assignments late work will be accepted at a 20% point reduction per day.  Daily homework assignments will not be accepted late. A long-term assignment will be announced as such in class.

CLASSROOM NORMS FOR TECHNOLOGY

While you will need to use your device regularly for this class, it is your responsibility to be on task with the work that is being done. Using your device to play games, communicate with other students or teachers (in the classroom or outside of it), watch videos not related to current class content, etc. will not be tolerated. You are expected to be present and participate fully in class. To aid in this, your iPad is to be kept flat on your desk at all times during full class discussion. You may be asked to pull up the most recent content on your iPad at any point and cooperation is expected. If you are found to be off task on your iPad, you will be sent to the Dean on a disciplinary referral. PHONES WILL BE SILENT AND PUT AWAY UNLESS GIVEN PERMISSION.

LA11 classes will use Schoology as a resource and discussion tool. You will often be asked to post on a discussion board or work on a group assignment using Schoology. Reading assignments will be posted there.

Grading will occur on a point system, which totals all points to arrive at a grade.  LA11 teachers will not offer extra credit. Students must achieve at least 70% of total possible points in order to pass the course.

We look forward to problem solving and exploring LA 11 with you this year. Through exploratory lessons, group work and open-ended questions we will dive deep into the world of literature and writing.