Foundations of English I Course Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Amanda Young

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-3:30 by appointment
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(980)-285-2465 (available from 6 AM - 9PM)
www.msyoung2016-2017.weebly.com
Room A221
Test Book: Literature/Holt McDougal
Location: A221
This document is the Course Syllabus for Foundations of English I. Please keep this document for your record.
In this syllabus, you will find commonly asked questions about this course and responses from the teacher to
help you acclimate to our class and understand what is expected of you. You will also find a semester calendar
that will assist you with any missing assignments due to absenteeism.
Students in Foundations of English I will:
Express reflections and reactions to literature and to personal experiences.
Explain meaning, describe processes, and answer research questions.
Evaluate communication and critique texts.
Make and support an informed opinion.
Participate in conversation about and written analysis of literary genres, elements and traditions
Use knowledge of language and standard grammatical conventions.
Annotate effectively.
Revise and reflect on personal writings.

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change due to teacher discretion and the needs of each individual block.

Course Topics:
Students in Foundations of English 1 will be exposed to many English concepts, and the
units will based specifically on standards rather than themes.
What can I expect of Ms. Young?
1. I will treat you with the utmost respect.
2. I will come to class each day prepared to teach.
3. I will start class promptly when the bell rings.
4. I will be positive and will believe in you.
5. I will enforce all classroom expectations and policies.

What are Ms. Young's expectations?

To ensure a safe, equal learning space for all students, every student needs to:
1. BE PROFESSIONAL: Be in your seat ready to work when the bell rings; Participate in class,
and use professional language.
2. BE RESPECTFUL: Have a positive attitude; Regarding possessions, opinions, and dignity,
respect your classmates, me as your teacher, and yourself.
3. RESPONSIBLE: Come to class and be on time. Bring all assignments and supplies. Complete
your portion of groupwork.

What if I choose to ignore these expectations?

If a student chooses not to follow behavior and academic expectations of Ms. Young and the Academic
Standards & Standards of Conduct handbook, he or she will be subject to the following:
1. Verbal Warning

2. Phone call home & Change of seats

3. Administrative Referral & Removal from Class
4. Parent conference

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change due to teacher discretion and the needs of each individual block.

Will I be rewarded for good behavior?

It is important that students remember this is a learning environment and behavior should reflect that. Students,
who follow all expectations, will be rewarded in several ways. More than anything, you will be ready for
success in whatever comes after High School for you whether that is the career or college of your choice.
Each expectation is crafted after proper behavior in any academic, work, or social setting. Exceptionally good
behavior will be rewarded in the following ways:
Self satisfaction for a job well done
Special Recognition
Raffle Winnings: ie food, gift cards, homework passes, and other small items
Positive notes, feedback and phone calls

Routines and Procedures:

How will I begin my day?
Students are expected to arrive to class willing and ready to learn. In order to make the most use of our time,
students are asked to retrieve the handout from the table when they walk in and their personal file that they need
for class and be in their seats working on their warm-up when the tardy bell rings. Students are allowed to
converse at a Voice level 1 until the bell rings. Then, the students should be at voice level 0.
What do the different voice levels mean?
Voice level 0 means silence. This is the norm during independent writing or reading. Voice level 1 is speaking
so that the person beside you can hear you, but not necessarily everyone at your table can hear you. This is the
norm during partner work and transitions including entering and exiting the classroom. Voice level 2 is speaking
so that your table can hear you, but the next table over cannot. This is the norm during table and small group
work. Voice level 3 is the professional speaking voice. This means that everyone in the class can hear you. This
is the norm for all presentations and share-outs.
How will I know my days agenda?
The daily agenda for each class period will be posted on the whiteboard. Students are not required to write
down the days agenda, but it is helpful to refer to the board. Above the agenda you will find the lesson
objectives. Homework, reminders and announcements will be housed on the first and last slide of every day's
presentation.
When can I go to the bathroom?
As per Harding University High School administration, students should use the restroom during transitions and
during lunch. However, if you need to use the restroom during class, you may do so after the first 15 minutes of
class and before the last 15 minutes of class. If you fall into the proper window of time, you may raise two
fingers to signal Ms. Young that you need to go. When I am finished talking, I will call for an escort to walk you
to the bathroom, and you MUST sign out. Each student receives three opportunities to use the restroom per
semester.

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change due to teacher discretion and the needs of each individual block.

Will I have homework?

The purpose of homework is not to keep the student busy. The purpose of homework is to reinforce what is
being taught in the classroom and/or prepare the student for the next days lesson. Please note that some reading
assignments may have started in class and simply need to be finished at home. Students are expected to finish
readings prior to the beginning of class. The teacher will employ various mechanisms to ensure the completion
of these readings including but not limited to regular quizzes and required class work. Therefore, EXPECT
quizzes, class work, and comprehension checks.
What if I finish classwork early?
If you finish classwork early, you MUST fill out a peer evaluation sheet if you worked in a partners or a group.
If you were working with a partner or independently, you must offer help to one other classmate. THEN, you
may finish any incomplete work in your file folder, do English homework for the next day, or read silently.
Will there be opportunities to make-up work?
If a student is absent, he/she has three school days to complete missed assignments. Upon returning to school,
it is YOUR responsibility to get make up work from your file folder, which is located at the front of the room by
Ms Young's desk, for each day that you missed.
What happens if I miss class?
It is always better to be proactive. If you know you are going to be absent, make arrangements to
turn in your work on time, so that you will not fall behind. Ask me for future assignments so while you
are absent, youre able to complete them and turn them in upon your return to school.
It is your responsibility to complete any missing assignments. That means you need to find at
least two trustworthy people in class, exchange contact information and use them when you miss class.
Most assignments can be also be located on the classroom website:
www.msyoung2016-2017.weebly.com or in your file folder. A classmate at your table is responsible for putting
absentee work in your file folder before they leave.
How am I dismissed from class?
The teacher dismisses class, not the bell. Students are expected to remain in their seats until the teacher
dismisses class. The student responsible for absentee work should place the extra hand-outs in the file folders of
the students who were missing. Before leaving the table, group members are responsible for ensuring that all
materials are present in their bin at the end of the class period. There will be a reward for the tables that
maintain all of their tools throughout the semester. Then, all students must deposit their file folder in the class
bin before leaving. All students MUST leave the classroom better than they found it.
What should I do in an emergency (emergency drills, severe weather, etc.)?
In the event of an emergency drill or severe weather, students are to maintain a Voice Level 0 and follow the
procedures set forth by CMS and Harding University High School.
What do I need for class every day?
Composition Notebook (to stay in the classroom)
Pencils (to stay in the classroom)
English binder OR folder (to transport and keep important papers and assignments)
*Please note: I am here to support you. If you are unable to purchase supplies immediately, please see me.

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change due to teacher discretion and the needs of each individual block.

How will I be evaluated?

All students will start the class with an A. It is up to the individual student to maintain that A. There will be
four common assessments and at least three projects. The assessments will be included in the Formal part of
your grade (70%) while the projects, journal checks, participation, etc. will fall under Informal (30%) as per
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Excellence in these areas is crucial to your success in this class. Rubrics will
be provided for projects and journals. The portions of your grades will be as follows:
Grading Scale
100-90

80-89

70-79

60-69

Below 60

Academic Honesty:
We hold students to the highest standards of academic integrity. All class work, unless otherwise announced,
should be completed without outside or classmate assistance. To do otherwise, constitutes cheating and will be
treated as such. You will be required to write frequently and you may find it tempting to copy someone elses
work. It is in your best interest to avoid this temptation. If ANY portion of paper is borrowed from another
source without the proper citation, you will be written up for plagiarism. If you need help or guidance, I am
your best source. Please come to me with questions or concerns.

I _________________________________________ have read and understood Ms. Young's Foundations of

English I syllabus. I understand the policies and procedures as well as the consequences both positive and
negative for my adhering to these policies and procedures.
_________________________________________________
Signature

________________
Date

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change due to teacher discretion and the needs of each individual block.