English II Syllabus 2013-14 Instructor: Deanna Eiland Elkins High School Contact Information: Phone 281-634-2600 (Office) Email

l deanna.eiland@fortbend.k12.tx.us Room 109 Conference 3rd Period Educational Background:

Masters of Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Dallas Baptist University Masters of Education: Educational Leadership, Dallas Baptist University Bachelor of Science in Education: Secondary Language Arts, New Mexico State University Associate in Education, New Mexico State University
Teaching Experience: 13 years at the High School Level Course Description: Students in this course will consider themes of diversity, identity, and acceptance of others through a study of a variety of classic, modern, and contemporary world and American literature. The course will take a process approach to the teaching of writing. Students will work to refine the writing skills developed in Freshman English. Assignments will focus on writing appropriately for different occasions, audiences, and purposes. Activities and assignments will afford students the opportunity to expand their vocabulary, refine their responses to literature and their understanding of various media, and improve their speaking, listening, and presentation skills. Writing assignments will continue to improve students' essay writing and research skills. All units incorporate skills from the state frameworks in a cumulative fashion. Students work to develop the specific frameworks skills, strive for proficiency, and continue to reinforce and maintain those skills as outlined in the framework's four strands of language, literature, composition, and media. Level one and Level 2 will be differentiated by teaching methods, the pace of the course, and the relative difficulty of materials and assignments.

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare The German Student By Washington Irving Desirees Baby by Kate Chopin

Non-Fiction Martin Luther King. Jr Annie Dillard Maya Angelou Robert Kennedy President Lincoln John F. Kennedy In addition to those mentioned above, there will be supplemental reading, including non-fiction essays and poetry. The course introduces the student to a variety of American authors. The purpose is to learn abut these authors and their particular views of the human experience, and understand better what ideas were current in their times and perhaps still are today. Through reading, writing and oral communication, students will continue to develop and refine skills in critical thinking and creative problem solving. Student Evaluation/Grading The following assignments will occur weekly over the course of the school year. Weekly Reading Grade (Silent Sustained Reading) Poetry Notes/Analysis Vocabulary Test Reading Logs Participation Course Procedures:

Outside Reading is a Requirement

Participation

1. Students will have reading from their issued literature textbook, as well as novels, essays and articles. 2. Activities will be assigned in association with the requirement.

Vocabulary Tests

1. Students are required to verbally contribute to the classroom discussion at least once a day. 1. Weekly vocabulary tests shall be administered every Friday (exception would be a four day week ending on Thursday). 2. Format of the vocabulary quizzes is verbal. 3. Student is responsible for knowing spelling, part of speech, and definition of words.

Essays/Research Papers 1. Students shall be required to write essays, as well as complete a research paper over the course of the school yea.r 2. All formal papers MUST BE TYPED. 3. Rubrics/Requiremetns shall be distributed for each writing assignment Other assignments will include: Formal testing, quizzes over literature, in class essays, one page response papers, lengthy writing projects will include a research paper and an anyalysis paper, grammar activities, class participation, presentations, and homework.

Expected Behavior and Attitude: 1. Please show respect for the teacher, your fellow classmates, and yourself. The classroom is a place where everyone should feel safe and able to participate without fear or abuse of any kind. 2. Please be in your seat reading when the bell rings.

3. Please come to class prepared to learn; this includes bringing all necessary materials. (paper, textbooks, pens, binder, etc al) 4. Please participate in classroom activities and assignments.

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Please do not throw objects of any kind in the classroom. Please do not interrupt others (speaking while another student or I am speaking). We each deserve respect and consideration when we are speaking! Please do not use profanity. Also, do not insult, badger, or tease other students.

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Please do not display insubordinate or belligerent behavior towards the teacher (verbally attacking or arguing with the teacher or refusing to follow a reasonable request). This behavior will result in a referral to the office or a phone call home. Please Do not have makeup or other personal hygiene items out during class. CD players, ipods, handheld video game systems, cellular phones, digital cameras or any other type of electronic device must be turned off and put away during class. If seen or heard these items will be confiscated and turned over to the office.

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Required Materials: I expect students to come to class prepared. This includes bringing all of the necessary materials and supplies.If students have difficulty obtaining supplies, please see me for solutions. Otherwise, it is expected that ALL students will come to class prepared with: paper Pens (blue or black ink only!), pencils and eraser Textbook/Workbook/Novel

Dear Students and Parents, My goal as a teacher is to try and create a safe non-threatening environment where each student feels comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas without the fear of ridicule from others. I believe that if this type of environment can be created then that is when we all learn from one another because we are listening and sharing openly. I feel that every student deserves a chance at a positive educational experience and no one student or group of students has the right to jeopardize that experience with poor behavior. In order to insure a positive and orderly educational environment, the following classroom guidelines are to be respected. At any time during the school year you have questions or concerns about anything please contact me either by e-mail or phone message. I have spent a lot of time planning and preparing for the upcoming school year and I am excited about teaching your student. I am looking forward to a great school year! Thank you for your cooperation, Ms. Eiland Classroom Rules: 1. Respect will be demonstrated at all times. Every student has the right

to a safe and secure classroom; you do not have the right to impede or jeopardize that in any way. Be respectful of yourself, your environment, your fellow classmates, and your teacher. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

2. Students will not prevent others from participating by shouting out answers or putting anyone down. Any behavior that disrupts the learning environment, such as horseplay, teasing or side talk will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the classroom. 3. No electronic devices! All cellphones, cd players, ipods, digital cameras, handheld video games, etc al. must be put away and turned off during class. In case of an emergency, your relatives must call the office. Devices will be confiscated if seen and will be turned over to the office.

4. No late work will be accepted! All assignments (including homework) are due at the beginning of class. 5. Students have 3 bathroom passes to use throughout the entire semester. It is suggested that students use the facilities prior to coming to class. Unused passes shall earn bonus points toward the semester grade.(Each pass not used is worth three points) Bathroom passes are excused only for a 5 minute maximum and shall result in referrals if time is exceeded. 6. No profanity!! No Exceptions!! 7. Sleep is reserved for ones home. Students who sleep in class will lose all points associated with in class activities for the day. (Silent Reading, poetry notes, reading log entry) 8. Tardiness is unacceptable because it is disruptive to the learning environment. On the fourth tardy students will receive a referral to the office. 9. The teacher dismisses class not the bell. Students need to remain seated until dismissed. Supply list for English III Lined filler paper 1 subject notebook to be used as a reading log journal Blue or black ink pens 1 ream of copy paper 1 box of Kleenex Optional items that we can use for the class: 1 bottle of hand sanitizer 1 package of construction paper

Please have supplies as soon as possible. Students will need to have paper, pen, and binder everyday in class. There may be instances where we will be working on a project and I will send home a note ahead of time to make you aware of what the student will need.