Mrs. Carcelli:  Language Arts Lab 2

                This course has been designed to help students find more success in reading and writing skills.  LAL 2 is taught by an English teacher; however, we will also look at texts that cross the curriculum into the disciplines of science and social studies.  Ultimately, our goal is to prepare all students for success on both the OGT (Ohio Graduation Test) and new PARCC (Partnership for Assessment and Readiness for College and Careers).  While it will be in addition to your regular English class, it will not be repetitive.  We will certainly help build your confidence with what you are working on in English class, but  we will also branch out with new texts, videos, games, and collaborative experiences to make you a stronger student and learner overall.

The use of technology will be an integral component to this course.  You will submit drafts of papers through GoogleDocs for review, we will employ a class blog for discussion and discovery purposes, and I will use Twitter for reminders, announcements, and the occasional deep thought.  If this technology aspect will be difficult for you due to lack of access, please let me know ASAP so that we can pursue other avenues.

TYPES OF BASIC ASSIGNMENTS TO EXPECT:  Reading assignments of various lengths and  in various  genres  Word skills exercises  Punctuation and Sentence Structure exercises  Literary Technique exploration  Blog entries  Small oral presentations over reading  Research skills  Double-entry journals  Group discovery work  Multiple choice and extended response quizzes  modeled after the state tests you will have to take

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS:            Narrative Paper  Literary Analysis Paper   Research Paper    Independent Novel Project SUPPLIES NEED 1.5” 3-ring binder

GRADING PROCEDURES:

·         All grades are based on a point system.  At the end of the grading period, all points will be added together and then divided by the total possible to obtain a percentage.

o    The grading percentages will be:

§  A                             90-100%

§  B                             80-89%

§  C                             70-79%

§  D                             60-69%

§  F                              59% or below

o    I will round a .5 up to the higher percentage.  A .4 always results in the lower grade.

o    Be aware of your grade at all times and take advantage of any extra credit offered.

o    If you do not access Progress Book often, record all grades on the Grade Log that I provide.  Knowledge of your grade is your responsibility.  Do not ask me to check it unless there is a discrepancy about which you are concerned.

·         All homework assignments are to be handed in on the day that they are due.  Failure to do so will result in an automatic loss of 50% of the total possible points for that assignment.  No assignment will be accepted for points after that.

      GRACE DAY -Every major paper/assignment will have a designated due date; however, each will be accepted 1 day after that without penalty as long as they are submitted by the beginning of that particular class period.  Any major assignment submitted after that will result in a loss of 25% of the total.  These 2 days are non-negotiable.  Unless a parent calls on the grace day with a serious, verified illness/situation, papers or major assignments must find their way to my room regardless of whether the student is in attendance or not.  Papers or projects not submitted within 5 school days after the grace day will receive a zero.  This policy makes students more accountable and compensates those who truly want to be rewarded for their hard work.

           
 EXTRA CREDIT:  No additional extra credit assignments will be presented at the end of the nine weeks.  However, you will receive bonus opportunities on quizzes, tests, and papers to boost your grade.

ABSENCES

·         All class work is to be made up within the same number of days that the student was absent.  Each student is responsible for obtaining notes and information from the days missed.  Upon return, always check your classroom bin, marked by period, to see if there are any handouts with your name on them.

SKIPPING

·         Skipping a class results in zeros for all work done in class that day or all work that was due that day.

·         Two instances of skipping result in removal from this class with an F for the year.

CLASS POLICIES

·         Each student is required to come to class with all materials for that day.  You will not be permitted out of the room for forgotten work, books, etc.

·         Restroom and clinic privileges are to be used in emergency situations only.

·         Students must remain seated until the bell rings. DO NOT line up at the door.

·         All purses, other coursework, and books must be off of your desk during instruction time.  If other subjects are out during my instruction time, you will lose all paperwork involved. 

·         Expect me to write you up for dress code violations.

·         Respect for the instructor as well as all students is expected.  Nothing less will be tolerated.

BYOD POLICY

·         You must adhere to the school BYOD policy. 

·         The key to this policy, however, is that your device is used ONLY when I say it can be. Too often, when quality learning could take place, students choose to post on social media, text, or simply distract themselves with mindless internet browsing. If we are not using devices for classroom purposes, phones will not be out.  If you choose to ignore this policy, I will confiscate the phone and principal intervention will be in order….regardless of day of the week or time of day.

CONTACTING MRS. CARCELLI

·         Questions (parental or student) and/or documents may be sent directly to me at the following email addresses.

o    poe25@aol.com OR hcarcelli@austintownschools.org

o    There will be no excuse for missing work.  If all else fails, email me your final documents as an attachment.  Save all work as rich text format (rtf) to ensure conversion…OR send it through GoogleDocs.

o    On nights before due dates, if you need me for any reason, do not attempt contact any later than 9pm; I will not get your email.

·     BLOG:

Language Arts Lab 2

fhslal2.blogspot.com (graffiti)

·         GoogleDocs:    share all documents with my poe25@aol.com account if that is what I have requested

·         Twitter: @HCpoe25