Classroom Procedures & Strategies for Success
Ms. Kenney
English IV
In this class we will exchange information and share ideas. There is an implied contract between us (students and teacher) to live up to each other’s expectations and create an atmosphere that encourages the spirit of scholarship. One way to insure a positive learning outcome is to be prepared and follow some basic guidelines:
1. Have your class materials with you at all times. They are as follows:
· Textbook or current novel we are reading
· Laptop computer
· Notebook of your choice
· Loose leaf paper
2. You are responsible for all work, assignments, tests, and material covered in class. If you are absent for any reason, make sure to phone or email a friend to see what you missed. Also, check my website.
3. Class will begin and end on time, and attendance is our first order of business. Make sure you’re present and accounted for.
4. If you do not understand an assignment or when it is due, ask right away. This will save you unnecessary stress and frustration.
5. Come to class prepared, make sure you have read the assigned material and have your writing assignments in hand. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Do not attempt to complete or print your homework during class time.
6. All assignments are due on the assigned date. Major writing assignments or projects will be marked down 4 points for each calendar day that it is late. If you are absent the day that a major writing assignment is due, e-mail the paper to me at skenney@ihahs.com. Please remember to identify yourself in the subject line, so as to avoid being deleted! I will send a return acknowledgement email upon receipt of your work. If you don’t receive an acknowledgement, that means I did not receive your paper.
7. All papers are to be typed, double-spaced with one inch margins. Standard MLA format is required.
8. If you miss a quiz or test, you must make it up the day you return to class, unless we have made other arrangements due to special circumstances.
9. No food or drink other than water will be permitted in class.
10. Expect a reading check quiz on anything you have been assigned to read. These will not be difficult unless you have not read the assigned material.
11. Grades will be distributed as follows:
Class Participation: 10%
Homework: 15%
Quizzes 15%
Tests: 30%
Major Writing Assignments: 30%
12. Courtesy, tolerance and respect for others is always appreciated and expected. Even if you don’t agree with their ideas, everyone has the right to be heard. Open mind required.
13. Honesty (naturally) is expected.
The kindest thing you can do for yourself is to work hard, learn the material, and become a better student and a better person in the interim. Set your standards high.