Class Policies

AP English Language and Composition with Mr. James Cook                  

 

1. Know the policies that are in the Compass.

 

2. Respect

This is a college-level class. If you act like a young adult I will treat you that way, at least as much as I am able to do so within the confines of a high school. Show respect for yourself, each other, Mr. Cook, other teachers, administrators, staff members, the room (including desks, floors, walls, etc.), and the equipment (books, etc.)

3. Staying organized

·          A large three-ring master binder in which you will keep unit binders/folders from completed units and graded processed papers, projects, tests, quizzes, and homework from completed units. (Keep processed papers and projects for the entire year. Keep graded tests and quizzes for the semester. Keep returned homework assignments for the term.)

·          (Optional but recommended.) Smaller three-ring binder, pocket folder, or manila folder for each unit. I recommend using smaller binders for units so you can bring that binder to class every day but leave the heavy master binder at home.

·          The folder or binder you bring to class daily should contain a source of paper.

·          You will also be responsible for bringing whatever book(s)/text(s) we are reading to class each day.

4. Grading

30% UNIT-WORK GRADES (Formative Assessments)

These assignments assess your learning along the way.

·          This category consists of reading check quizzes (Did you read and understand?), vocabulary homework (Are you learning the words?), Collins writing types 1 & 2, blog/forum comments, steps in the writing process (pre-writing, drafts, reflections), open response writing, some student-led discussions, some teacher-led discussions, group activities, practice AP questions, etc.

·          Individual assignments (of the type cited above) will be graded using the following system:

The work is considered advanced (90-100, A-range, check-plus, 4 on 4-point rubric) if the work is complete and shows exceptionally thorough and thoughtful understanding of concepts and mastery of skills; the work is considered proficient (80-89, B-range, check, 3 on 4-point rubric) if the work is complete and meets expectations by showing sufficient understanding of concepts and mastery of skills;  the work needs improvement (65-79, C/D-range, check minus, 2 on 4-point unit) if the work is nearly complete and/or shows partial understanding of concepts/skills; the work triggers a warning (<65, F, 1 on 4-point rubric) if the work is incomplete and/or shows little to no understanding of concepts/skills.

70% END-OF-UNIT ASSESSMENT GRADES (Summative Assessments)

These assignments assess your learning after a process of learning, practice and feedback.

·          Grades on unit tests, unit projects, and papers for which you are expected to write more than one draft will count twice.

·          Grades on content quizzes, single-draft take-home essays, in-class timed essays, some graded discussions, etc. will count once.

·          Grades on independent reading products (notes, passage responses, papers) will vary in weight over the course of the year.

·          These assignments will be graded using rubrics, including nine-point the AP English Language rubric, six-point SAT essay rubric, four-point MCAS-style response rubric, discussion rubrics, and others that students will become familiar with throughout the year.

  

Note: Keep all graded or checked work in your binder or folder. Formal papers and major projects should be kept for the entire year. Graded tests and quizzes should be kept for the semester. Checked homework assignments should be kept for at least the term.

               

5. Late work

·          If you are between one and five school days late with a major assignment (a processed paper or project for example) your grade on that paper or project will be reduced by ten points.

·          If you are more than five school days late with a major assignment (processed paper or project) you may receive a passing grade (65) on that paper or project if you discuss the lateness with me , you turn the assignment in a week or more before the end of the term, and the work meets requirements.

·          Not doing a major assignment is not an option.

6. Tardiness and Truancy from Class

·          If you are late to class (meaning you arrive at your desk after the bell and after Mr. Cook has begun the day’s lesson) you may lose unit-work credit.

·          If you are late by more than seven minutes you will be marked sent to the attendance office. This is school policy as set forth in the Compass.

·          If you are discovered to have skipped class you will receive a unit-work zero for the day. You will not be able to make up any work missed on the day you skipped.

7. Absences and make-up work

·          Work missed due to absences is your responsibility. The absence policy for GHS is outlined in the Compass.

·          On the day you return to class, you will be expected to take tests, quizzes, participate, and turn in any assignments that are due on the day of return or had been due during your absence, so long as the due date was announced or posted before your absence.

Note:  These policies are subject to change.  All changes will be announced in class.  Students will cross out the changed language and write in the new.

8. Class Blogs & Emails

·          The class blog can be found at http://apenglangghs2014.blogspot.com.

·          The class Moodle site can be found at http://imoodle.imgsoftware.com/gloucester/

·          Mr. James Cook’s staff website can be found at https://sites.google.com/a/gloucesterschools.com/jcook/

·          Email questions to jcook@gloucester.k12.ma.us