Basics

= Academic English 7 - The Basics = = = **Our Goal**: Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the four areas covered in the PA State Standards. We'll work on these four areas throughout the school year through the study of grammar, vocabulary, and writing. In the fourth marking period, we'll also do a unit on public speaking. Ultimately our goal is to become better communicators--clearly expressing our own ideas and understanding the ideas of others.

**Materials Needed**: Students should have a folder designated for English assignments and handouts, a notebook of some kind (composition books work well; a spiral bound notebook is fine), and a reliable supply of writing utensils (NOT markers or gel pens). Every student must bring his or her folder, notebook, pen or pencil, and agenda to every class.

**Homework**: Students will be expected to complete homework assignments in grammar or vocabulary once or twice each week. Most of our writing assignments will be completed in class, though some students may need to complete writing assignments on their own time.

**Grades**: Each graded assignment is given a point value: homework is typically 5-10 points, classwork 5-15 points, quizzes 20-25 points, writing assignments 30-50 points. A student’s marking period grade is the percentage of points earned out of the total points possible. Extra credit may be available to students who put forth an honest effort on regular assignments.

**Writing Portfolios**: Students’ graded writing assignments are stored in a portfolio that is kept in class. Portfolios will be sent home at the end of the school year.

**Absences**: It is the responsibility of the student to ask for missed work and to turn in all assignments in a timely manner while at the same time keeping up with ongoing work in class. When you miss, you must work twice as hard to get caught up, so please take your attendance seriously.

**Academic Integrity**: Students must do their own work! Copying homework assignments, cutting and pasting material into essays or projects, even receiving too much help from well meaning parents undermines the educational process and invalidates assessments. Intentional cheating is a very serious offense and will be dealt with according to school discipline policy.