English Language Arts 4 (Grade 9-12)

In this class, we will explore use of the English language through reading (Informational, poetic, and literary), writing (formal and informal), discussion, and critical thinking. This class is designed to supplement and assist parents in meeting California state CORE standards for language arts, in addition to meeting A-G college requirements.  

Parents: This class will include reading and writing that must be completed at home. Assignments will be given recommended grading and returned via Canvas. If students need additional time to work on projects due to significant absences, please contact me so that we can discuss possible solutions.

Students: I am a very tech-savvy instructor, and I take plagiarism very seriously. I will be using multiple plagiarism checkers with AI detection to ensure that your papers are in fact, your own original work. Blatant plagiarism will result in an automatic failure of the assignment and a sit down with your parent(s)/Guardian.

Recommended Grading:

As an enrichment facilitator, I do not grade your students. You and/or your child’s assigned charter teacher will determine your student's final grade for the subject year. However, I will provide a recommended grade for student work performed in my class. Grades can be accessed by creating a parent or teacher account to observe your child’s progress in Canvas. Recommended grades will be given as a percentage based on work completed and participation in the course.

Canvas Learning platform:

I use the Canvas learning platform to provide feedback and recommended assignment grades. Additionally, I will upload classroom handouts and assignment details that you can access if your student loses something and needs a new one. Students will each need an account. Parents, you can also create an account, and I can set you up to monitor your child’s progress in Canvas. Register using the links below:

This course has enabled open enrollment. Students can self-enroll in the course through this URL: https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/D3G9B4.  Alternatively, you can sign up at https://canvas.instructure.com/register and use the following join code: D3G9B4

Quarterly Assignments: 

Each Quarter Students will be given a special assignment to work on the length of the quarter. Assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. on the Friday of the week they are due.

Q1 – Informative Essay 

Q2 – Compare and contrast essay 

Q3 – Research Paper 

Q4 – Narrative Writing 

End of Course Portfolio

Throughout the Fall and Spring Semesters, students will complete a portfolio for the end-of-course project. This portfolio will be a survey of their best work and may be presented to the student’s HST. This portfolio will be used to help the student and HST reflect on what they have learned. See in class handout or Canvas for full details

Quizzes: 

Quizzes will be given every other week to check reading comprehension, spelling, and learning topics from class

Student Journal: 

Students must bring a composition notebook or other journal to class. Class will often begin with a 10-minute freewriting session. Journals will be collected at random times throughout the year to check for participation. Journals will not be graded on the content or structure, these checks are simply graded on engagement and participation.

Attendance 

As we only meet two times weekly, attendance is incredibly important for students to remain on pace in this course. Students may miss up to 4 times without a negative impact on their grades. Beyond that, attendance grades will be figured out on a case-by-case basis. All absences will be marked in Canvas during the semester for tracking purposes. The attendance percentage will then be adjusted at the end of the semester.

Student Engagement and participation 

Throughout our class, we will engage in discussions on the various course topics. Respectful engagement with critical thinking and debate is encouraged. Engagement is factored into the classwork grade and extra credit points may also be awarded for participation and leadership. 

Required Texts: 

Students will need the following novels to read together in class and at home. Please purchase the editions below by searching by ISBN to ensure students have the correct page numbers for class assignments and reading.

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin – Q1 Fall – ISBN 978-1505583069

Frankenstein – Q2 Fall – ISBN 978-0486282114

Out of the Silent Planet – Q3 – Spring – ISBN 978-0743234900

To Kill a Mockingbird – Q4 – Spring – ISBN 978-0060935467

Extra Credit Assignment: 

During Outdoor Week on Week 8 and Week 22, there will be an optional short essay assignment for extra credit points. This is a great opportunity for students that have lost a few points here and there. See in class handouts or Canvas for full details.