Mrs.

White High School English Grades 11 & 12

Email: dwhite@graceacademyfl.org


Course Overview:

Students explore a variety of nonfiction and fiction selections including biographies, short
stories, novels, drama, and poetry. They expand vocabulary including their understanding
of literary terms. Opportunities will be provided for students to practice in order to increase
their ability to analyze and interpret information from a variety of reading, listening, and
viewing selections. Students write essays based on the selections as well as analyses of
literature and are introduced to the research process. Students will be required to use
technology to submit assignments or complete projects. Students will also receive College
and Career Advising Services.

Course Requirements
1. Active Participation in class, group and individual activities.
2. Completion of all class and homework assignments
3. Maintenance of folders and journals with clear note takings.
4. Successful completion of tests, quizzes and projects.
5. Students are punctual to class and attend class every day.

Relevance
This course will foster students ability to read critically, write effectively, and communicate
efficiently, providing the foundation for career and post-secondary opportunities.


Major Units:
Foundations of High School English
Drama
Poetry/Mythology
The Novel
Nonfiction reading, grammar practice and vocabulary will be included throughout all
major units.
SAT/ACT Preparation
Resume Building

Reading Selections:
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Othello by William Shakespeare
Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Animal Farm by George Orwell
A variety of poems and non-fiction selections


Writing Assessments:
Personal narrative
Response to literature writing
Research writing
Informative essay
Argumentative essay
Journal Folder Review
College Essay Review
Materials Needed:
3-prong, 2-Pocket Folder (2)
loose-leaf paper
Composition Book
One Subject Notebook
blue/black ink pens, pencils, highlighters

Standards and Benchmarks for high school English can be found
at: http://www.corestandards.org

*Turning in work on time will result in speedy and helpful feedback from your teacher
and will keep you up-to-date in the class and prepare you for final assessments. We
will be practicing responsible work habits throughout the year.

Expectations:

Our classroom will be a comfortable and safe place for all who enter. No one will be
allowed to interrupt your learning. Each of you deserves a place to work that can
sometimes be quiet and peaceful and at other times be fun and interactive. I fully expect
each of my students to know what is appropriate, and if you are not sure, we will teach you.

All school rules will be enforced: all electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight;
no hats or food are allowed.

Communication:

Please keep in touch with us. If you are struggling, or if you need more of a challenge,
please let us know. You can also email us at any time, especially if you have questions from
home. We hope your parents will do the same!

Grading Scale:

100 90% = A 89 80% = B 79 70% = C 69 60% = D

Class work will be weighted as follows:

Class Participation 10%
Homework 10%
Quizzes 10%
Journal/Folder Review 10%
Tests/Exams 20%
Assignments 20%
Projects 20%
____
100%
Pre-College Activities
College and University Research
College Education Goals
SAT/ACT Preparation and Testing
Reviewing College Essays and Applications
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Preparing for College Interviews
Helping to plan Campus Visit Itineraries
Helping Students Formulate Appropriate Academic Goals
Establish a Standardize Testing Schedule
Pre-Career Activities
Career Goals
Filling out job applications
Creating a Resume
Creating a Cover Letter
Dressing Properly for an Interview
Calculating a Monthly Budget