Grading Policy
English1 A/B English 2 A/B & English 3 A/B
This course is designed to further develop the skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Emphasis will be placed on the establishment of skills necessary to move on seamlessly to the next level of English, and there is a particular focus on expository writing, although opportunities will also include creative and reflective writing.
The Successful English Student: displays a genuine interest in knowledge for its own sake, a willingness to engage with others in a search for truth, and a delight in thinking, reading, speaking, and problem-solving. These qualities are manifest in the student's ability to read thoughtfully, to think critically, and to use language with precision and sensitivity.
Such a student exhibits academic integrity and intellectual maturity, and demonstrates a strong work ethic. The Successful English Student engages in independent learning as well as the more traditional in-class modes.
As a class member, each student not only benefits from interaction with peers, but also contributes to the enrichment of others. Together, a group of English Students creates a community of learners who enjoy the challenges of critical thinking, reading, writing, thinking, speaking, and problem solving.
Class Requirements: No single literacy activity has a more positive effect on students' comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, spelling, writing ability, and overall academic achievement than free voluntary reading. Students will read in this class every day, and the bulk of their reading will be choice reading.
In addition to reading a lot, students will build a writing portfolio for this class. You will need a binder to keep lecture notes and assignments, and you will need a spiral for journal and free writing. Do not throw anything away.
Homework Policy: My expectation is that you spend approximately 10 to 20 minutes a night working on assignments that you didn't finish in class, studying vocabulary, or reading. If you find that you are spending hours on English homework, please come and talk to me, but if you don't get in the habit of spending a little bit of time working on English every night, you will have trouble keeping your English grade up.
Grades: 80% of your academic grade will be based on standards based assessment (literature tests and writing projects). It will truly reflect your level of proficiency with respect to the skills we practice in class. 20% of your academic grade will be scores from essential skills activities; this category includes class work, class participation, and homework. This portion of your grade will reflect responsibility, effort, timeliness, and attitude.
Grading Scale
90-100% (A or 5 on the rubric scale) Usually exceeds standards-based key learning goals
80-85% (B or 4 on the rubric scale) Frequently above standards-based key learning goals
70-79% (C or 3 on the rubric scale) Regularly meets standards-based key learning goals
60-69% (D or 2 on the rubric scale) Minimally meets a few of the standards-based learning goals
59% & below(F or 1 on the rubric scale) Does not meet or even attempt to complete, assignments assessing key learning goals
In Progress Work: Students who are not yet meeting the standards necessary to pass the class will be given appropriate time to become proficient in those areas. You must meet the standard before the trimester ends or you will receive an F. All work will be graded using the rubric scale.
Cheating Policy: Please read this policy in your student handbook. Cheating, including plagiarism, is not tolerated in this class and can be grounds for failure on an assignment or the class. In order to learn, you need to engage with the assignments. Copying someone else's work is passive and will not help you learn the content. If you are having trouble, I am available to help.
Absences: If you are absent, it is up to you to get any assignments you missed. I will have daily assignments saved in a folder in my room. If you don't understand an assignment, ask a classmate or me. Failure to request work or turn it in will be reflected in your grade. You have the number of days you were absent plus one day to make up work or tests.
If you are absent on a test day, it is up to you to schedule a time to take the exam. I am available at lunch and after school.
Web Page
Please take a look at my web-page to see the information that is available for your access. In particular, please notice the page with directions for accessing your grades online. You can find my web page by going to http://www.redmond.k12.or.us/, under “Schools” select “Ridgeview High School,” and under “Teacher Pages” select “Eisenbeis, Kathleen – Language Arts.” 
