English 9 (POR)

 

Course Overview:

The English 9 curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in Language Arts throughout their high school years and beyond. The curriculum is structured into thematic units which will foster growth in your child’s reading comprehension, writing, and analytical skills. Material within the curriculum provides opportunity for students to be exposed not only to multicultural literature, but also themes of human experience and self-discovery. Genres that we will cover include the novel, drama, poetry, and non-fiction essays, articles, interviews, etc. Throughout the course, there will be various assessments, both formative and summative, given for each reading to gauge students’ comprehension and skills.Students will complete the course with stronger reading and writing skills as well as the ability to analyze literary techniques. 

 

Course Goals:

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts.

2. Students will be exposed to a variety of complex literature over the course of the year.

3. Students will further develop skills and understandings focused on in previous grades.

4. Students will gain an understanding of literary and multicultural elements.

5. Students will demonstrate higher level thinking skills through written and oral work and through collaborative learning experiences. 

 

Course Units:

• Unit 1 - Reinforcing Skills Through Literary Text

• Unit 2 - Building Background and Analyzing Rhetoric through Informational Text

• Unit 3 - The Bonds Between Us: Identity and Culture

• Unit 4 - A Matter of Life or Death: Research and Holocaust

• Unit 5 - Societal Influence in The Taming of the Shrew

 

Required Materials:

1. Binder with filler paper or notebook/folder

2. Current reading materials (i.e. novels) - must bring to class everyday

3. Pens, pencils, highlighters

4. School-issued Chromebooks (please remind your child to charge each night!)

 

Use of OnCourse:

All announcements and assignments will be posted through our Classroom page on OnCourse. Students should be familiar with OnCourse from previous years. 

 

Grading:
Grade percentages are as follows: 

1. Quarterly Assessment 15%

2. All other assessments 85%

All other assessments include tests, projects, essays, quizzes, and other formative assessments that will be assigned in class. Each assignment will be given a points value when assigned. Rubrics will be provided and explained for projects and written assignments. 

 

Expectations:

1. Follow all school rules as outlined in the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.

2. Treat others the way you want to be treated - disrespectful remarks, attitudes, and bullying will not be tolerated and will result in an appropriate consequence.

3. Do not speak while someone else is speaking (teacher or student).

4. Come to class prepared and on time. 

5. Complete all work to the best of your ability and without plagiarism.

6. Turn in work on time. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to complete all missed work. 

7. Cell phone use will not be tolerated.