Syllabus+AP+English



Here are some additions to the paper copy of the syllabus I gave you in class.

I personally view grades as a necessary evil of formalized schooling. I prefer a world where all individuals willingly seek knowledge and enlightenment for the pure joy of better understanding one's self and the world. But, alas, I am a realist and realize fully that in this flawed world, grades are important to students, to parents, and to colleges--despite the recent epidemic of grade inflation that continues to plague American schools, both high schools and colleges.

That said, expect to use assessments in this class as a tool to gauge your learning, track your progress, and target areas needing improvement. Your grade in this class will hopefully reflect the degree to which you understand the key concepts and have acquired the skills and strategies unique to English 11. You can expect few "traditional" tests as that's not what readers and writers do in the real world. You can expect to do lots of reading and lots of writing and lots of publishing and presenting of your ideas and responses. You can expect assessments that evaluate your progress from beginning to end in all these tasks.

Because you all will take the AP English Language exam in the spring (and receive college credit for this course if you score a passing grade!), we will frequently complete timed writings in class and practice timed multiple-choice reading passages. You will--almost always--have the opportunity to revise (to improve your grade) what you compose in class. We'll use the AP nine-point rubric for most compositions. Read more about the AP rubric.

I have devised this grading formula (the fairest I could muster) to calculate the magical number that appears on your report card, which translates to the letter grade that appears on your transcript: We will frame our lessons around BIG IDEAS. As we explore big issues that you will hopefully find interesting, we will grow our reading, writing, thinking, communicating, collaborating, presenting skills and strategies. Read more about the skills and strategies we'll target.
 * **Your In-Class Labor 40% **
 * This encompasses the reading, writing, discussing, inquiring, planning, developing, creating (you get the picture?) you do while in class.
 * This work will be evaluated by yourself, your peers, and by me using self-assessment checklists, rubrics, written reflections, teacher observations.
 * Grades will reflect the //quality// of your ideas, efforts, collaborations, self-directed task management--not just the //completion// of assignments.
 * **Your Published Work & Exams 40% **
 * **This includes polished pieces, culminating projects, presentations, and quizzes and exams. **
 * We will always assess the //quality--//never simply the //completion--o//f your work.
 * **Your Portfolio 20% **
 * **Housed on your individual blog, your portfolio will showcase artifacts of your labor, publications, and presentations. **
 * **It will also give you the opportunity to reflect on your learning and progress. **

I could choose all the BIG IDEAS, but I've decided to let you choose!