Course Outline and Parent, Teacher and Student Contract

Course Outline and Parent, Teacher and Student Contract

Class Code and Section: L4T Subject:  ESL Literature Term: Spring 2012

Teacher: Ms. Nancy De Pas    Telephone: (718) 937-6005, ext. 104

Email: ndepas@schools.nyc.gov Blog: MsDePasL4T@blogspot.com  Analyzing Literature and everything…L4T Spring 2012

This class is an advanced English literature course designed to help you improve all your language skills and to prepare for passing the English Regents Exam. You will improve their formal and informal language, listen for information, read for comprehension, write essays and speak clearly. It is important that you are immersed in an English-speaking environment, both at home and at school, so that you will use what you learned in class and out of class, think in English, therefore write better in English and improve your fluency. This will ensure that you will do well in the class, pass the English Regents, and graduate high school.

1.      Course Goals and Objectives

·         Academic skills – improve writing summary and controlling idea paragraphs, learn how to write a critical lens essay, participate in literature circles

·         Language skills – improved verbal and written expression of English, discussion of literary ideas

·         Content – poetry, short stories, music, films, videos, excerpts of  a novel

·         Thinking skills – mastering of literary terms, analyze and critique literature,  synthesize themes found in literature across different genres

2.      Course Requirements and Expectations

• Lateness and Absences – Be on time. Attend class every day. Bring a note from your doctor or parents when you are absent. Students who are late, cut class or are absent will miss important work such as assignments, cooperative activities, quizzes and tests and therefore they will get a lower grade. Late homework is not accepted. Students are responsible to get the assignments and notes from a classmate when they are absent.
• Note-taking – Speak, read and write English in class. Copy all class notes. Keep notes, handouts and returned work in your binder. Participate and do your own work in class and at home.  
• Behavior in class –Respect yourself and others. Respect all teachers and school staff members. Do not disrupt, talk or play in class. Dress appropriately for school. No iPods, cell phones or hats are permitted. Don’t chew gum, write on the desks, apply make-up, or eat in class. Pick up and throw out your trash. Respect school furniture and equipment. If you break any school rule, you may be sent to the dean’s office and face possible suspension. If your cell phone is taken away from you, a parent will be asked to come to school to claim it.
• Use of textbooks – Textbooks will be kept in the classroom and a text book will be sent home for study and homework. Students must bring their book to school every day. He or she is not permitted to write in the book. A fine will be charged for unreturned and damaged books. 
• Class participation – Come to class prepared to learn every day. Bring your binder, pens, highlighter and dictionary/translator. Raise your hand to speak. Pay attention to the teacher and other students.

3.      Themes & Topics

• First Marking Period – the power and importance of language, the immigrant experience
• Second Marking Period – adversity, discrimination, choices
• Third Marking Period – adversity, advice, confronting challenges, independence

4.      Assessment Policy

• Homework (25%)
• Participation and Group-Work (25%)
• Exams, Essays and Quizzes (25%)
• Projects and Presentations (25%)

5.      Closing statement to parents & students

• You will use teacher-provided handouts and books: Voices in Literature Gold, English, Yes, Intermediate Level 2 and multimedia materials on the class blog
• I look forward to meeting with you at the Parent-Teacher Conferences: Friday, March 29, 2012 (6:00-8:30 PM); and Friday, March 30, 2011 (1:00-3:00 PM)
• You may contact me to discuss your child’s progress at (718) 937-6005, ext. 104   ndepas@schools.nyc.gov
• Attendance in College Now, 21^st Century After School and Saturday Programs are strongly recommended

Students, please sign. Parents, please sign that you will help your child follow the contract.

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Ms. Nancy De Pas Student’s signature _____________________________Print Name _________________

        Parent/guardian’s signature_______________________ Print Name__________________ relationship____________