Northeast Prep Academy

English IV

COURSE SYLLABUS
2015 2016

Teacher:
Room Number:
E-Mail Address:
Remind Texts:

Brittney Otey
101

oteyb@scsk12.org OR mrs.b.otey@gmail.com

To receive class text reminders, text @oteyb483 to 81010

(You can opt-out of messages at any time by replying,
unsubscribe @nhhs9h)
Class Website:
www.oteybenglish.weebly.com

Course Description
English IV is designed to provide students with a thematic approach to literature, connecting to
universal events, culture, and individuals of notoriety. Our overall topic, British and World
Literature, will be reflected in the majority of the literary works discussed in class and students
will be able to explain how each literary work has a theme based on this topic. In addition, this
course will offer students a variety of ways in which they can improve their reading, writing,
spelling, punctuation, speaking, and listening skills. The course also offers vocabulary-building
through reading and a variety of exercises. Finally, the course provides students opportunities to
collaborate on projects and activities so that they can improve their social skills, respecting all
individuals and their differences. The course material in class will have a strong emphasis on
critical thinking and higher level learning.

Course Topics
Course topics include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Close Reading
Text Evidence
Informational Text
Literature Analysis
History, Culture, and the Author

Elizabethan England and William

Shakespeare
Persuasive Writing
Research Writing
Vocabulary
Grammar

Required Supplies

Optional Supplies

a USB drive
(4) Notebooks - We will use 5 sheets a day.
3 x 5 lined index cards 1 pack
Pencils
Pens
Something to read! (Or I will give you something from my library!)

General Course Outline

Students will read and respond to selections from the anthology Common Core Literature
(Grade 12).
Students will improve writing skills by responding to a variety of assignments linked to the
reading selections from the anthology Common Core Literature.
Students will improve writing skills by writing creative non-fiction and poetry; participating in
timed writing prompts; and writing a wide variety of formal and casual essays.
Students will fine-tune grammar skills by completing grammar activities. Students will be
required to transfer these skills over to their writing and speaking.
Students will broaden their vocabulary through the creation of vocab cards.
Students will improve their reading skills through the use of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR).
Students will broaden their knowledge of various genres of literature by reading and
writing/speaking (their choice) about an outside book (that must be cleared by the teacher)
about every other month beginning in October: drama; collection of short stories; nonfiction;
contemporary classic or classic.
Students will enhance their speaking and writing skills by completing class projects, book
reports, essays, creative writing, etc.
Students will become more at ease with collaborating with others in classroom activities and
projects.

Daily Agenda

When students come to class each day, they will be expected to complete the warm-up
activity on the board. This may include creating a vocabulary card, silent reading, or various
grammar activities.
This will be followed by the planned lesson for the day. The agenda will be written on the
board daily.
Students should expect to work from bell to bell.

Each semester will be

Grading Plan
weighted as follows:
Students will be graded using a method called
QUARTER 1
40%
Standards-Based Grading (SBG). This method
QUARTER
2

40%
will use a total points scale.
SEMESTER FINAL
20%

100%

Attendance

This course will follow the attendance policies established by Shelby County Schools.
Please see the student handbook for more details.

Tardiness

Tardiness for this class is defined as not being seated in the classroom in your correct seat
when the bell rings. Tardy students will be asked to sign the tardy sheet and will receive a

tardy slip from the office. See the student handbook for a list of disciplinary actions
regarding tardies.

Classroom Rules of Conduct

1. Come to class prepared. This includes bringing materials to class, having completed
homework ready to be turned in, etc.
2. Be in your seat and working BEFORE the bell rings.
3. When asked to be quiet, do so immediately.
4. Return all borrowed property to the lender.
5. Follow all rules in the student handbook.
* Students are required to respect other people at all times in this classroom.

Discipline Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Verbal Warning
Action Plan
Apology Letter with Parent Signature
A Visit to the Office
Scheduled Conference with Parent
*These procedures are at the discretion of Mrs. Otey.

Cell Phones

Cell phone usage in this class will not be tolerated. Please note that no verbal warnings
will be given prior to disciplinary action. Please see the student handbook for more details
on cell phone policies.
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are
welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. No part of your grade will
be based on anything other than your coursework, but it should be remembered that
attendance and behavior problems tend to reveal themselves in student coursework.
You are encouraged to take advantage of time offered by the teacher for help with
coursework or anything else connected with the course and your progress. Please see Mrs.
Otey if you would like to plan time for tutoring, group study sessions, or a conference.

COURSE SYLLABUS AGREEMENT

I, ____________________________________, have read and fully understand the class

Please print parent/guardian name

requirements and expectations given in this syllabus. I have discussed this with my
student and I support these policies.

______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date

Parents Preferred Method of Contact (please mark all that apply)

____ Email My email address is: _____________________________________________________

____ A Phone Call (or text) You can reach me at:

______________________________________________

____A Note Home with Student

____Parent/Teacher Conference (October 24, 2014)

I, ____________________________________, have read and fully understand the class

Please print student name

requirements

and expectations given in this syllabus. I am prepared to abide by these rules and policies.

______________________________________________________

Student Signature

Date

Students Preferred Method of Contact (please mark all that apply)

____ After class

____ Before school

____ After school

____ Email My email address is: _____________________________________________________