9th GRADE LITERATURE/ESOL SYLLABUS

Teacher: Mary Kendra Tippens

E-mail: Mary.Tippens@cobbk12.org
Goal: Ninth Grade Literature covers various aspects of literary contributions. In this
course, students will develop understanding of structure and meaning of works of
literature. This course will also reinforce basic skills in the area of reading and writing.
This course is based on Georgia Performance Standards, Common Core, and forms the
foundation for the rest of the English courses in High School.
Class Rules: Respect yourself, respect others, respect objects, respect time.
Reading: In this class, students will read texts from a variety of literary genres. Students
will develop initial understanding of structure and meaning of a work of literature. They
will also critique and respond to historically significant works of literature. As students
read, they will also extend their knowledge of complex and specialized vocabulary, and
utilize it in writing and speaking.
Writing: Students will use a process approach to produce coherent, multi-paragraph
compositions. Writing should convey a well-define prospective, or clearly expressed
argument. Writing should also exhibit awareness of audience and purpose. In addition,
the use of Standard English is required in writing assignment to effectively communicate
the meaning of the argument.
Listening and Speaking: Students will listen critically in order to process multiple
information sources, expand knowledge, and evaluate information. They will also deliver
polished, former presentations that reflect an awareness of audience and evidence of
critical thinking. Group work and graded class discussions will also be part of the
learning process.
Language: Students will demonstrate command of the convention of Standard English
grammar and usage in writing and speaking. The vocabulary standards focus on
understanding words and phrases, their relationship and their nuances, and on acquiring
new vocabulary, particularly general academic and domain specific.

Grading:
Your grade will be calculated as follows:
40% Reading and Literacy
30% Writing & Conventions
10% Speaking & Listening
20% End of Course Test20% EOCT (End of the Course Test).
Students are responsible for any kind of missing work. If work is not turned in, the
grade will be ZERO.
Homework:
Students will be given weekly homework. In most cases students will be given the
assignment on Monday to be completed by class on Friday.
Students will be expected to read a book of their choice for at least one hour a week.
Most weeks, students will also need to answer questions from a workbook.
Additionally, students should review every day what has been explained during class
time. When students have not completed writing assignments during class time, they will
finish their work at home.
Course Requirements:
Students must keep a notebook for class notes, handouts, and assignments.
Students need to bring the following materials everyday: paper, pencils, and pens.
Expectations:
Students need to refer to STUDENT HANDBOOK for tardy, absences, and electronic
devices. I will follow school policies regarding the above subjects. All electronic devices
must be off and out of sight.
Students and parents should check grades in SYNERGY gradebook.
Your Teacher,
Kendra Tippens
Parent(s) Signature:
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