Course Overview
The goal of this class is to develop reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking skills through American literature. We will read poetry, short stories, articles, novels, and plays. I am here to work with you and support you in your learning. We will develop communication skills through grammar- and vocabulary-building. Good reading and writing abilities will help you succeed throughout your life as well as prepare for upcoming SAT/ACT and TAKS exams. Please note: All students must pass the Exit-Level TAKS exam in order to graduate.
Supplies
Students need to come to class each day prepared with a 1-inch binder with 5 dividers, lined paper, and pen or pencil.
Each student will be asked to contribute one of the following items to be used for class projects:
1 pack pens (blue/black)
1 pack of colored paper
1 pack of index cards
1 pack markers or colored pencils
1 extra pack of paper
1 box Kleenex
Grading
Major grades (tests, projects, and writing assignments) make up 60% of your total grade. Daily grades (warm-ups, short assignments, and vocab) make up 40%. You can check your grade with me before or after school. Grades are always available online at anytime through Zangle on the school website. Click “Parents” then select “ParentConnect.” If you have concerns or questions about your grade, please ask promptly.
Late Assignments: Late assignments cannot receive full credit and can only be made up during an academic detention hall.
Grading Scale
90%-100% - A, 80-89% - B, 70-79% -C, 0-69% - F
Rules
The school-wide policies outlined in the student handbook regarding food, chewing, absences, cell phones, gambling, iPod’s, dress code, profanity, etc. will be enforced. Students are expected to demonstrate good behavior and follow Mrs. Brown’s classrooms rules as well as school rules:
*BE RESPECTFUL
*ACT WITH CLASS AND INTEGRITY
*PAY ATTENTION TO THE SPEAKER
*BE RESPONSIBLE
Bathroom
Each 6 weeks you will receive 3 passes for the bathroom. When all 3 passes are gone, you will not be allowed out of the class.
Communication
The best way to reach me is through e-mail at kbrown1@springisd.org. I am also available before school after school from 2:25 to 3:00 p.m.

Welcome to AP English Language and Composition, also known as English III AP. I want you to know from the very beginning that I am excited and honored to be your teacher this year. But we’re going to work. Hard. The whole year. Please expect that from this course because I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed.

Objectives
Despite the AP title of this course, we have to accomplish more than preparing you for the AP Language and Composition Exam in May. We must also use our class work to ensure that you earn commended scores on the TAKS test and that you are ready for the SAT or PSAT (and National Merit Scholarship program).

And while all of this test preparation is important, the underlying goal of each class meeting is to raise your work to the quality and rigor of the work done in college courses. It is through this challenging and gratifying preparation that you will prepare to earn college credit with either your score on the AP exam or eventually as a college student with the appropriate skills and preparation to succeed in a collegiate classroom.

Please understand that because of the GPA weight for this course, the expectations are higher. Therefore, exemption status in the spring semester is dependent upon a commended score on TAKS.

Course Information
We will read, write, and discuss regularly in this course. It is difficult to participate effectively if you do not immerse yourself in the work. This course develops your analytical skills as you identify and explain an author’s usage of rhetorical strategies and techniques. You will use these same strategies in your own writing to develop and sustain arguments at a college level.


Course Policies
You will have overlapping deadlines and assignments. Time management is your responsibility. Late work is not accepted, as per the district policy. If you do not have the work ready to hand in by the deadline, your grade is a 0.

Attendance is crucial for success in this course, so please be present and active. If you miss class, your make up work is your responsibility.

If you have a question regarding your grade, please see me at the end of class or before or after school.


Course Requirements
• Take the AP Language and Composition Exam in May.
• Supplies:
o 3-ring binder
o dividers
o 3x5 index cards
o file folders (5-pack)
• Calendar with space to write in deadlines and assignments (optional) – This is not a required item by any means, but you will have a great deal to keep track of in this course, and there is no grade leniency because you forgot a deadline.

Contact Information
Email: kbrown1@springisd.org – This is always the fastest way to get in touch with me.

Each student needs to have their parents/guardians fill out the information sheet and return to Mrs. Brown ASAP.


Student Information
Name _________________________________________________ ID _____________________

Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________________________

Home Phone ________________ Parent Email ________________________________________

Extra-Curricular Activities ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Reliable Internet Access at Home? Yes No



Student Contract

I, ________________________________, have read and understand the English III policies
(Your Name)

contained within the syllabus.


___________________________ ____________
Signature Date


Parent Contract


I, ________________________________, parent of _________________________________,
(Your Name) (Student Name)

have read and understand the English III policies contained within the syllabus.



___________________________ ____________
Signature Date

Remember, I am here to help your child succeed. Is there anything else I should know concerning your child that would help him/her better succeed in class this year?