Teacher: Ms. Pusateri

633-5288 or fepusateri@kern.org

Welcome to English 9P! This year we will study concepts in literature, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, grammar, vocabulary and much more. We will meet the objectives for this course in many ways, some of which include direct instruction, independent study, and parent participation. Monthly, students will receive a Parent Portfolio Evaluation which will outline the unit’s assignments. These are required assignments for the month; however, individualizing assignments for your student is highly encouraged. It is understood that you are a home-schooling parent and we very much support your active participation in creating assignments that meet your student’s needs. If at any time you would like to deviate from the given assignments in order to individualize a lesson for your student, please contact me. Important information about the class is noted below.

• Portfolio: The portfolio will include the work for the month. Please provide a one-inch three-ring binder with six dividers labeled as follows: (1) Reading Comprehension, (2) Vocabulary, (3) Journals, (4) Speaking/Listening, (5) Formal Writing and (6) Grammar. Parents must complete a Parent Portfolio Evaluation sheet monthly which will be turned in with the student’s portfolio. Parents must check to make sure that all assignments for each section of the portfolio are completed. The number of completed assignments should be logged over the number of possible assignments. The total points earned should be added up along with the parent signature. It is very important for parents to supervise students weekly in order to ensure that this work is completed in a timely manner.

• Weekly Assignment Sheets: Every Tuesday students will be given a weekly assignment sheet. This sheet will note what we did in class that day and what the student is expected to do for the week as well as reminders and notices. Please ask your student for this sheet so that you are aware of what needs to be done for the week.

• Attendance: Since class is held only once a week, it is very important that students attend all classes. If the student does not contact the teacher to make-up the work by the end of the week, grades for missed work will be logged as zeroes.

• Materials: We will be using a textbook, The Language of Literature, as well as novels which will be checked out to students. Please make sure that students bring books, paper, pens, and portfolios to class each week.

• Grades: Grades are determined by a point system and follow the standard percentages for letter grades. Generally, grades are weighted as follows:

o Tests and Oral Presentations = 30%

o Portfolio = 30%

o Formal Essays = 20%

o Quizzes/Class assignments = 20%

• Parent’s Duties: Since it is the parent’s job of supervising the student’s work daily, it is important to stay informed about what must be done. Please refer to the weekly assignment sheet for this information. The Parent Portfolio Evaluation sheet notes the required assignments for the month. (Please note that the speaking/listening section requires students to practice their oral presentation for parents and together fill out a response sheet. As well, the formal writing section requires students to have read their essays out loud to parents.) Once all work is reviewed, parents should fill out the Parent Portfolio sheet and determine the points their student earned for that unit.

• Student’s Duties: Students are given a great deal of freedom and independence in this program since they are not required to be supervised by the school every day. With that freedom comes responsibility. Students must be organized, self-motivated, and self-directed in order to be successful in this program. As well, communication is vital. Students must understand that their parents have dual roles as parents and teachers in this educational setting. The student must communicate with parents and the class teacher if there are any questions, concerns, etc.

• Teacher’s Duties: The class teacher is responsible for providing direct instruction, objectives, assignments, resources, and assessing students’ mastery of the objectives. As well, the teacher will maintain records for grades and send monthly progress reports home with the students. The teacher is available during office hours, by phone or e-mail for both students and parents.