Classroom Policies

Writing 2 – Fall 2013

Classroom Policies

Classroom Conduct

·        As we explore the topics in our literature selections and the various aspects of writing, we’ll engage in whole-class and small group discussions.  Be polite and respectful of each others time and comments.

·        We only meet once a week and need to make the most of our time.  Come to class prepared and with the appropriate materials (books, notebook, pens, etc.).  Avoid unrelated and unnecessary conversations and activities that will distract us from learning.  Turn off ALL electronic devices.  (They may be confiscated until the end of the CHAT school day.)

Communication

·        Weekly updates that include the material covered and upcoming assignments will be sent to the e-mail addresses that parents submitted when registering for the class.  I will also collect e-mail addresses from students.  I prefer to communicate via e-mail, but can be reached on my cell phone if the concern is urgent.  (507/581-0270)

·        I’m using two other on-line resources: a blog and a document storage site, Dropbox.  Here’s how they will work:

–  Writing 2 – www.chatwriting2.blogspot.com.  The blog entries will contain the same information from the e-mail updates.  I’m hoping these entries will serve as a consolidation and reference for our weekly lessons for the semester.  Hopefully we can avoid forgotten assignments or missing e-mails.

–  Dropbox – www.dropbox.com.  Most of the handouts will be available on the Dropbox website.  Parents and students will receive an e-mail and be invited to view the “Writing 2” folder.  These documents can be downloaded and printed from home computers.

Homework Guidelines

·        Short writing assignments should be handed in when due, or e-mailed by midnight within 4 days of the date on which it was due.  They will also be accepted after that but with a reduction in score.

·        Keep on schedule with the reading assignments.  Students who have read the assigned portions will engage more actively, learn more effectively and enjoy more fully the class discussions.

·        Rough drafts must be handed in on time, either in class or via e-mail so that they can be corrected and handed back on time.  If a rough draft does not get handed in, the student will miss out on the opportunity to learn from mistakes.  His/her composition will be graded as a final draft.

·        Final copies of assigned essays are due at class time or by midnight of that day.  With special permission, an essay will be given an extension of up to 4 days.  Papers handed in later will receive a reduction in score.

·        Extra credit activities will be offered from time to time.  The thrust of these will be mostly “fun and interest.”  Even though the scores will be added to the cumulative scores for the class, they are not a substitute for regular assignments.

Grading Policy

·        Accumulating points is the NOT an important aspect of this class.  My goal is that students grow as learners and writers; this is not always reflected in classroom points.  However, points are a helpful indicator of diligence, improvement, and, to some extent, quality.

·        Points will be given in the following areas:

– Attendance – 1 pt. /day (However, if a student is sick or excused, adjustments will be made.)

– Participation – 5 pt. /day.  This includes good attitudes, helpful comments in the discussions, respect of others.

– Quick Writes & Vocabulary Builders – 2 pt. /day.  These exercises at the beginning of each class will not be graded for content, but will receive points for participation.

– Short writing assignments, including lists, grammar exercises, 1 paragraph answers, etc. – 5 – 10 pt. each, depending on the assignment.

– Extra Credit – 2 – 10 pt. each, depending on the assignment.

– Rough Drafts – 10 points for handing it in on time.

– Final Essays – 15 – 45 pt., depending on the specific assignment.  Essays will be graded in three areas:  Content, Organization, and Mechanics /Grammar.