Prep/help periods: A4 & B3 (and daily @ 7 a.m. and until 3:30 p.m.)
in rm. 207
Welcome
to ACS! This course is designed to help
enhance students’ abilities in speaking and reading skills. Throughout the semester we will explore
various forms of speaking, including informative, persuasive, impromptu, and
group speaking modes. We will also read
a variety of materials in order to improve comprehension, understanding
figurative language, and critical thinking skills.
Homework:
The
amount of homework varies depending on the current speech or reading unit. However, most speeches require outside
preparation, which consists of gathering information/researching, organizing,
outlining, and practicing speeches.
You’ll receive a homework calendar at the beginning of each quarter
which will also be posted on my website for your convenience. The most current
assignment due date, however, are posted in class; it is your responsibility to
write them down in your planner. Be prepared and complete your assignments on
time! An Informative, 2 Persuasive,
and 1 Impromptu speech will be evaluated using the state scoring guide.
Materials
Needed:
Ø
LO Planner, calendar, or homework
notebook. Essential! Be responsible for assignments and speech
due dates!
Ø
Notebook
section or folder designated to ACS.
Ø
3
x 5 or 4 x 6 note cards (keep 10-15 with you)
Ø
Chosen
independent reading book. Bring with
you daily. Some in-class time
will be available for reading.
Technology
Applications:
Any time you are required to use
or choose to use technology applications in class (Power Point, audio,
video/dvd), you MUST check it on the class system BEFORE the day of your speech. The school’s technology is decidedly older than what you are
likely to have available to you.
Classroom Expectations:
ACS
is a required English class. Your
conduct must be controlled and respectful.
In particular:
1. Show respect for your classmates, school
property, and me or any guests. Respect
is especially important in a speech class because students need to feel
comfortable getting up in front of each other to give speeches.
2. Come to class prepared each day on
time. The tardy policy is strictly
enforced.
3. No food or drink, with the exception of
water.
4. Absolutely NO cell phones in class AT
ALL. I hear/see them; they go to
Mr. Lovelin for 24 hrs.
5. As in all classes, plagiarism (masking
another’s work as your own) is a serious offense. First offense = ZERO
on the assignment + referral and phone call home. Consequences escalate for subsequent offenses.
***In
addition, all rules and regulations stated in LOHS Student/Parent Handbook must
be followed in the classroom.
Evaluations:
100-90
= A+ - A- 89-80 = B+ - B- 79-70 = C+ - C- 69-60 = D+ - D- Below 60 = F
Each
assignment given throughout the quarter is assigned a point value. At the end of the quarter, the points earned
are totaled and divided by the total number of points possible. The resulting percentage determines the
letter grade for the quarter, running tally through the semester. Hang on to everything returned to
you; if there is a dispute with your grade, you need to provide proof. Besides your returned work, grades will be
posted online every 3 weeks.
Absences
and Make-up Work:
Success
in ACS class, as in any class, depends on regular attendance. You will be giving and listening to speeches
on a regular basis, so it is imperative that you make every effort to come to
class.
Ø
Make
up work is your responsibility.
Homework assignments and speeches follow the same policy—due the next
day, or suffer late penalties.
Ø
You
will either be assigned a date or be randomly selected to present each of your
speeches. If you are absent that day,
you must give your speech the first day that you’re back in school or suffer
the late grade.
Ø
If
you choose not to give your speech on the assigned day, you will be penalized
one full letter grade for every day the speech is late. You will also be assigned an after-school
make up period to give your speech.
Ø
If
your absence is unexcused, you will not be permitted to make up that speech and
will lose full points.