Canoga Park Senior High

Classes / Homework

English 9/Strategic Literacy (Section 1)

Location: Room 504B
Teacher:

Mrs. Lisa Weber

Course Description: This course uses a research-based reading program, which begins with the sounds of individual letters and goes through the rules of syllabication and morphology in order to increase the speed and ease with which readers can decode words on a page. The more automatic their decoding becomes, the more of the readers' memories are available for comprehension, or understanding what is read. Think of it in the same way we learn to drive a car. At first it is difficult because it takes all our concentration to operate the car, with little left to watch everything else that is going on around us. As driving becomes more automatic, the better drivers we become because we are better able to watch out for the other hazards. While the students are working on their decoding skills, they are also learning other reading comprehension skills, such as visualizing, predicting, and questioning. We will also be working on writing, focusing on spelling, vocabulary, grammar and usage, punctuation, and writing "masterpiece" sentences and paragraphs. As with any skill, reading requires practice so the students' daily homework assignment is to read for 20 minutes (they may do this independently or read to another family member) and write a short (2 to 3 sentences) summary of and reaction to what they read on a reading log. These reading logs are due every Friday.

Required Supplies:
1. Students will be supplied with a three-ring binder with paper and dividers, a spiral notebook, a pencil, and a pen for use in class (these must be replaced if lost by the student.)
2. CPHS Agenda Book and CPHS ID card

Work Requirements:
1. All assigned work must be completed and turned in on time
2. If a student is absent, it is his/her own responsibility to obtain make-up work
3. Reading logs must be turned in weekly

Work Habits grade will be determined by:
1. Consistent effort and attention
2. Having required supplies daily and following class routine, including going to work immediately
3. Maintaining good attendance, avoiding unnecessary absences and tardiness
4. Careful proofreading and willingness to revise work

Cooperation grade will be determined by:
1. Consistently maintaining courteous relations with others
2. Respecting school rules including no food or electronic equipment visible in the classroom
3. Reading quietly in class when asked
4. Respecting others' right to learn
5. Your willingness to learn

Academic Grades:
Calculated by percentage of total possible points earned
100%-90% = A 89%-80% = B 79%-70% = C
69%-60% = D 59% and below is a fail

Class Rules:
1. Respect each other!!!!!! Everyone is struggling to be a better reader.
2. No talking please during drills or other instruction. Everyone must be able to hear the teacher and other students giving answers.
3. Do not call out answers unless asked. Many of our drills involve raising your hand, so I will say "thumbs up" when I'm asking for volunteers to answer questions.
4. Please do not bring in food or drinks. We will be working with different books, notebooks, and manipulatives and you won't have room for food on your tables.
5. Be ready for drills first thing, in your seat, with personal items put away.
6. Always ask questions if you don't understand something.
7. Follow the school rules of Canoga Park High School

Failure to follow the rules will result in loss of points and appropriate disciplinary action

This will be a productive year for the students and we will be working to make it a successful one.

Use this link to review grammar concepts! Sounds boring? You just might enjoy taking the sites's interactive "Self-Tests." Give it a try!!

Homework: 1

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