medford high school mr. david ambrose english 11 honors: american literature thursday, september 20,...
TRANSCRIPT
Medford High SchoolMr. David Ambrose
English 11 Honors: American LiteratureThursday, September 20, 2012
Welcome, parents!Thank you for coming this evening.Goals for tonight:
To help you understand the work we will be doing throughout the school year.
To explain my expectations for my students.To share information about how you can
support learning at home.To answer any questions about the course
syllabus.
A Little About Me31 years old9th year teaching at Medford High SchoolEnglish 11 HonorsEnglish 10 Honors and English 10 StandardYearbookProud father to Ben, who also attends schoolUMass Amherst ’03, B.A. English and
JournalismUMass Amherst ’04, M.Ed.
Curriculum GoalsTo create a safe and comfortable learning
environment for each student.To simulate a college English classroom by
providing students the opportunity to guide their own learning.
To analyze and evaluate American literature from various genres and literary movements.
To begin focused exploration of colleges and universities.
To prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT.
To improve students’ reading and writing skills.
Common Core CurriculumWhat is it? How does it affect what we do?A Greater Focus on NonfictionReading of LiteratureReading of Informational TextsSpeaking and ListeningWritingLanguage
Grading PoliciesEvery student has the opportunity to succeed.Quarterly grades will be determined by dividing
total points earned over total possible points.5-30 point assignments: daily homework and
classwork, participation50 point assignments: quizzes, essay rough drafts100 point assignments: projects, formal essays, tests
Printed grade reports are available upon request.Digital grade reports are available via iParent.
Class InformationLiterature
An overview of American literatureStandardized Test Preparation
PSAT (October 2012)SAT (January, March, May, June 2013)
Reading and Writing WorkshopSelf-selected reading, nonfiction informational texts
GrammarVocabulary
SAT Vocabulary “Hit Parade”In-context Vocabulary
PSAT and SATPSAT (October 2011)
A “no consequences,” realistic practice for SATNational Merit Qualifying Exam
A status which is quite prestigious$30 registration feeFriday practice sessions in classMonday lunch sessions
SAT (January, March, May, June 2012)www.collegeboard.com
Sign up for the SAT Question of the DayA tip for SAT success: read, read, read!
How to get InvolvedPlease bookmark the course website.
www.misterambrose.comOn the website, you will find the following:
Current and archived homework assignmentsAn e-mail linkExamples of student workLinks to help your child with homework
Index CardsYour name and your child’s nameHave you been receiving e-mails?Is there anything you want me to know so
that I may be a better teacher for your child?Is there anything you would like to share
about your child’s personality, interests, or previous academic experiences?
Questions?Does anyone have any questions?Parent-Teacher Conferences
Following first quarter report [email protected]
