“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” -Frederick Douglass
Course Information
Welcome to English I! We will focus on various reading skills (such as annotating and analysis), writing (smaller pieces along with argumentative and explanatory essays), discussions (formal and informal), and grammar skills. In order to prepare for college and career readiness, it is important that you have strong time management skills. In order to develop these skills, you will have more than one day on certain assignments; however, since multiple activities will be going on, it is important that you plan and use your time wisely.
Learning Units
Our units involve short stories, poetry, and informational texts. We will explore how technology impacts our lives for better or worse. We will debate as to whether revenge can ever be justified along with what is the value of life. We will unravel how authors use certain methods to advance
their purposes and reveal their beliefs, and we will find out if love is truly stronger than hate.
Materials
● Three Ring Binder
● Loose Leaf Paper
● Tab Dividers
● Pencils/Pens
● Highlighters
● School Laptop and Charger
Grading Breakdown
In accordance with the Tennessee Board of Education, the following grading scale will be used:
100-93: A 92-85: B 84-75: C 74-70: D Below 70: F
Final grades are based on total points possible with the following categories:
Quizzes/Tests
Daily Assignments
Essays/Projects
Successful students in English I:
● Ask questions.
● Are motivated by struggles and see them as opportunities for success.
● Complete all work to the very best of their abilities.
● Understand that the skills of reading, writing, and discussion are important in every facet of life, not just English class.
● Take each piece of feedback as an opportunity to grow and strengthen skills.
● Carefully and critically analyze a text for its explicit and implicit meanings to search for greater meanings that connect to real life.
● Make connections between texts and other source materials.
Class Rules
● The rules of the school apply to the classroom.
● Be respectful. You’re in high school, so you should know how to correctly act.
● Remain on task at all times.
● Phones only allowed when teacher allows. Otherwise they need to be put away.
● Always be prepared and on time.
Dr. Schmidt's Classes 