12x Class Standards
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Credo 
AP 
Freshmen Writing Skills 
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Materials Required
- The text we're discussing.
- Loose leaf notebook with binder paper. Work turned in on paper torn from spiral notebooks will not be accepted.
- #2 pencils. You never know when you'll be taking a pop Scantron quiz.
- Pens. Blue or black preferred.
Grading Policy
Grades are cumulative, not averaged. Essays and participation are 100, quizzes and short writing assignments are 10-50, other projects vary. A+=97-100%; A=94-96%; A-=90-93%, etc. I round up.
Unlike other classes, I teach this class like a college level course (which it should be). Books will be assigned a due date, the date by which the book should be completely read. Failure to complete the book by that date means that you will be unable to participate in discussion and must go to the library to read it. If it happens more than once, you may be transferred into a regular Senior English class.
Make-up
If you have excused absences, you must arrange for make-up within the number of days missed. If you are gone three days, for example, you have three more days to make the arrangements for make-up, not necessarily to do all the work. The last week of the grading period is dead week: no make-up work will be accepted except that which is missed that week.
Class Atmosphere
A very high priority for me is conducting class in an atmosphere of trust and respect. Sarcasm has no place, either from me, towards me, or towards each other. discussions where everyone agrees tend to be boring, so I will encourage differences of opinion, but will not tolerate put-downs. Talking about literature involves talking about ideas, and an open exchange of differing opinions enriches everyone.
Because learning to express verbal opinions is so valuable throughout college and as a life skill, I will assign a major grade to your participation each grading period. The following criteria constitute what I consider to be excellent participation. This grade is entirely subjective, and those of you who need help in developing effective verbal skills should see me during tutorial. As far as I'm concerned, the thoughtful and sensitive comments made by you are what make the class intellectually exciting for all of us.
- Listens critically
- Asks critical questions of the material
- Presents a thesis
- Supports thesis with specifics
- Demonstrates a willingness to assist or expand a classmate's thesis
- Respects the point of view of others
- Uses class time effectively
- Makes connections - sees relationships between and among curriculum, curent events, and personal experience
- Challenges teacher when appropriate
Due Dates
I will accept late work only if you have an excused absence. The Senior Research Paper must be turned in by 3:00pm on September 24. No exceptions. More specific information about the AP class schedule can be found here.