Week of October 17th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do people come to have different views of society?
Students will begin work on Unit 2.  Self-reflection, historical context, and discussion are necessary for the analysis of satire.  In preparation for Chaucer's "Prologue...", the students will be required to read an explanatory text on the English Barons to understand the need for change.  They will be required to write a summary of the text identifying the thesis, the support, and the organization/structure, due on Wednesday 10/19 at the beginning of the period.  There should be no opinion or analysis. Students will then read background summaries on the focus period:  1066-1485. They will be required to pick one of the subtopics and research it.  Students will be required to create an explanatory PowePoint Presentation which will be due on Friday, October 21st.  Students will need to cite a valid website.

Public Speaking:  What are the structural elements of a speech and what strategies can be used to enhance each part?
Students will need to organize their speech, write a rough draft, edit, and practice their speeches.They will need to hand in an outline, a finalized speech, and podium cards.  Students will finalize their speeches by Thursday, October 20th..  Speeches will commence on Friday, October 21st.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 6 by Friday, October 21st. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments.