Week of November 21st, 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. 

Be thankful for all of the people who have touched your lives because they have taught you to love. Be thankful for all of your experiences because they have challenged you to become the best of who you are. Be thankful for the time you have had and make the most of the time you have.

Just be thankful.

Thank you for the time you have given me and all the memories we have created.  Thank you for continually challenging me to get the best out of you.  Thank you for all that you have given me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

English 12:  How do people come to have different view of society? Am I a part of the problem or a part of the solution?

Students will complete a culminating reflection response to Unit 2 of the textbook.  They will be asked to write an "I" response to a question pertaining to their perspective of America and whether or not they will become a part of the need for change.  Students will recognize the importance of criticism, but how constructive criticism promotes change.  Identifying problems in society are what makes this country good, but doing something about it is what makes this country great.  The written response will be an exit ticket to Tuesday's class or an entrance ticket for Wednesday's class.

Public Speaking:  Why is organization a necessary requirement for good speech writing?

Students will be required to create an Annotated Bibliography for their sources.  Identifying the validity of a source is necessary when one wants to be a respected speaker.  Being a thorough researcher helps the speech writer organize a valid, cohesive speech that the audience will be able to follow.  Knowledge of the sources and how they will be used is necessary for a successful Informative speech.  

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?

Students are 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 will need to complete one assessment a day.  They have begun Study Island assessments.  Students are continuing to strengthen skills and become proficient with the format of the standardized test.  Confidence and consistency have strongly influenced their  test taking skills.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).