ACT Prep & College Essays, 2019

Classroom Policies

Classroom Conduct

·        As we explore the topics in our literature selections and the various aspects of writing, we’ll engage in whole-class and small group discussions.  Be polite and respectful of each other’s time and comments.

·        We only meet once a week and need to make the most of our time.  Come to class prepared and with the appropriate materials (books, notebook, pens, etc.).  Avoid unrelated and unnecessary conversations and activities that will distract us from learning.  Turn off ALL electronic devices.  (They may be confiscated until the end of the CHAT school day.  Please see the CHAT Code of Conduct for specific guidelines.)

Communication

·        Weekly updates that include the material covered and upcoming assignments will be sent to the e-mail addresses that parents submitted when registering for the class.  I will also collect e-mail addresses from students.  I prefer to communicate via e-mail, but can be reached on my cell phone if the concern is urgent.  (507/581-0270)

·        I’m using two other on-line resources: a blog and Google Drive as a document storage site.  Here’s how they will work:

–  ACT Prep & College Essays Blog–The blog entries will contain the same information from the e-mail updates.  These entries will serve as a consolidation and reference for our weekly lessons for the semester.  Hopefully we can avoid forgotten assignments or missing e-mails.  If students or parents are unsure about an assignment, they have two places to go to find the information.

–  Google Drive –Most of the handouts will be available on a shared folder in Google Drive either as Word documents or PDF files.  Parents and students will receive an e-mail and be invited to view the “ACT Prep & College Essays Student” folder.  These documents can be downloaded and printed from home computers.

–  MyGradeBook – www.mygradebook.com. This is an online grade book on which I will enter the grades and scores for completed assignments.  Parents and students can log in to check progress.  Note:  Scores may not be immediately added to the website; feel free to contact me for any questions.

Homework Guidelines

·        Students will be assigned chapters in the Cracking the ACT after we’ve discussed them in class.  Each chapter has at least one drill that the student should complete.  In addition to a few short assignments, students will also take practice tests for each of the sections of the ACT and write practice essays.  These assignments should be handed in the week after they are assigned.  Unless arrangements have been made with Mrs. Prichard, any assignments handed in after this time will be considered late.  While a lot of grace and patience will be given for overdue homework, students must show effort and must communicate about any difficulties they are having.  Please see the Late Homework Guidelines below.

·        Keep on schedule with the reading assignments and the review topics.  Be active readers – the more you put in, the more ready you will be for the tests. 

·        Extra credit activities will be offered from time to time.  The thrust of these will be mostly “fun and interest.”  Even though the scores will be added to the cumulative scores for the class, they are not a substitute for regular assignments.

Late Homework Guidelines

·        Homework is most useful when it is completed by the due date. 

·        Any homework handed in more than 2 weeks late will not be scored.  For example, if a worksheet is assigned in Week 2 and due Week 3, it will not be accepted after Week 5.

·        If a student is absent due to an illness or family situation, parents should contact me.  Extensions       will be given in these circumstances.

Grading Policy

·        Accumulating points is the NOT an important aspect of this class.  My goal is that students grow as learners and are ready to take the ACT and  to write those college-related essays; this is not always reflected in classroom points.  However, points are a helpful indicator of diligence, improvement, and, to some extent, quality.

·        Points will be given in the following areas:

–  Quick Writes & Vocabulary Builders – 5 pt. /day.  These exercises at the beginning of each class will not be graded for content, but will receive points for participation.

–  Short assignments that include college search worksheets, interest surveys, brainstorming, etc. – points are dependent on the assignment.

–  Extra Credit – 2 – 10 pt. each, depending on the assignment.

–  Chapter Drills – 15 pt. for each

–  Practice ACT tests – 25 pt. per section

–  SAT and ACT practice essays – 25 pt. per essay

–  College Application Essay – 25 pt. per essay