English Language Arts

Ninth Grade Syllabus

WELCOME to 9th Grade English (1 and 2)! Throughout the course of this school year we will be
conducting various types of writing tasks, diving into challenging texts, and engaging in powerful
discussions or debates. Without a doubt, by the end of your freshman year of high school, you will ALL
become stronger writers, readers, listeners, and speakers.

Course Description: This course serves to provide you with integrated language arts study
through the use of writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The 9th Grade English Language Arts
Curriculum is aligned with the Common Core standards and will challenge you to critically think
about literature on a daily basis. To reach Goal One of our schools goals, we will be sure you as
scholars are thinking critically on a day to day basis. By aligning writing activities to the Common
Core Standards, your writing skills will be enhanced through analytical, argumentative, and
informative writing. As your ELA teacher, my goal is not only to promote your academic growth, but
to moreover give you the strategies and tools needed to become active citizens who use writing and
speaking to express your ideas, frustrations, conclusions, and arguments.

WHAT WILL I BE LEARNING ABOUT?

{Module 1}
Analyzing Authors Structure and how it Develops Complex Characters:
In the fall, students will read, discuss, and analyze modern and classical texts, focusing on how
complex characters develop through interactions with one another and how authors structure text
to accomplish that development. Through close readings, annotating, and dissecting the elaborate
vocabulary within these texts, students will be able to formulate multi-paragraph essays with
strong supporting evidence to solidify their claim. There will be a strong emphasis on close reading
and responding to text dependent questions, annotating text, and developing academic vocabulary
in context.

{Module 2}
Working with Evidence and Making Claims: How Do Authors Structure Texts and
Develop Ideas?
In the winter, students will engage with literature and nonfiction texts that develop central
ideas of guilt, obsession, and insanity. Using the scaffolds provided with evidence-based
analysis and debate in Module 1, students will create evidence-based claims to analyze the
development of central ideas and text structure. Students will undergo the steps of the
writing process as they revise and edit in order to strengthen their writing skills. Moreover,
students will be given discussion-based assessments that will polish their speaking and
listening skills.

{Module 3}
Building and Communicating Knowledge through Research: The Inquiry and Writing
Processes
In the spring, students engage in an inquiry-based process for research. Using the evidence-
based analysis gathered from Modules One and Two, students explore topics of interest,
gather research, and generate an evidence-based perspective to ultimately write an

Teacher Name: Mr. Anash Contact Email: anash.bhumnarain@equalitycharterschool.org

 English Language Arts
Ninth Grade Syllabus
informative/explanatory research paper that synthesizes and articulates their findings.
Students use textual analysis to surface potential topics for research, and develop and
strengthen their writing by revising and editing.

ASSESSMENT POLICIES & GRADING SYSTEM: Because it is of utmost importance that

scholars display professionalism, all assignments must be submitted in a timely fashion.
Assignments are a means of assessment and an opportunity for teachers to provide timely
and meaningful feedback to scholars. As a result ALL assignments must be handed in on
time. Assignments accepted after the due date will be subject to penalties.
Weight Types of Assessments
70% Published Essays, Projects, Presentations (group and individual), Tests &
Quizzes.
15% Class Work (Proprioceptive Writing, Do Nows, Drafts, Peer Editing,
Participation, etc.)
15% Homework

Supplies

As a way of displaying 9th grade level maturity, you will be responsible for bringing
the following items with you on a daily basis:
Writing utensils
Loose leaf paper
Reading Materials
An ELA folder
A 5 subject notebook

In order to support our classroom, please contribute one of the following:

A box of pens
A box of pencils
A box of tissues
A pack of loose leaf paper

Please bring these items to class on or before September 16, 2017.

Department Mission Statement: At ECHS an English Language Arts classroom is a space

in which all scholars are constantly challenged to develop the skills and habits that will
enable them to engage in reading and writing as a way of life. These abilities will enable
scholars to thrive and awaken their curiosity in other disciplines. This classroom will
provide scholars with the opportunity to think critically, explore speaking and listening and
various ways of expressing their learning and their thoughts about learning. These
strategies will support scholars in their college and career endeavors.

Teacher Name: Mr. Anash Contact Email: anash.bhumnarain@equalitycharterschool.org

 English Language Arts
Ninth Grade Syllabus

Discipline Policy: You are expected to follow all Equality High School guidelines while you
are in this classroom. In addition, there are some procedures that will make our time flow
more smoothly, our space more easy to share, and our work time more successful.
Be prepared (writing utensil, folder and notebook).
Start the Do-Now QUIETLY as soon as you enter the room (first 5 minutes).
Two bathroom passes per period. No bathroom first and last 10 minutes of class.
Display professionalism by wearing uniform, no hoodies and arriving to class on time.
Display integrity, no food or drinks in the classroom.
Absolutely no use of electronics in the school.

Some consequences include:

A conference with teacher.
A talk at lunch.
A meeting with the Dean.
An email to parents.
A behavior checklist.
A commitment.

Our journey through this school year may indeed be challenging, but with great effort and
persistence we will surely rise against all odds!

Teacher Name: Mr. Anash Contact Email: anash.bhumnarain@equalitycharterschool.org