Medford High School Mr. David Ambrose English 10: British Literature Thursday, September 20, 2012

Welcome, parents! Thank you for coming this evening. Goals for tonight: To help you understand the work we will be doing throughout the school year. To explain my expectations for my students. To share information about how you can support learning at home. To answer any questions about the course syllabus.

A Little About Me 31 years old 9 th year teaching at Medford High School English 11 Honors English 10 Honors and English 10 Standard Yearbook Proud father to Ben, who also attends school UMass Amherst ’03, B.A. English and Journalism UMass Amherst ’04, M.Ed.

Curriculum Goals To create a safe and comfortable learning environment for each student. To provide each student the opportunity to express himself/herself in a variety of appropriate and creative ways. To analyze and evaluate literature from various genres and time periods. To foster a love and appreciation for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. To prepare for standardized tests such as the MCAS and PSAT.

Common Core Curriculum What is it? How does it affect what we do? A Greater Focus on Nonfiction Reading of Literature Reading of Informational Texts Speaking and Listening Writing Language

Grading Policies Every student has the opportunity to succeed. Quarterly grades will be determined by dividing total points earned over total possible points point assignments: daily homework and classwork, participation 50 point assignments: quizzes, essay rough drafts 100 point assignments: projects, formal essays, tests Printed grade reports are available upon request. Digital grade reports are available via iParent.

Class Information Literature An overview of British literature Standardized Test Preparation PSAT (October 2012) MCAS (Spring 2013) Reading and Writing Workshop Self-selected reading, nonfictional informational texts Grammar Vocabulary

MCAS An important focus for sophomore year Graduation requirement John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Weekly preparation on Fridays Weekly vocabulary and grammar Focus on nonfiction informational texts “MCAS” “Test Items” MCAS Question of the Day A tip for MCAS success: read, read, read!

How to get Involved Please bookmark the course website. On the website, you will find the following: Current and archived homework assignments An link Examples of student work Links to help your child with homework

Index Cards Your name and your child’s name Have you been receiving s? Is there anything you want me to know so that I may be a better teacher for your child? Is there anything you would like to share about your child’s personality, interests, or previous academic experiences?

Questions? Does anyone have any questions? Parent-Teacher Conferences Following first quarter report cards

Thank you for coming!