1. Welcome to Mrs. Cottrill’s Debate Class!
First Day of School
September 3, 2013

2. Today…
Introduction of the course
Syllabus
Student Information Sheet

3. What to expect…
Research
Reading
Writing
Speaking

4. Mrs. Cottrill’s Syllabus
Procedures and Expectations
September 3, 2012

5. Grading scale A: 93.0-100.0 C: 73.0-76.9 A-: 90.0-92.9 C-: 70.0-72.9
B+: D+:
B: D:
B-: D-:
C+: E:
Grade Contract
Semester grades
Each marking period = 40%
Exam = 20%
Figured by percentages

6. Late Work Late work is NOT tolerated. Small Assignments
Large Assignments
Missing Work Slip

7. Missing class Check the missing work binder Excused absence
1 day/day missed + 1
Unexcused absence
No credit
Quizzes and tests
Made up within 1 week of return
Wednesday office hours or by appointment
After 1 week earn a 0

8. Other
Test Corrections/Redos
Extra Credit
Online grades

9. Formal Debate Procedures
The round order will be determined prior to the beginning of the first debate.
The round order will be followed unless a round has to be postponed due to absences.
If we must skip a round due to absences, we will proceed to the next round and so on.
All debaters are expected to be prepared to debate on the first day of rounds – even if you are not scheduled to debate!
A copy of all necessary evidence/projects should be kept in the classroom at all times.

10. Debates and Absences
If one affirmative debater is absent, the round goes on.
If one negative debater is absent, the round goes on.
If one affirmative and one negative debater are absent, the round will go on.
If both affirmative debaters are absent, the round will be postponed until the next day (or until the replacement round is completed).
If both negative debaters are absent, the round will be postponed until the next day (or until the replacement round is completed).

11. Being Unprepared/Absence Penalties
IF YOU ARE PRESENT ON THE DAY OF A DEBATE AND CHOOSE NOT TO PRESENT, YOU WILL EARN A ZERO FOR THE ASSIGNMENT. IT WILL HAVE A SEVERE IMPACT ON YOUR GRADE.
IF YOU HAVE AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE THE DAY OF A DEBATE, YOU WILL EARN A ZERO FOR THE ASSIGNMENT. IT WILL HAVE A SEVERE IMPACT ON YOUR GRADE.

12. Expectations
When I am ready to begin, students are in their seats with their notebooks open, ready to learn. If there was homework, it is out and ready to be checked or turned in.
Attendance in class means that students are here both physically AND mentally.
This also means no putting your head down and/or sleeping.
Class will be dismissed by the teacher. This means students will not pack up early or leave when the bell rings UNLESS told to do so by the teacher.
Students and the teacher will treat everyone and everything with respect.

13. Consequences If you CHOOSE to behave inappropriately…
Individual conference
Phone call home
Referral to the office

14. Required materials Text as required by the day’s activities
Completed homework, if there was any
3 ring binder
Pen and pencil
Highlighter
Post-it Notes
CD-ROM/thumb drive/jump drive

15. I’m looking forward to a great semester
I’m looking forward to a great semester. Please come to me if you need help or have questions. The clock is ticking. Will you be ready?