1. 11/2/15 - Grammar A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun. You are probably familiar with personal pronouns: I, he, she, we, me, you, him, it, us, they, them. Jenny has a red shirt / She has a red shirt. “She” is replacing “Jenny.” Therefore, “she” is a personal pronoun. Possessive pronouns show ownership: mine, yours, his, hers, their(s), ours, its. The kids should stop raising their voices. Write the definition of pronoun and personal pronoun, then write a sentence that correctly uses a personal pronoun.

2. Possessive Pronoun Misuse The most common misuse of possessive pronouns is when the singular and plural forms are both used within the same sentence. Most often, the possessive pronoun “their” is used incorrectly. Everyone should make their bed. The subject, “everyone,” is singular, but the possessive pronoun, “their,” is plural. Any good parent knows that their child is the most important thing in the world. In your journal, write the above sentence, then re-write it in a correct manner.

3. Norton vs. Space-takers After we read each article aloud together, circle any statements that you agree with and underline any statements that you disagree with. Overall, which author has the most convincing argument? What makes the argument convincing? What causes the argument to lack credibility? Be ready to defend your stance.

4. Norton vs. Space-takers The class will be divided into two groups: those who support Joseph Norton and those who support Jenny While. Using the arguments and flaws that you have identified, be ready to defend your side. Do space-takers exist? If so, whose at fault for their mindset? Are students asked to perform unreasonable or unnecessary tasks as Norton suggests? What is the definition of busy work? Can useful work become busy work in the mind of students? If so, how?

5. 11/3/15 – Quick Write What role do your parents play in your education? Are they too involved? Not involved enough? Overall, do they help or hinder you when it comes to your education?

6. TeacherCenter What are the points that Key and Peele are trying to make in the “TeacherCenter” skit? What irony (a technique of indicating an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually stated) do you see within the piece? Do you agree or disagree with the ideas presented in this piece?

7. “Obama’s Homework Assignment” What flaws in our culture does Freidman identify that he believes affects the state of our schools in a negative manner? From your perspective, are the complaints made by the teachers in the article valid? Would more parent involvement improve the overall state of American education?

8. Final Thesis You now have all the information you need to decide who is most to blame for the flaws in the American education system: teachers, students, government/administrators, or parents. By the end of the class period, you MUST have a thesis that is clear, specific, and arguable. When you have your thesis written, raise your hand so I can check it.

9. 11/4/15 - Vocab Gamut (noun): an entire range or series. While trying to figure out what was wrong with her back, the swimmer visited a gamut of doctors within the network. When the opera star sang the moving piece, I went through a gamut of feelings in under ten minutes. The designer’s shoe collection runs the gamut from colorful sneakers to elegant heels. Write the word, definition, and your own example sentence using the word.

10. Persuasive Outline Each topic must relate to and support your thesis statement. For example, if your thesis statement is “Students are to blame for the faults in American education because they do not take advantage of the opportunities they are afforded,” then your four topics must each exemplify and explain what opportunities they have and how students they are not taking advantage of them. Further, your evidence must support and prove your topic statement to be valid.

11. Persuasive Outline Peer Edit You each will be given a random student’s outline. Write “Y” or “N” next to each section. Is the thesis statement clear, specific, and arguable? Is the counterargument valid? Does each topic relate to and support the thesis? Does the evidence support and prove the topic to be valid? Does each topic correctly exemplify the circled method of persuasion (ethos, pathos, or logos?).

12. Whole Class Edit I will select a random outline from the pile, read a portion of it, and we will decide as a class whether or not that portion presents the argument in a persuading fashion. If not, we will brainstorm ways in which it could be improved. The author will remain anonymous.