Language Arts 9

Course Outline 2016-2017

Charles Spencer High School
Teacher: Ms. K. Thomas
Email: kelly.thomas@gppsd.ab.ca
Phone: (780)513-3200 ext:2828
Class Webpage: thomastheteacher.weebly.com

The aim of English Language Arts is to enable each student to understand and
appreciate language, and to use it confidently and competently in a variety of situations
for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.
By the end of the year, each student will be able to prove, with evidence, the following
statements:
When looking at a (brand new) text, can I explain my thoughts, feelings or
experiences I am having?
When I am looking at a (brand new) text, am I able to understand it, form an
opinion and then back up my opinion with evidence from the text?
How can I take ideas from one text and reorganize the information in a new
way so its understandable and effective?
How well can I create a piece of text and then go back and make it better for
my audience?
When I work with others, do I respect and support their views and ideas?
Units of Study:
Unit 1 Topic: Human Conflict
Question: What is worth fighting for?
Unit 2 Topic: Masks
Question: Does Superman wear a mask?
Unit 3 Topic: A Day in the Life.
Question: How does poetry relate to my life?
Unit 4 Topic: Portable Magic: Reading Strategies for Dummies
Question: What strategies can I use to ensure literacy in all
contexts?

Resources:
Sightlines 9
Touching Spirit Bear
Various other reading materials are provided by teacher as well as novels and
other reading material chosen by student that best fits his/her reading level
and interest.
Evaluation Breakdown:
Course Work: 80%
Provincial Achievement Exam: 20%
Provincial Achievement Dates: 20% of overall grade
Part A: May 9, 2017
Part B: June 27, 2017
Materials Needed
pens, pencils, erasers and pencil crayons
2 binder where all work, notes and assignments are kept
Page dividers will be supplied
lined and un-lined paper
highlighters and sticky notes
Assignment Policy
All formative and summative assignments and projects are expected to be handed in on
time and this is the responsibility of the student. Students have the opportunity to hand
in assignments in hard copy, by e-mail, Google Docs or by bringing in a thumb drive. All
assignments will only be accepted in the quarter it was given. For example, a personal
response given in quarter 1 will NOT be accepted in quarter 2 or 3 or 4. No penalty will
be given for late assignments; however, any assignments not handed in will be dealt
with by a phone call home and may result in having a mark of NHI will may result in a
repeat of the course.
***If ever a student needs help with a concept then a time can be set up for extra help.
Classroom Expectations
All expectations fall under the umbrella of RESPECT!
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect the Environment
Discipline Policy
It is expected that all students will come to class with the readiness to learn and do the
work required to the best of his/her ability. If a student, in any way, prohibits the learning

of any other student then the teacher may remove that student from the room in order to
have a conference about the behavior.
On rare occasions, if the violation is serious enough, students will be sent directly to the
office. Please ensure that you have read the student agenda for additional information
on what constitutes a serious violation and the schools discipline policy.
Cell Phones
Cell phones will not be permitted in the classroom but instead can be left in lockers
or left with the teacher in a basket at the front. It has become apparent that students
are unable to focus during class when phones are so close at hand. Students tend to
be fixated on texting, Facebook, Snap Chat, games etc. and are unable to focus on the
assignment, concept, idea or conversation that is happening at the time. If a cell phone
is found being used without permission it will be taken away for the duration of class. If
this error in judgement continues to happen then a parent phone call/meeting will need
to happen. There may be times when cell phones are needed for an activity but
students will be given plenty of warning before that time. If parents need to get a hold of
their child then I ask that proper channels be taken in order for that to happen. I
appreciate parents understanding and help about this matter. In a few short years, the
cell phone has become a major issue in the classroom and student learning has
suffered because of it.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the theft of ideas or words of another person and passing
them off as your own without crediting the source. Work that is copied from books,
reference texts, or the Internet will not be accepted and will receive a grade of 0%.
Requirements for High School
While completing your grade nine studies, it is important for you to keep in mind the
minimum standards required for each of the high school strands.
English 10-1
5 Credits
LA 9

English 20-1
5 Credits
>40%

English 10-2
5 Credits

English 20-2
5 Credits

English 30-1
5 Credits
>50%

English 30-2
5 Credits

Please go over this course outline thoroughly with your child to ensure that you
understand what is expected of him/her and I hope that we can all work together
to ensure your child is successful.
If you need to contact me or to get more information on assignment and projects
please use the email and/or phone number located at the top of this course
outline.

Please print and sign your name along with your most
convenient email address that I can get contact you at.
Student Name: ____________________________
Parent Name: _____________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________
Email address: _____________________________
This is an important year as it becomes the starting block for high school. It is also the last
year for writing Provincial Achievement Exams and the beginning of the preparation towards
the Provincial Diploma Exams. All information on the Provincial Achievement Exams,
including practice exams and evaluation procedures, can be found at
http://education.alberta.ca/