Ms. Mickelson

English III: English III is a combination of literature, composition, vocabulary and spelling with a focus on American literature. Literature is organized chronologically from the anthology.  Students study different styles and types of writing by author and period.  Literature from the anthology usually requires about twenty-five weeks (a semester and a half) to complete.  Two novels are also taught in this class:  The Scarlet Letter and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The novel units average about four to six weeks in length. Composition is based on the Six-Trait model. Six-Trait writing is reinforced and embellished at this level since it has been thoroughly taught in earlier English classes.  Students are required to write essays based on topics from the reading.  These essays are usually assigned at least once every two weeks and are evaluated using a Six-Trait rubric. Nebraska Reading Standards are also administered in this class. Weekly journals are required from each student.  Journal entries are posted on the board in the room.  Entry prompts are structured to provide the students with the opportunity to use a variety of writing skills and types: expository, descriptive, narrative, etc.  Students also have the opportunity to do bonus entries.  Journals are evaluated using a Six-Trait rubric. Analytical term papers are required in this class. Students are required to read a novel (not taught in class) and written by an American author who is listed in the anthology.  These papers are in the MLA style and must contain a biography of the author.  Paper length is five to seven pages.  Students have nine weeks (second nine weeks or third nine weeks) to complete these papers with a few days being allowed in class for typing, etc.  The term paper grade counts three times as a daily grade and is part (usually half) of the semester test grade.  Papers are evaluated using the Six-Trait model and assignment requirements. Weekly vocabulary units are required with tests focusing on meaning, use and spelling.  Students also have the opportunity to earn bonus points by spelling and defining bonus words put on the board at the beginning of the week. Bonus words are usually taken from a college-prep source. Multicultural Learning is addressed through discussion, writing and reading of specific literary works. Sometimes activities associated with these works are also incorporated into the class. Students receive percentage grades (100% possible) for all work. Daily work, quizzes, assigned compositions and vocabulary tests count as one grade; however, tests over most units and journals count twice in the grade book.  Final tests over novels, vocabulary book and the analytical term paper count three times.  Tests on literary units usually have a minimum of two essay questions, which are graded for form and mechanics as well as content.  Semester tests count one-seventh of the total semester average.          (By: Ms. Mickelson)