Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn in written work late?
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period after which the assignment will be considered late. Late work will be accepted one day late with a 50% point deduction. After one day, late assignments will not be accepted. Often on assignments given well in advance, no late work will be accepted. I will announce this when the assignment is given. Of course, all written work must be in blue or black ink; all essays and out-of-class papers typed or word processed. Remember, though, if you are on campus during the day but not in my class for some reason, your work is still due. Turn it in to me in the English Office or my mailbox in the main office.Back to Top
How do I make up work when I'm absent?
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to see me about make- ups. Contact me before school or before or after your class. Generally, no class time will be taken for make-ups, unless it is the last, best resort in my judgment. Remember you are also responsible for any material covered in class during your absence. Cultivate a friendship with a classmate in order to get the notes from missed classes, and always check your folder for handouts given while you were gone.Back to Top
May I rewrite my papers if I am not satisifed with the grade?
Often you will be allowed (even encouraged) for rewrite your papers. This is not just to improve your grade but to improve your WRITING. I will probably ask you to visit Lincoln-Way North's Writing Center before you rewrite. I will be in the Writing Center during 3rd Period, but you can get feedback on your writing any period it is open from a teacher or student tutor before you rewrite.Back to Top
How can I keep up to date on my grade?
Lincoln-Way has an online grading system, and you can use your student I.D. and password to access these grades. Your parents will have their own password to access your grades. I try to keep grades as current as possible so they are meaningful. You may also want to keep your own gradesheet for this class in your folder or notebook.Back to Top
Why will I keep my papers in a folder or portfolio in the classroom?
Each student will have a folder or portfolio in a file bin in my classroom. Your folder will be filed alphabetically under your class period. This folder will hold all your graded papers. This is also the place I will put handouts on days you are absent. Your portfolio serves many purposes, not the least of which is keeping an accurate record of your graded work and giving us a basis for discussion about your written work when we conference. If I make a mistake recording a grade, we can always look back to your folder to find the correct grade. I think you'll come to depend on your folder as much as I do as the year goes on.Back to Top
Can I do extra credit work to improve my grade?
From time to time in class, and occasionally on tests, I will offer extra credit. These opportunities will be available to every student in the class. Extra credit should not be considered a crutch to replace effort on required work and will not be offered to students on an individual basis.Back to Top
How do you figure grades in this class?
Your grade is figured on the total number of points you earn each quarter on various assignments--homework, quizzes, tests, papers, and participation in various activities in class. The all-school grading scale is used. I will file grades at least eight times during the year (progress notices, quarter, and semester). Your semester grade is determined by the first quarter grade (40%) and the second quarter grade (40%) plus the semester exam (20%). Students may want to keep a record of their own grades, and I will provide you with a grade sheet form for this purpose.Back to Top
Do I have to make up work when I have a pre-excuse?
Absolutely! Pre-excuses just mean you know ahead of time that you will be absent. If you are going to be pre-excused, you should see me before the absence so that make-up work can be arranged. Whenever possible, work should be turned in before the absence. Just like any absence, pre-excuses require you to get the notes from missed classes and check your folder for handouts.Back to Top
Will there be a lot of homework in this class?
It is a popular misconception that students don't benefit from homework. Accept homework as essential. There will be some kind of homework (often reading and preparing for tomorrow's discussion or seminar) almost every night.Back to Top
Why do we follow a thematic approach to teaching literature?
Using a thematic approach (rather than presenting material chronologically)gives a framework for exploring essential questions and enduring understandings and promotes student- centered inquiry. Using a thematic approach also affords opportunities to make interdisciplinary connections between what we'll be learning in this class and what you'll be learning in your other classes.Back to Top
Why do we study vocabulary in this class?
Research shows that the students with large vocabularies do the best in all their classes, both in high school and college. When we formally study vocabulary, we are seeking to enlarge the recognition vocabulary. The recognition vocabulary is made up of those words we recognize and understand but may or may not use in writing or speaking. Having a large recognition vocabulary enables students to understand what they read in all their classes.Back to Top
What should I do if I begin to feel overwhelmed by the work in this class?
Understand that the kind of thinking that we'll be asking you to do this year may be new and difficult. It is not unusual for some students to need of a number of weeks of persistent effort to initiate understanding. Sometimes students who have done well in most of their other classes have an overly optimistic view of their memory and are reluctant to take class notes, booknote their texts, or even study for tests. Don't worry--you will have plenty of resources in your own reading, your class notes, your fellow students, and your teacher. Please do not be upset with me if I refer you to the dictionary or a critical source when you ask a question. One of our main goals this year is to enable you to become more independent in your learning. Sometimes students become frustrated with me when I answer their question with yet another question or send them to an outside source to seek the answer themselves. Please be patient with me when I do this. Be sure that you can find the answer if you use the resource at hand.Back to Top
Where can I go for extra help in this class or in my other classes?
Lincoln-Way provides several options for students to get extra help. During advisory period, students may go directly to Academic Assistance to get help in most of their subject areas. There will be a teacher there to help them, and often student tutors are available as well. In addition to Academic Assistance, Lincoln-Way North has a Writing Center for students seeking help with their writing in ANY subject area. Students may sign up ahead of time, get a pass from their teacher, or drop in for help. The best way to insure getting help is to sign up a day or two ahead of time. That insures the tutor will hold a spot just for you. To get academic help in English make your way to the Writing Center which is located in Room 200 right in the library. If you need help in another academic area, you'll find help in Room 228.Back to Top