ENGLISH DEPARTMENT POLICIES
The English Department has policies on the following:
At least 70% of a student’s grade is based on formal writing (in-class and out-of-class essays). Instructors evaluate essays according to course-specific rubrics (see English II, English III, AP English); all rubrics consider content as well as grammar and mechanics. Midterm and final exams comprise approximately 15% of each semester grade. The remainder of the grade is determined by quizzes, class participation, preparation, and attendance. In determining final end-of-year grades, instructors consider improvement.
Several times each academic semester, students are asked to write a short essay during a single class period. These essays often focus on the explanation and analysis of a passage.
Several times during the academic year, students write formal interpretive essays on the literature they are studying. These papers must be typed, using MLA format, and generally count more than in-class essays. Instructors do not give other homework while students are writing these papers. Students may consult instructors for extra help before these papers are due.
Each semester, students have the option of rewriting one of their out-of-class essays for the possibility of a higher grade. The English Department defines rewriting as a reworking of an essay, not a quick polish. In order to rewrite an essay, a student must meet with his or her instructor within one week of receiving the initial grade. The final grade for the assignment usually takes both grades into account.
Late papers are downgraded at least a third of a grade per day, except in the case of illness, a family emergency, or other excused absence. A student may negotiate an extension with his or her teacher at least several days before the paper is due.
The English Department does not tolerate plagiarism of any kind. See our statement on Plagiarism for more information.
The English Department gives both announced and unannounced quizzes to hold students accountable for nightly reading assignments, vocabulary, and grammar.
Students study and review grammar concepts at every grade level. Every paper stands as an assessment of a student’s grasp of grammar; therefore, a student’s essay grade reflects style and mechanics as well as content. We evaluate a student’s mastery of grammar concepts primarily through the accuracy of his or her writing but occasionally through quizzes or tests. Click any of the following links to view the grammar curriculum: English II, English III, AP English.