Instructional Standards
Standard 7: Students speak with purpose to communicate clearly and effectively.
7.1 Speak for a variety of purposes and audiences
7.2 Organize appropriate speaking strategies and formats
7.3 Use content and delivery strategies appropriate to purpose and audience
Standard 8: Students listen and view to understand information.
8.1 Apply multiple comprehension and decoding strategies during listening and viewing procedures
8.2 Apply information and concepts gained from listening and viewing
Reinforcement Standards
Standard 1: Students read to understand a variety of materials.
Standard 2: Students write with purpose using strategies and mechanics to communicate.
Standard 5: Students use relevant information from print, media, and technological and other resources.

Grading Scale
A 90.0 – 100%
B 80.0 – 89.9%
C 70.0 – 79.9%
D 60.0 – 69.9%
F Below 60.0%

I do not give any grades to students... students earn their grades. At the end of the semester, you will only have yourself to praise or blame for your grade. Please take this seriously... if you come to me at the very end of the semester and ask me what you can do to pass, my reply will be, "You can enroll in summer or night school."

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Retesting
Traditional “retests” are neither appropriate nor necessary for this course.

On the rare occasion that a student needs to redo a speaking assignment, this must be done during Access within two weeks of the original due date. Once the 2 weeks have passed, you will either receive your original grade, or a zero (which ever is higher in point value). Students are responsible for providing an audience of not less than 15 people to observe their speech. The maximum grade a student may receive on a retest is a “D”.

At the instructors discretion, additional work may be required before retesting will be allowed.

Retests will NEVER be offered on written tests, quizzes or group presentations.

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*** Late Work ***
All work is expected to be completed on time. Work turned in late will be docked 50%.

If a student fails to appear on an assigned speech/presentation date, that speech/presentation will be considered late. Due to the nature of this course and full class discussions and presentations, if you miss a presentation date, that environment cannot be recreated and there is no way to make this up.

No late work will be accepted more than two weeks beyond the original due date. DO NOT ASK ME DURING CLASS WHAT YOU MISSED, THAT IS WHAT Access is FOR... please check the Website BEFORE asking what you missed. If you are confused after going through the Website, then come and ask me.

You cannot make up participation points no matter if the absence is excused or not.

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ACCESS
Whenever possible, students should attend ACCESS prior to anticipated absences (this includes school activities ~ sports, band, choir, student counsel etc.) Following absences, students are expected to attend the next scheduled ACCESS to retest, make up work, and request additional instruction when needed.

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Attendance and Tardies
Because a significant portion of the students grade in this course is based on participation and group projects, regular attendance is vital. Following the 6th absence from class for any reason other than school excused absences, students will be dropped from the class with the grade of “F”, as mandated in the GCHS school regulations.

Because tardiness to class is both disruptive and disrespectful, students are expected to be on time. Students arriving late to class will stay an extra five minutes after class. Habitual tardiness will result in increased detention after school. Students who arrive more than 20 minutes late will be counted absent. If a student is tardy, they should look to see if a classmate is speaking before entering the room. If the student enters while a classmate is speaking, the student will lose participation points for that day.

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*** Bathroom Privileges & Extra Credit ***
+ Due to excessive overuse, you will be limited to 3 bathroom passes for the semester. You will receive bathroom vouchers that you are responsible for keeping. You will receive extra credit for any unused vouchers at the end of the semester. Use them wisely!

+ Beyond the vouchers, extra credit is not offered in this course. Make sure that you take responsibility for your grades throughout the semester so you don't run into trouble during finals week.

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*** The Flag system ***
This class will utilize a flag system in order to help remind you about upcoming assignments/tests etc. Your class will have an assigned flag at the front of the room, and a corresponding colored bin. When your flag is in the fishbowl, you have something due (a speech, a test or another assignment) the next class period. Handouts will be available on the website.

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Assessments
This class will consist of a minimum of four of the following assessment tools:
1. Written Test ~ covering: NVC, the communication model, visual aides, Monroe's Motivated Sequence, proper speech construction, group communication and rhetorical fallacies
2. Persuasive Speech
3. Lincoln-Douglass Debate
4. Cross-Examination Debate
5. Public Forum Debate
6. Congressional Speaking
7. Role Playing/Simulations

While the goal is to utilize all of these tools, the number of students in class will have a great impact on if we have enough time for all of these. The final assessment will either be the congressional speaking or the formal debates.

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Other Class Expectations
+ You are responsible for your grade, there will be no passing of the buck in this class…… it is your grade = own up to it.
+ Food (including candy), drink, and chewing gum are not allowed in the classroom.
+ No electronic devices are allowed in my classroom. Don't even bring them with you. This includes, but is not limited to: iPods, walkmans, cell phones, pagers, headphones, etc. If I hear or see them, they are mine to answer and/or keep and/or turn over to the administration.
+ Hats and sunglasses must be removed upon entering the classroom.
+ Come to class prepared and ready to participate.
+ Be attentive and supportive of all class members. RESPECT!!!
+ Remember: Pride, Class, and Dignity!!!

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Email: sfrench@greeleyschools.org