Advanced ESL - Level 4

Semesters I and II 2007 & 2008 for Mrs. Carolyn Bohlman

Textbooks:
The required textbooks are Focus on Grammar 4, High Intermediate text and workbook.
Supplemental materials include: All Write, The Essay--Illinois Edition, Longman
Advanced American Dictionary, and teacher handouts.

Brief description of course: Advanced ESL (Level 4) is designed for highly proficient students. While the course emphasizes grammar, it also provides integrated skill development within lessons that highlight American culture and academic content connections.

Course objectives:

Students will focus on English grammar in order to speak and write accurate English.
Students will improve their reading skills by reading and discussing articles in class, practicing how to make inferences, and studying etymology to develop vocabulary.
Students will develop writing skills by writing journals, summaries, and essays in various writing styles narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive.
Students will practice speaking skills in individual, pair or small group presentations.
Students will refine listening skills by listening for gist and for specific information.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of appropriate technology.
Students will enhance communication and team-building skills through cooperative learning.

Evaluation:

Quarter grades are based on a 100 pt. scale. Quizzes, tests, oral presentations and essays will be averaged for 80% of the grade, homework will count for 10% and class participation will be 10%.
The grading scale will be District Straight, Rounded: A =89.5 + up, B = 79.5 = up, C = 69.5 + up, D = 59.5 + up and F = below 59.5.
Three missing homework assignments during a quarter will result in a 0% for homework.
Failure to do major assignments within the quarter may result in failing the quarter.
Failure to do make-up work within two days of an absence will result in an F grade for the missing test or assignment. Extenuating circumstances can warrant additional time to make up the work at the teacher's discretion.
Student grades will be updated every two weeks and missing assignments will appear as O.
Semester grades are based on the average of the two quarter grades.

Classroom expectations are:

Attendance: Students will attend class daily and be on time for class
Preparation for class: Students will bring materials to class and do homework assignments
Behavior: Students will be on-task, cooperative, and attentive and actively participate in class
Assignments: Students will turn in work on time (late assignments are penalized by a drop in letter grade)
* Academic honesty: Students will complete all tests and assignments honestly and will not collaborate in dishonest actions. Students will not give or accept answers or assignments unless directed to by the teacher. Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will be subject to discipline as stated in the Student Handbook, p. 37.

Contact information:
Students needing extra help are encouraged to contact Mrs. Bohlman in Room 131 before or after school or by email.
She is available during the school day by appointment.

Office phone: (847) 825-4063
Email: cbohlman@maine207.org