The student's grade in the class will be calculated from the standards: 40% formal essays, 25% timed writings, 10% speeches, as well as 25% homework/classwork which is designed to improve the student's reading and writing. The English program is literature-based, and the student's understanding of the reading selections will be assessed through the assignments below.

I. Writing Standards: All juniors must write the two essays listed below at a "4" or better on the Helix Writing Rubric. All essays will be scored according to the Helix Writing Rubric. The research paper must earn 68 points on the research paper rubric. Students should save all graded drafts of each essay for the portfolio.

II. Timed Writing Standards: Juniors will write 6 to 10 timed writings. Students must earn two “4’s” on the Helix Writing Rubric. Timed writings assess the student's understanding the required reading, his/her ability to interpret fiction or non-fiction, and his/her ability to compose in a limited time-frame. Students should save all graded timed writings for the portfolio.

III. Reading Standards: Students will read a minimum of three novels and a selection of published essays. The reading will be assessed through timed writings, formal essays, oral presentations, or other projects that assess the student's ability to interpret the reading selections.

Selected titles:

IV. Speech standards: Juniors will perform two formal presentations, one from 3-5 minutes, the other from 4-6 minutes. One speech must be research-based. Students must create and use a visual aid in each presentation. Both speeches must earn 72 points on the Helix Presentation Evaluation to meet the standard.

V. Reflective Project: Students will demonstrate reflective skills by reviewing their coursework. The reflection should include the formal essays and research paper, two or more timed writings, and one speech evaluation. This project may be assigned in any form determined by the teacher, for example, an essay, a speech, a business letter, or a portfolio.

VI. Homework/Classwork: While not a standard, strictly speaking, homework and classwork constitute 25% of the student's grade in English 5/6C. Usually, scores below 70% on homework and classwork reflect a lack of commitment to the course. Passing the writing, literature and speaking competencies is extremely difficult without a strong commitment to regular homework and classwork.

Students must meet all of the Junior English Performance Standards and earn 65% or better to pass the course. Students who do not pass the course will be required to repeat the course in summer school.

I have reviewed the Junior English Performance Standards with my child, and I understand that he/she must meet each standard and earn 65% or better to pass English 5C and 6C.