Text:  Literature, Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes - Prentice Hall Grading:  The trimester grade is based on tests, quizzes, writing assignments, other graded assignments, weekly Dirt Journal grade (click here for Dirt Guidelines), and monthly poem recitations (click here for Rubric and Monthly Poems). Homework:  While homework is not given nightly, most homework involves studying for quizzes and tests, reading and journaling in Dirt, and completing longer term assignments, such as preparing for poem recitations (3-4 weeks given) and completing writing assignments.  Completion of homework will be checked and recorded.  The completion of every 10 homework assignments will be recorded as an Effort grade in Power Grade (Effort-Hw) with "10" indicating completion of all ten homework assignments. Effort:  In addition to the effort grade reflecting homework completion, an effort grade will be given approximately every two weeks (10 pts).  This grade reflects class participation (Class participation is very important in Literature as we discuss and build comprehension of literary works.); effort on classwork, homework, and other assignments;  being prepared for class; preparedness for quizzes, tests, and poem recitations, and effort on Dirt Journal entries. Conduct:  A conduct grade (10 pts.) will be recorded in Power Grade approximately every two weeks.  This grade will reflect daily classroom conduct.