Matthew Beard

English Language Arts Grade 9

matthew.beard@hck12.net

Welcome to English Language Arts! During this class we will explore a variety of literary topics and apply our writing, speaking, and reading skills as we analyze the immense field literature. We will also further our skills with developing ideas and basing those ideas in textual evidence. We will read short stories, plays, poems, and even novels, so hopefully by the end of the class you will be well versed in various literary masterpieces. 


Required Materials

Springboard English Language Arts I Textbook (provided in class)

Student’s personal Chromebook (provided by the school)

Writing utensils

Notebook paper


Just ask if you need any materials for class!


Rules and Expectations

All the rules which apply to the school abroad (please see handbook) will also be enforced in this classroom. In addition to school rules, I ask you to please adhere to the following:

  1. Please be respectful to everyone in the classroom

  2. Please throw away all trash in the proper waste disposal bins. Throwing trash on the floor is a violation of rule 1 since it is disrespectful.

  3. Please raise your hand to speak. This helps to prevent us all from talking over each other. 

  4. Ask the teacher before leaving class


Food and Drink Policy

Students will follow the rules applying to food and drink according to the school handbook. Students can have water to drink during class, but no sugary beverages. 


Technology Policy

Use of cell phones during class is PROHIBITED unless otherwise directed. 

Students must bring their fully-charged Chromebooks to class everyday. We will be working on many assignments which require the use of a laptop, so please come to class prepared. 


Grading Policy

All assignments should be submitted by the due date at the beginning of class. All late assignments will receive -5 points for every day the assignment is late. NOTE: assignments which are late due to absence or extenuating circumstances will not be penalized. 


Grade Scale:

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

Below 60 F


Grade Weight:


Tests: 40%

Daily work: 60%


Note: Tests consist of projects, essays, traditional tests, and presentations. Daily work consists of participation, homework, and other class activities and group work  


***The End of Course exam (EOC) will count as 20% of the final grade. At the end of the semester all tests and assignments graded by Mr. Beard will be weighted as 80% of the final grade and the EOC will consist of the final 20%. Feel free to contact me with any questions***


AI Policy

Unless otherwise directed, use of AI software to complete assignments or write essays is strictly prohibited. Any assignment created with AI will be counted as a ZERO unless the student opts to redo the assignment. If they choose to redo the assignment, the grade for that assignment will be given -15 points on top of the normal grade. 





*All students will be respected and fully accommodated in this classroom. Discrimination for any reason is strictly prohibited and any instances of discriminatory conduct will be met with disciplinary action. If you feel Mr. Beard is discriminating towards you in any way, please contact the school administration.