Teacher Information:
My name is
Lora Bender. I have been teaching since
1984. My Bachelor’s Degree is from the
University of Oklahoma and I have a Master’s Degree from the University of
Central Oklahoma. I taught in Oklahoma
for 8 years and have been teaching in Texas since 1992. You can reach me by phone (469) 948-7248 or through email
at benderl@lisd.net
Objective:
Students will describe concepts of
contemporary communication theory and utilize these concepts to explain how
people process information as both senders and receivers. Students will formulate and implement strategies
for effective speaking by preparing and delivering speeches. Some outside of class research and
preparation will be required. Students
will evaluate speeches by engaging in feedback.
Students may also be required to work on an out of class group
project.
Basic Expectations:
You should be in your assigned seat ready
to work when the tardy bell rings. Bring
required materials to class everyday. Keep
hands, feet, books, objects, and rude remarks or gestures to yourself. Follow my direction. Students should sign up and come to tutoring
when help is needed. Finally, you are
expected to do the very best that you can while in my class.
Grading Policy:
Parents and students can access grades at
lisd.net. Follow instructions in the Gradebook link.
Minor Grades = 40% of the nine week
average. Minor grades include the
partner speech, prep work for speeches, notebook checks and other daily
work. Students are required to keep an
organized notebook with all assignments, note outlines and notes in it. Notebook checks will be questions over
information that should be in their notebooks.
Major Grades = 60% of their nine week
average. Major Grades will have only 6 grades There will be
one exam, and 4 speech grades. The 4
speech grades are the
Myself Speech, Hero Speech, Informative Speech and Infomercial. The infomercial will count as 2 major grades.
Tutoring:
I will be available before and after school
various times a week. I have a sign up
sheet available at the door. Students
wishing to attend before school tutoring must sign up and tell me what time
they will be there. Any student needing
after school tutoring must have signed up and be in the room by 4:10.
Make-Up Work:
Students and parents are given a syllabus
of daily activities at the beginning of the nine weeks. A calendar is kept at the front of the room
listing all daily activities and assignments in case there is a change from the
syllabus. Work missed for a planned absence is due prior to the absence. Assignments made prior to the absence but due
during the absence are due the day the student returns to class. Students will have one day for each day
absent to make up work missed while absent.
Major Speech grades are considered Long-Term Projects and students need
to follow school policy regarding these assignments. School policy regarding unexcused absences
and tardies will be utilized.
Materials Required:
Students are
responsible for bringing a folder, notebook paper, a blue or black ink pen and
the textbook to class everyday. 3
x 5 index cards are also used throughout the course. Students will also be asked to bring in one
other item such as whiteboard markers, a pack of ink pens, Students must do graded work in either
blue or black ink pen.
Late Grades:
Late grades will not be given for any speech
assignments. If a students chooses to
take a zero on a speech grade he/she must bring a note from a parent stating
that it is o.k. with them to take a zero.
If the student does not have a note then they will be required to try to
give their speech. No “redo’s” on speeches are
given. Students are expected to be
prepared to speak in front of the class almost weekly. Because of the size of the class and the
required length of some assigned speeches, not all students will be able to
speak on the same day. I will usually
take volunteers first and then randomly draw names. If the student’s name is drawn then their
speech is due. Their last individual
speech due date will be assigned Students
need to be in class on that date. Some
written work may be turned in late for partial credit.
Food and Drink:
Gum is not allowed at any time. School policy will be utilized regarding
other food and drink items.
