Since it is the new semester, the rigor of the class will increase. As you all may know, I am a firm believer that we develop more when we are taken out of our comfort zones.
So, what does this mean?
Well, there will be more supplemental material/assignments, such as Edmodo conversations, and testing will be more research-based vs. the old study/memorize method.
On Monday, you will be required to write an in-class essay based on a topic of your choice that will be allowed to be researched on your own. On test day, you have the entire period to write a 1-2 page response using only notes that you take during Wednesday's discussions and quotes we discuss during Thursday's quote activity. You may write a practice essay at home, but it will not be allowed on your desk - only notes.
Why is this the next level?
Anyone can memorize words, but using them correctly in-context requires you to think beyond the definition and make the word part of your vernacular.
Multiple choice is a vital test taking skill - but completely developing your own responses based on your own text observations requires you to critically think beyond the text and fabricate your own arguments.
The research paper is not the most popular form of writing until the collegiate level. In the 21st century, doing your own research beyond a certain topic using a variety of texts and independently writing responses demonstrates more knowledge than a sometimes repetitive research paper. In the 21st Century, Less = More.
In the 2nd semester, you will be challenged, but I promise you that by the time you leave 10th grade Advanced, you will be fully ready for 11th grade and beyond.